Moray Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP)

The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) and Young Scot are working together to increase young people’s democratic engagement and better support young people in Scotland to access, understand and engage with political information.

I’m writing to you to let you know how you can support the young people you work with to have their views heard through this piece of work.

Background

Young people in Scotland can vote from the age of 16 in Scottish Parliament and local government elections, and the UK Government recently announced plans to extend this right to all UK elections too.

As digital media continues to influence how young people consume information, it is more important than ever to understand how they form political views and make decisions.

In response, SYP and Young Scot are working together to better understand how young people access news, information and political content. They are exploring what politics means to young people today, and how this shapes their understanding of key issues, influences their choices, and affects their participation in local and national democracy.

‘How You Stay Informed & What You Think About Politics’

As part of this work, they have jointly developed a national online survey to gather insights from 11 to 25-year-olds who live in Scotland. The survey explores where young people access information, how they engage with politics and what influences their thinking. The findings from this survey, along with wider engagement activity, will inform the design and delivery of future programmes and resources.

We are particularly keen to hear from young people with diverse backgrounds, including care-experienced young people, young carers, those from rural or island communities, and young people who do not feel represented in politics.

Why This Matters

Understanding how young people understand politics and access and engage with political information helps ensure they are equipped to take part in democracy confidently and meaningfully. With misinformation and disinformation on the rise, it is vital that support for political literacy keeps pace with how young people consume content online.

How You Can Help

If you work with young people, we would appreciate your support in sharing the survey. You can:

• Include the link in newsletters or emails
• Share it on your social media channels
• Promote it during sessions or classes

Contact

SYP and Young Scot welcome opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders across education, youth work, policy and media to deliver this important work. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this, please contact:

• Rosy Burgess, Scottish Youth Parliament – rosy.b@syp.org.uk
• Reid Aiton, Young Scot – reida@young.scot

Thank you for taking the time to consider this opportunity.

Our manifesto is the foundation of everything we do in policy at the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP). It’s a document written by young people, for young people. The process of creating it has allowed us to grow both professionally and personally, while shaping a vision that can lead to meaningful change for Scotland’s youth.

Our manifesto is more than just a document – it’s the roadmap we use to achieve real results. For instance, our All Aboard campaign originated from a policy outlined in SYP’s 2016 Manifesto, which later contributed to the introduction of the Under-22s Free Bus Travel Scheme. Another major win was the incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scottish law – a milestone achieved through our 'Right Here, Right Now' campaign.

The manifesto brings us together as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), fostering a sense of collective ownership in shaping the future of the young people we represent.

Earlier this year, MSYPs gathered data from young people across the country through a nationwide consultation. That data has now been carefully coded and grouped into five key themes:

• Accessible, Equitable and Inclusive Education
• Safe and Supportive Communities
• A Sustainable and Renewable Society
• A Fairer and Just Scotland
• Empowering Young People to Practise Their Rights

Together, these themes have shaped 31 policies that will be launched on the 6th of September. More in-depth pages on each policy – along with supporting materials for each theme – will also be published, so watch this space!

Now that we know what young people want Scotland to look like, it’s time to jump into action. We invite you to explore our 2026–2031 Manifesto and see how you can help turn these policies into real change for young people across Scotland.

If you’d like to get involved, please email Emily Beever, Head of Policy & Public Affairs, at emily.b@syp.org.uk.

Got an idea to make life better for young people in Moray?
Whether it’s improving mental health support 💙, boosting transport options 🚌, or creating more youth spaces 🎮 – we want to hear it!

📌 Post your ideas in our Have Your Say page, vote for the ones you like, and join the conversation.
Your Moray MSYPs will take the top ideas forward to the Scottish Youth Parliament, making sure decision-makers hear your voice loud and clear.

🔗 Click here to share your idea now!

💡 Tip: No idea is too big or too small – if it matters to you, it matters to us.

Hey everyone! 👋

This is your space to keep up with everything your Moray Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) are working on. 💬

Here, you’ll find:
✨ Updates on the issues we’re speaking up about
📅 Info on events, campaigns & opportunities to get involved
🗳️ Ways you can share your voice and help shape change in Moray (and across Scotland!)

Whether you’re a young person looking to get involved, or an adult who wants to see what your local MSYPs are up to, you’re in the right place. 🙌

💡 Tip: Check back often to see our latest posts – and don’t be shy about reaching out to us if something matters to you. Your voice really does make a difference. 💙