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Scone High School students to advise on State youth issues
21 Mar 2012
The NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People, Megan Mitchell, will visit students from Scone High School who will provide advice about young people’s views on issues that affect their lives.
“One of the Commission’s main roles is to listen to children and young people and to promote their interests and their participation where decisions are made that affect them,” Ms Mitchell said.
Children and young people aged 0-17 years make up 24.4% of the Upper Hunter Shire’s population. As one of six schools chosen to participate in the Commission’s newly formed Young People Advisory Group, Scone High School students have the opportunity to have a say about what’s really important to young people in their Shire and to contribute to the work of the Commission.
Scone High School student and member of the Young People Advisory Group, Christopher Hodge said that one of the biggest issues affecting children and young people in his area is that “youth aren’t connecting enough with adults and (aren’t) giving enough input into what affects them and their lives”.
“I also think that bullying is a huge issue. If I had a magic wand, I’d create a world where everyone was willing to contribute and help others in a way that makes everyone equal,” Christopher said.
The 12 Advisory Group members, including two students from Scone High School, will participate in five weekend meetings and spend time throughout the 2012 year obtaining the views of other children and young people.
The Commissioner will use the young members’ advice to inform the recommendations she makes when advocating for children and young people in NSW.
The Advisory Group members will also develop their leadership skills, increase their knowledge of research, policy and the workings of government, and have the opportunity to influence NSW government policy.
The NSW Commission for Children and Young People is an independent statutory organisation that works to make NSW a better place for children and young people.
Young people across NSW can keep up to date on the latest news about issues affecting their lives by visiting the Commission’s website at www.kids.nsw.gov.au.
Another useful resource is A picture of NSW children, an online databook that brings together important information about the lives of the 1.6 million children in NSW from a range of major data sources. See www.picture.kids.nsw.gov.au.
Media contact:
NSW Commission for Children and Young People - 0413 291 925, kidsmedia@kids.nsw.gov.au
