HUNDREDS of children across Jersey have helped change their schools, make the internet safer and even shape the future of Fort Regent.
More than 700 pupils from over 25 schools shared more than 6,300 ideas during the school year via the School Council Network, according to a new report.
Those ideas have helped the government make decisions in areas that affect children’s lives.
One of the biggest projects was helping redesign Fort Regent. Around 120 children from 16 primary schools joined workshops with architects and designers to imagine what the area could look like in the future.
They built models, designed outdoor spaces and suggested ideas for play areas, nature and places where families could spend time together.
Pupils from La Passerelle and Mont à l’Abbé also took part to make sure children with different needs were included.
The report said the ideas shared by students are now helping shape the plans for one of Jersey’s biggest community spaces.
Young people also helped create DigiSafe Jersey, a website that gives advice about staying safe online.
Students chose the website’s name and shared their experiences of using the internet, including what they enjoy and what worries them. They talked about social media, gaming, cyber-bullying, scams and spending too much time online.
They also suggested ways to make it easier for children to report problems and find help when they need it.
The report said their ideas helped make sure the website is based on the real experiences of young people.
School was another important topic. More than 400 ideas were collected about how education could be improved.
Many pupils said they wanted adults to listen more to young people’s opinions, make lessons more practical and enjoyable, and create schools where everyone feels welcome and included.
They also highlighted the importance of good mental-health support and making sure every child has the same opportunities to succeed.
Throughout the year, around 170 school council representatives met six times with ministers and government staff. They were able to ask questions directly about issues including education, online safety, healthy food, play and the cost of living.
Instead of adults making all the decisions on their own, children had the chance to explain what matters most to them.
The report said that the School Council Network has become “a powerful way for children and young people to share their views and help shape decisions across Jersey”, adding that it is making sure that “the voices of children remain central to Jersey’s future”.
