| What rights do young people have? |
In 1991 Britain signed up to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It gives young people the right to (among other things) education, good health, the right to be free of all forms of violence, and - most importantly - the right to express their views and have them taken into account on all matters that affect them. All British laws, policies and practices should abide by this convention. So now you know! | Are there any organisations to help us? |
The UK has a Youth Parliament which has three Gloucestershire youth MPs, a British Youth Council and a National Youth Agency that campaign for children's interests, and even a government department and minister with special responsibility for children and young people. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have Children's Rights Commissioners and there is a campaign to get the government to appoint one for England to speak up for the human rights of young people. London also has its own children's commissioner. See the cool links page for more information. | What can I do in my area? |
Does your school have a school council? It is one way that pupils can have a say in the running of their school. Want a hot drinks vending machine in the canteen? Or improvements in the cloakrooms or better changing facilities? The school council is the place pupils can air their views and have direct influence on decisions affecting school life. If your school does not have a school council you can find out more about setting one up at www.schoolcouncils.org This organisation offers advice on how you can set up your own school council, how to develop your citizenship skills and what benefits it will create for you and your school. Many counties including Gloucestershire have local youth councils and forums which are consulted by local authority decision-makers about issues directly affecting the lives of young people - for example future planning, rural transport and leisure facilities like skateparks and sports centres. | Where can I find out more? |
Check out our cool links page. In Gloucestershire you can find out how to become a youth MP or join youth councils and forums in different parts of the county from Lyn Oatey, youth participation worker. Telephone 01242 587279 or e-mail lyn.oatey@virgin.net Have you got things done or changed in your community by kicking up a fuss? Tell us your story - email gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk
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