From Brexit, to Scottish Independence, to numerous general elections, it has been all-go for those with a keen interest in politics.
East Kilbride Member of Youth Scottish Parliament Chloe Carmichael feels that young people are now engaging with the political world on a greater scale.
The 17-year-old from the Village represents 14 to 25-year-old young adults in the town as she took an active interest in the 2014 Independence referendum.
The ex-St Andrew’s and St Bride’s pupil reckons that the biggest issue impacting on youngsters in the town is fears over Brexit – as the debacle rumbles on at Westminster.
She has had numerous teenagers contact her with concerns about the impact on employment and their future.
“I’ve been doing things with the youth councils for about four years before I decided to stand in the local election,” she told the East Kilbride News.
“I wanted to become a national voice and not just like a local voice.
“It’s been a very interesting time in politics, especially for young people.
“Young people have a lot of new and different ideas that have been able to come through the parliament.”
Chloe continued: “The biggest issue for young people in the local community has been Brexit.
“People don’t really know what is happening, and what will happen to us as young people.
“Is there going to be an impact on jobs? Will there be less jobs in the future? We just don’t know.”
Chloe has been an active campaigner for tacking period poverty, and helping those who struggle to pay for feminine hygiene products will be able to get them free of charge, and has highlighted the issue in East Kilbride and for all schools in South Lanarkshire.
She also states that there are several concerns about climate changes and the impact this will have on future generations.
Locally, she believes that bullying is an issue that must be tackled .
Last week the News launched a new awareness campaign to stamp-out bullying in the community – and the MYSP it has been a tough issue for the town to tackle: “One thing that is really big just now is the anti-bullying campaign.
“Schools like St Andrew’s and St Bride’s have a really big anti-bullying campaign that has been going on for a while now.
“Between school ages it’s a big issue, and I’ve worked with a lot of parents who have come to me and said they need help.
“It’s so important that these issues are raised and they aren’t just put in a corner.
“We need to deal with it now.”
Ms Carmichael also delivered a rallying call for teenagers and other youngsters to get involved in projects, rather than spending time stuck on the internet.
“There is a lot of opportunities in East Kilbride that people miss out on,” said the teenager.
“There is a lot of clubs and events at the likes of Universal Connections that people are missing out on because they are staying at home and find themselves stuck on social media.
“You can be a active and get out there in the community.”
