Why are children and young people only discussed among adults?
This week sees the liveliest hub of Finnish social debate, the SuomiAreena in Pori. Hundreds of debates are taking place, and the topics are endless. One of the most topical and important issues that is on the agenda is the concern for the welfare of children and young people and their place in society. Children and young people will be discussed in dozens of panels. Unfortunately, the number of young people participating in this summer's line-up can only be counted on the fingers of one hand, even though SuomiAreena would be an excellent platform to bring the voice of children and young people into the social debate.
Child participation as a right and a social obligation
Promoting the inclusion of children and young people and removing barriers to it are key objectives of the Finnish Strategy for Children. The Children's Strategy states that, from the perspective of children and young people's inclusion, it would be crucial to consider how children's experiences can be used in decision-making and how children from different backgrounds and backgrounds can be given the opportunity to have a say. This objective relates not only to children's everyday lives, but also to the services provided to children and to social participation.
Child inclusion is not only a social issue, but also a legal one. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which underpins the national strategy for children, other human rights conventions and the Finnish Constitution all require action to strengthen and support children's inclusion. The Committee on the Rights of the Child, which monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, has stated that child participation requires various instances, forms and mechanisms through which the voice of children and young people can be heard. The Committee stresses that consultation with children should be the starting point for an intensive dialogue between children and adults in the development of policies and measures in all areas relevant to children's lives.
Fading worries about the future by listening genuinely
For young people, under-representation in political decision-making is a long-standing and well-established phenomenon, even though it is their lives that are most affected by far-reaching reforms. It is also alarming that, according to the Youth Barometer surveys, young people's satisfaction with their own lives has declined throughout the 2000s. Young people's concerns about the future are constantly on the rise, and the latest Youth Barometer shows that climate change and global tensions are the main concerns. These concerns cannot be addressed by adults talking to each other, but can be alleviated by listening to young people. Young people do have opinions, as long as adults give them space.
The well-being and future of children and young people are important for the future of the country and society as a whole. Why not listen more to children and young people themselves about their concerns, well-being and hopes for the future? From children and young people, we would gain perspectives and openings that are otherwise completely ignored in the debate.
The inclusion of children and young people should be a core value in the social debate and decision-making, so that they are an integral part of society, both now and in the future. We have a duty to do so.
Maria Rytkönen and Alvar Euro
The authors are analysts at Blic. Maria has focused on children's rights in her studies and has worked as a legal expert for a child protection organisation, among others. Alvar has a background in youth politics and is the youngest member of Turku City Council.