76% of children and young people feel that adults don't take their opinions seriously

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Less than a quarter of under 25s in Wales feel that their opinions are taken seriously. This information was revealed as part of an ongoing survey conducted by Meic. Meic is the national information, advice and advocacy helpline for children and young people in Wales.

The survey also suggests that children and young people are not provided with information to challenge people who don't respect their rights or views. This is a right set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Today Meic is announcing its new campaign to promote rights awareness among children and young people in Wales.

The campaign launches on 6 July 2017 and will see the release of a new interactive video-game style film. It will empower children and young people to access accurate information about their rights. It will also boost their confidence to exercise them day-to-day.

The Wales Observatory on Human Rights of Children and Young People provided legal advice and support for the video. It said:

“The Observatory's research indicates that most children and young people do not know about laws that are relevant to their everyday lives and experiences and that there is a huge gap in accessible, accurate legal information for them. We are delighted to be able to help Meic start to fill this gap, combining their creative talent with our legal and human rights expertise."

Steph Hoffman, Head of Meic said:

“This survey shows that most children and young people in Wales aren’t being listened to. We all need to do more to protect and amplify their voices and address their worries. It is imperative that they are provided with the right tools to recognise their right to be heard and taken seriously. This video will equip children and young people with the information about their rights. This will, in turn, empower them to stop, change or improve their situation.”

Follow the video campaign from 6 July 2017 on Meic’s Facebook (@meic.cymru), Twitter (@meiccymru) and Instagram (@meic.cymru).

Children and young people in Wales up to the age of 25 can contact Meic 8am to midnight, 365 days of the year by instant message, text, call or email.

——————————————————

ENDS

——————————————————

Notes for Editors:

[1] Meic staff available for interview, upon request.

[2] Meic is the bilingual information, advice and advocacy helpline for children and young people aged 0-25 in Wales, open 365 days a year. Young people can contact Meic by phone (080880 23456), text (84001), instant message (www.meic.cymru) or email (help@meic.cymru) between 8am and midnight.

[3] Meic is run by ProMo-Cymru and is funded by the Welsh Government. For further information, contact Stephanie Hoffman (Head of Meic) at steph@meic.cymru or on 029 2000 4787.