This week The Good Childhood Inquiry reported that children in the UK are more unhappy than their European counterparts. The report concludes that this, and bad behaviour amongst UK children, stems from “excessive adult individualism”.
For as long as I can remember, the media has focused more on the problems with our youth than the positives. For example, yesterday’s Daily Express exaggerated headline stated: “35 Million Yob Crimes a Year”.
Being the father of three children, I know that young people learn by example. They have a lot to offer if they receive the right encouragement and guidance. We, as adults, can learn from young people as much as they can learn from us.
Recently, I had the privilege of chairing the United Kingdom Youth Parliament Debate at the British Museum. I was not sure what to expect when I arrived. There were over 200 young people aged 15-18 from all over the country.
It became immediately clear that they are passionate about issues, without the cynicism that some adults tend to develop about the world in which we live. The theme of the debate questioned whether experience was more important than youthful energy.
I was impressed by their enthusiasm and the standard of argument. They debated without name calling or other bad behaviour. This is something the adult House of Commons could learn from!
The audience was very welcoming towards me and this helped me to chair the debate. There was one contributor that made a significant impression.
She was a 17 year old girl, who only made one intervention. In a quiet voice she said that she was not an expert in politics (who is?!) but she felt that she had some experience of life. She paused and added that for the last few years she had been the main carer for her bed ridden mother.
Her contribution was short, but powerful. Her experience of being a carer will give her an insight into Life’s difficulties that many of us do not have. It will be interesting to see how that young woman’s career develops.
I left the event with hope for our future. There is presently disillusionment about politicians and public figures. But on the evidence of this event, our future lies in better hands.
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