Information for parents/guardians

Learning about democracy helps children to appreciate the importance of their role in the community, to respect differing opinions, and to understand decision-making processes. Youth participation programmes lead to stronger democracies and deeper political understanding.

All of this will help to build the knowledge young people need to feel confident and informed in the future when they become voters. As a parent / guardian, you play a crucial role in your child's education about democracy and civic engagement.
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Here are a few ways of how you can support them in learning about the States Assembly and appreciate the importance of democracy:

Make family decisions, such as choosing a movie or weekend activity, by voting! This is a fun way to introduce the principles behind voting to reach decisions.
Encourage discussions about local issues that matter to your family and your community. Help your children to understand how democratic decision-making impacts daily life in Jersey.

Click here to read the latest news from the States Assembly or find out what's being debated and discuss any topics of interest with your children to grow their confidence to share their opinions on Island matters.
Brought to you by the States Greffe, the States Assembly Podcast is a way to access information and insights on how Jersey's political system works and how to make it work for you.

Listen below or find us on your favourite Podcast app.
Voting in Jersey elections, taking your children to hustings and polling stations, showing them manifesto booklets and videos are all great ways of roll modelling civic engagement and helping your understanding of the importance of these activities.
Introduce books, movies and TV shows that promote democracy and showcase characters involved in fair decision making. Here are a few suggestions for children's books exploring the theme of democracy:

Key Stage 1
The Election - Eleanor Levenson and Marek Jagucki
One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote - Bonnie Worth
How To Change The World - Rashmi Sirdeshpande
An ABC of Democracy - Nancy Shapiro
Little People Big Dreams Emeline Pankhurt - Lisbeth Kaiser

Key Stage 2
The Many Hands Club - Penny Byrne
The Accidental Prime Minister - Tom McLaughlin
If I Ran the Country - Rich Knight
Opal Plumstead - Jacqueline Wilson

Key Stages 3 - 5
Suffragete (movie PG-13)
All children in Jersey visit the States Chamber during year 5 in primary school but visiting as a family, either before or after that visit, can help to reinforce the learning.

From March - October each year, public tours of the States Chamber are available to book, typically on the last Saturday of the month. Tickets can be booked via the States Assembly Eventbrite page.

Outside of those times, our virtual tour is a great way to see inside the States Chamber.
Mark important democracy-related dates in Jersey’s calendar, such as Liberation Day, the Corn Riots or Democracy Week, emphasising the Island’s enduring commitment to freedom and democracy.
Support your children in getting involved in community projects, school councils or youth initiatives such as the Jersey Youth Parliament. Developing a sense of responsibility towards Jersey can really help to foster civic engagement.

Read more about the Jersey Youth Parliament.
Learn about how Jersey’s democracy came to be by visiting places such as the Jersey Museum or taking a tour of the States Chamber. These experiences can bring concepts and ideas around political engagement to life, for young people and their families alike.

Reading about the History of the States Assembly is a great starting point. You can also read An essential guide to Jersey's elected parliament.

Take a virtual tour of the States Chamber

Help the children and young people in your life to develop their citizenship

By championing young people in strengthening their political awareness, you will increase their confidence in navigating Island life and making their voices heard on topics that matter to them.

The Story Beast's guide to voting in Jersey

Let the Story Beast playfully talk you through a series of serious questions, including:

Who can vote?

What you're voting for; and

Why your vote matters!