Participation Works

The National Participation Forum (NPF) launches the latest research on `Children’s Participation in Decision-Making’. A poll of over 1,000 young people and a summary of research evidence shows that despite progress, children and young people still do not feel they are being listened to by public services on matters that affect their lives.

Although children and young people are one of the largest user groups of public services, the research shows that national surveys about healthcare, quality of local service provision and civic activity often fail to ask them about their experiences.

Children also feel that they have relatively little influence on decisions made in the area where they live. There has been little change in the low levels of involvement for children under eight and children aged 7 to 11 were most likely to state that adults never listened to them.

Very few children thought their views were taken seriously by MPs. Just 13% believe that the government takes their views seriously ‘always’ or ‘most of the time’. Young people’s perception of their influence on decisions made by government also falls as they grow older with 26% of 7 to 9 year olds believing they have ‘little’ or ‘no’ influence, rising to 65% for 16 and 17 year olds.
Barbara Hearn, Deputy Chief Executive at NCB comments, “20% of the UK population is made up of children and young people under the age of 18 but as they are not allowed to vote, there is no formal way for them to exercise their right to have their views and opinions heard.”

Barbara continues, “This latest research provides a real insight into the levels and ways in which children are currently involved in decision-making. Great strides have been made in recent years to ensure children and young people have a voice on issues that affect their lives but there is still much to do as this research shows. In 1991, the UK Government ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), guaranteeing all children and young people the right to express their views freely in all matters that affect them. We want children and young people to feel they can freely express themselves but also that this expression can have an influence on decisions that affect their lives and can bring about change.”

The research summary, supported by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, also indicates that society as a whole gains considerably from children’s involvement in decision-making. The feedback from the focus group interviews suggested that being a member of an active school council or youth forum means that some children are ideally placed to develop their confidence and public speaking skills.

Maggie Atkinson, Children’s Commissioner said “It is crucial to involve children and young people in decisions that affect their lives as this leads to successful and efficient services. If young people feel they have a stake in organisations or services this develops their ownership and use of those services. This in turn enhances their role and stake in wider society. This report highlights the progress made in participation over the last five years and it is clear that adults believe involving children in decisions brings strong rewards.

However despite some progress, barriers remain. All sectors of society need to promote greater participation of children and young people, no matter their age or background. This means every organisation working with children or, just as importantly, making decisions about their lives should look at how they can involve children to create services whose users champion them.”

You can download Children’s Participation in Decision-Making and the series of reports and An Equal Place at the Table for Children and Young People from the Participation Works Gateway.

Fri, 16/07/2010 - 17:23