Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell is calling on local schools to join in the independence debate.
His call comes as the all-party Better Together group have put together a non partisan pack to help teachers, and encourage pupils to get involved.
Mr Mundell said: “It is really important that young people get the chance to take part, and schools in the region should be at the heart of the debate.
“I have been visiting schools across my constituency and young people seem really engaged in the issue. No matter what your views are on Scottish independence, it is important to make sure the next generation of voters feel involved. They, especially, will have to live with the results of next year’s referendum so it is only right that they become involved in this vital debate.”
His comments come as the pro-Union Better Together campaign said it would be sending a teacher-resource pack, including lesson plans, research materials and a mock debate kit, to every school in the country.
National guidance detailing how teachers should approach the subject of the referendum during lessons is expected to be published by Education Scotland later this summer.
The moves come after it was agreed that, for the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds would be eligible to vote in next year’s referendum under a deal brokered between the SNP government and the UK coalition.