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Young people given say on issues important to them

BBC Lexi smiles at the camera. Behind her students are sitting and talking to each other in a school hall. Lexi is wearing a black blazer with lots of badges pinned on it and on her red tie. Her hair is dyed different colours and is brushed to one side.BBC
Lexi from Le Rocquier school gave a speech at the Student Council Network

"It's really important for them to hear us."

That is how one Jersey student summed up an event that gave young people a chance to raise their concerns to the island's politicians and policymakers.

Pupils from 21 primary schools and eight secondary schools met at the School Highlands College on Wednesday as part of the School Council Network.

The network was set up on the recommendation of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry so pupils could come to together to discuss improvements they would like to see in Jersey.

Lexi stands on a stage with a sheet of paper in one hand and a microphone in the other. Behind her are four black chairs and there's a white projection screen on the wall.
Lexi wanted to raise awareness about mental health support issues in the island

The pupils spoke about access to healthy food at school, the provision of more accessible fun activities and there were also questions about vaping and public transport for young people.

Lexi, 14, from Le Rocquier school, said she wanted there to be more attention on mental health issues.

"It's really important for people my age to get involved in things like this because we do have a voice and we deserve to be heard," she said.

"Previously politicians haven't heard us.

"I want to focus on social and mental health in Jersey because that affects loads of people and I believe it's one of the most important issues as there has been a huge backlog in mental health services because of Covid."

Alex smiles at the camera. He is wearing a black blazer with the school logo on his chest and a dark blue tie with red diagonal stripes alongside the school logo. He has a white shirt and black frame glasses.
Alex from De La Salle College said access to affordable healthy food was an important issue

Alex, 13, from De La Salle College, said the network "helps us share ideas so we can share ideas to improve each other's schools".

He said the main problems facing youngsters were "more affordable healthy food and vaping".

"Even the government is doing a good job – there's more to be done," he said.

"For example, when children see vaping they think it's cool to do it, when it's really not, so we need to help them know it's not OK for them."

Rob looks at the camera as he stands outside Highlands College. He is wearing a long smart black coat. He has a dotted shirt on with a patterned tie. Rob has short grey hair.
Education Minister Deputy Rob Ward took questions from the students

Education Minister Deputy Rob Ward took questions from students and said he was pleased with the interactions.

"I think it just shows the value of genuine engagement with young people," he said.

"Their questions to us were valuable, well thought through and extremely intelligent.

"We now want to open a dialogue about post-16 education and one of the first things I want to do set up focus groups in schools to talk to people who might move into that education provision and see what they want from it."

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