Young People Are Speaking. How is Europe Listening?

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Ireland brings together children, young people and policy makers from across Europe to strengthen their participation in decision-making

When decisions are made about young people’s lives, are they being heard?

That question is bringing together more than 250 delegates from 24 EU Member States, including 80 children and young people, in Dublin this week for a major EU Presidency conference on children and young people’s participation in decision-making.

The High-Level Conference, Listening to Children and Young People – Challenges in Challenging Settings is the first of its kind dedicated to children’s participation in decision-making to be held during an EU Presidency.

The conference, which will be opened by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, will explore how participation can be strengthened in complex, sensitive and challenging situations.

One of the key discussion topics will be on how young people can be supported to be safe in the digital world, how the digital environment could be used to include young people’s voices in decision making, and what approach do they think should be considered when age limits for access to social media platforms are being discussed.

Delegates will give their opinions on a variety of topics, including the proposals for age limits to be put in place for young people to access social media platforms.

The conference will feature a keynote address from European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, on the importance of children’s participation rights and the European Union’s role in promoting and protecting those rights.

Minister Foley said:

“Children and young people have a right to be heard, particularly when decisions are being made that affect their lives.

That is why I am pleased that this conference will provide a real opportunity for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU to hear directly from young people about their views of the digital world, including potential age limits for accessing social media platforms.

The strongest policies for children are developed with children, not simply for children. Participation isn’t just the right thing to do; it is a human right all children have. And we know that children’s participation leads to better decisions and better outcomes for all.

As Europe thinks about the future, including how we create a safer digital environment, young people must have a seat at the table. Their voices, experiences and ideas are essential.”

Commissioner Michael McGrath said:

“Young people bring fresh ideas, curiosity and new perspectives to politics. They challenge what many of us take for granted, encourage us to see familiar issues differently, and offer valuable insights into the decisions that shape our societies. Our policies are stronger and more effective when they are informed by the experiences and ideas of young people.

That is why today’s conference is so important. It highlights the need to meaningfully involve children and young people at every stage of the decision-making process – not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of designing policies that are inclusive, effective and fit for the future.”

The high level conference brings together children and young people, senior policymakers, practitioners and experts from across Europe. Eighty young people from across Europe are being supported to take part throughout the two-day event, ensuring their experiences, perspectives and priorities help shape the discussion and inform future approaches across Europe.

The conference will also hear from leading European policymakers and experts, including Sarah El Haïry, High Commissioner for Childhood, Youth and Families; Rosalba Striani, Head of Unit (Acting), Fundamental Rights Policy and Free Movement at the European Commission; and Professor Laura Lundy, a leading international expert on children’s participation.

The recommendations of participating children and young people will be captured in a report that will help shape decision-making at both Irish and European level, including the development of EU Council Conclusions on Strengthening Children’s Participation in Decisions that Impact Their Lives.

ENDS