Who says teens don't do politics?

So here we go again. This time it's voting intentions. But the message is still the same. Young people must do better.

The report claims to be an essential source of information for all those with an interest in democracy. I'm sure it makes a very useful contribution to our understanding of the public's view of the political process. But when it comes to young people's engagement, it only tells half the story.

While it makes the point that young people do not appear to regard voting as a civic duty to the same degree that older people do, it fails to acknowledge the revolution that is taking place across the country when it comes to engaging young people in politics.

I don't have to look very far to see it. Here in Southend, we've just held our annual youth mayor election. This year 32 per cent of teenagers took the time to cast a vote. Our best result ever.

Things were even better in Lewisham, where nearly half of all young people voted. Over in Tower Hamlets, 46 per cent of young people voted for the borough's next youth mayor, an improvement on the 40 per cent who took part last year.

In Newham, there was a 43 per cent turnout. And in North Tyneside no less than 52 young people put themselves forward to be the borough's first youth mayor. Congratulations to 15-year-old Olamide John Akinropo, who was elected as the borough's youth mayor. And hats off to all the young people who took part. Turnout in North Tyneside was an impressive 59 per cent.

Youth councils are also thriving. Last year, more than 30,000 votes were cast at 150 polling stations across Kent to elect the 48 young people who make up the Kent Youth Council.

Compare all this with some of the voter turnouts in local elections. It's not unusual for turnout in some wards to be about a quarter of all those eligible to vote. And with just a month to go until the European Parliament elections, it's possible that turnout will be even lower than the 38 per cent who voted in 2004.

It's just too easy to keep saying that young people are disillusioned and disengaged. Take a closer look and you'll find youth democracy initiatives that are full of life and opportunity.

Voting for a youth council representative or a youth mayor won't necessarily lead to young adults voting in local, national or international elections. But it must be a good place to start.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and children's minister Beverley Hughes seem to think so. Last month they announced additional funding to encourage the election of many more young mayors. And that certainly gets my vote.

- Michael Bracey is a local authority youth support services manager. Email michael.bracey@haymarket.com.