The government has announced that 16-year-olds will soon have the right to vote in all UK elections.

The change is expected to be in place by the time of the next general election, which will be held no later than August 2029.

“Sixteen and 17-year-olds can work, pay tax, serve in the military, and contribute in so many ways to our society,” the government said. “It is right and fair that they should be able to vote.”

The government says it will “help the education sector to support” the changes, by having more lessons on democracy and citizenship (the rights and responsibilities that we all have as part of society).

Many of the organisations that support votes at 16 say it’s essential that we have more media and information literacy (MIL) teaching in schools. This would allow young voters to know what information they can trust, and to make a properly informed decision about who to vote for.

Liz Moorse, the CEO of the Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT), told us: “Giving 16-year-olds the vote is an exciting change, but young people need the right knowledge and skills to take part. That means learning how voting works, thinking about different views, spotting false and misleading news and information, and knowing their rights.

“Citizenship lessons help with all this, and that’s why they should be compulsory in every school. Starting in primary gives pupils time to grow into confident, informed citizens who know how to make their voices heard.”