WITH the Senedd election coming up on May 7, The Beacon spoke to a group of pupils from Monmouth Comprehensive School (MCS) and Haberdashers’ Monmouth School to hear their views ahead of being able to vote for the first time.

At MCS, students had an understanding of the type of voting system used and how the Senedd is where important political decisions are made. One student said he has had discussions about the Senedd with his family.

Haberdashers’ Monmouth students added they knew it is based in Cardiff and was where devolved matters are discussed including Health and Education.

Anyone aged 16 and over can vote, ensuring there is diverse demographic across all ages who will have a say for who represents their constituencies. After speaking to the pupils, all saw it as an opportunity for their voices to be heard and most are looking to vote in the next election.

Hannah Roberts, 17, from MCS said: “I think it’s a good thing because it's our future that is being discussed.”

Other MCS student, James Townson, 17, said: “ I have registered already. I think we are quite lucky to be able to have a voice.”

This is similar for Noah Rosier, 16, who agreed about taking part in the election as voting will enable younger voices to have a say.

For some students they are still undecided who to vote for or might not be participating in this year's voting process.

“Next year I will be looking to use my vote as I get more educated on the topic,” said Oscar Funnell, 16, from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School.

Juniper Hall, 17, from Haberdashers’ Monmouth said: “I tried to assess who I could vote for and I can’t say there’s anyone who I am leaning to but I also think it’s a waste of a vote if I don’t use it at all, so I will probably have a last read up the day before.”

Others are more certain they will be voting, including Tomos Lewis, 16, from Haberdashers’ Monmouth.

“I definitely will be yes. I think it’s important. It enables political representation for youth.”

A 2025 research findings report conducted by Ofcom found social media is one of the main ways of accessing news and reported approximately three quarters of people aged 16-24 use this source of consuming news. We spoke to students about how they stay informed, most fluctuating between social media and online news publications.

“If I am being completely honest it is mostly from social media, but I am aware it is easy to be misled from stuff on social media,” said James from MCS.

Similarly, Oscar from Haberdashers’ Monmouth said: “I would say my main source of news is probably off social media such as Instagram and Tiktok but I do read up on the BBC and The Guardian for extra sources.”

Fellow pupil, Olly Beynon, 16, said: “In a world which is thriving towards social media, I probably still get my main source of information from news channels, although social media is unavoidable.”