A recent YouGov focus group involving a group of 16-17 year old Scottish teenagers revealed the key motivator and worry ahead of the referendum decision is tuition fees. Convincing this age group will be crucial in the months remaining.
University tuition fees are a central issue to this age group. First Minister Alex Salmond has previously said that the ‘’rocks would melt in the sun’’ before he’d contemplate introducing tuition fees. However, the legitimacy and practicality of this remains to be seen.
The fairness of the existing system is questioned by Meghan J, who says ‘I think the difference in tuition fees between Scotland and England is grossly unfair, to charge one student £9,000 a year while another student gets the exact same course for nothing! I also don't see how it can be maintained if we go independent.’
However, Ian S asserted the opposite view, believing the Scottish are right to charge those from elsewhere in the UK; ‘We have to pay to study at the best universities in England, why should they be able to take up places at some of the leading Scottish ones for free?’
Our focus group is in virtual unison in their desire to attend university in Scotland due to the free fees. Comments included ‘I wouldn’t be able to go to university if there were fees’ (Megan M) and ‘I will probably go to University in the future, and I have only considered Scottish ones due to fee tuition’ (Martyn C).
How then, would the SNP be viewed if they reneged on this policy? Lewis M believes that ‘if they go back on student fees promises, then they’ll never be elected by the young population again. If this cost goes, they will lose all credibility’.
The drop in traditional voting age to 16 years old has been a bone of contention for many that feel voters of that age may not be fully ready to appreciate the nuances of the arguments. Megan is wary of pre-ordained prejudices from parents being passed on; ‘Most young people I know are voting because of emotions or due to what their parents have told them’. Lisa added ‘Young people should be more informed, it needs to be simplified and explained how it will affect us’.
However, could the public be underestimating this age group’s engagement with the debates? Ian S believes there are ‘a lot of mature, independent young people and they will vote with facts in mind’. Meghan agrees that ‘young people will vote ‘with the security of their future in mind’.
Social media is crucial to this age group and serves as an important part of the debate, encouraging interaction among younger internet users. ‘More young people use social media than would ever open a newspaper. It is a vital channel for discussion’ (Rebekah M)
