Young voices must be heard

YOUNG people turned out to vote in the latest election in numbers far higher than in previous years – 72% of 18 to 24-year-olds compared to around 40% in the previous four general elections.

They have contributed to shifting our political landscape and shown politicians they must have their voices heard.

Throughout the election campaign we heard very little about the needs of our children and young people. Our new government needs to do more to confront the new and emerging challenges they face.

Through our work with 270,000 of the most vulnerable children, young people, families and carers every year, Barnardo’s has a unique understanding of what it means to grow up in the UK today.

The inescapable commercialisation of childhood, the insidious influence of social media, the ever-present risk of exploitation and the pressures on our children’s mental health all demand urgent attention.

We need an ambitious vision for every child in the UK. The growing attention given to children’s mental health and well-being and online safety and the decision to make relationships and sex education mandatory in all English schools are important developments that have the potential to really improve the lives of children. But the new government needs to maintain this.

A significant step forward would be a cabinet-level Minister for Children and Families. Wales is already leading the way with the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children to ensure that children are at the centre of what they do.

Having such a role at the heart of government raises the volume of children’s voices in decision-making and sends a clear message about where the priorities of our society lie. Javed Khan Chief Executive, Barnardo’s