The New National Youth Strategy: A Win, a Question, and a Big Idea
The launch of the UK government's National Youth Strategy is a win for young people. Giving them a voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives? That’s a massive step in the right direction—and we’re all for it.
But here’s the question: who’s actually going to be heard? All the data shows that in the UK, it’s usually the most confident or advantaged young people who get involved in this type of activity. And while that’s great, what about the rest?
While co-production and youth advisory boards sound great, they can sometimes miss the mark. The data—and our work with 600 schools and the Institute of Education—show it’s usually the most confident or advantaged young people who get involved. The UK is honestly great at engaging these students from more advantaged backgrounds in this type of work. Again; what about the others?
The strategy is an incredible opportunity to do things differently—to reach the kids who never put their hand up, who don’t see themselves as “leaders,” but who deserve to have their voices heard just as much.
That’s where our big idea comes in. What if we helped bring these discussions into classrooms across the country? We already work with 600 schools and 250,000 students, empowering young people to take part in fun, democratic, student-led discussions.
So, Lisa and Steph—amazing work on the strategy. Now, let’s make it even better.
Give us a shout if you want to get involved in new ways to engage young people in shaping the future. We know 250,000 students who are ready to speak up 😉.
Greg, Founder
Smart School Councils
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