Why are children and young people only discussed among adults?
This week, Finland’s most active forum for public debate, SuomiAreena, is taking place in Pori. With hundreds of discussions covering a wide range of topics, one of the most pressing issues is the well-being of children and youth and their place in society. Discussions about children and youth are featured across dozens of panels at the event. However, the number of young participants involved this summer could be counted on one hand—despite the fact that SuomiAreena could serve as an ideal platform to amplify their voices in these discussions.
Inclusion of Children: A Right and a Societal Obligation
Promoting the participation of children and youth and eliminating barriers to that participation are central objectives of Finland’s national child strategy. The strategy emphasizes the importance of finding ways to incorporate the lived experiences of children in decision-making processes and ensuring children from diverse backgrounds have a voice. This goal applies not only to their daily lives and services but also to societal impact.
The inclusion of children is not only a social matter but also a legal one. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, along with other human rights agreements and the Finnish Constitution, underpins Finland’s child strategy and obliges actions to reinforce and support the participation of children. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which oversees the implementation of the Convention, has asserted that child participation requires structures, forms, and mechanisms to ensure that children’s voices are heard. The Committee emphasizes that hearing children should be the foundation for fostering dialogue between children and adults in developing policies and measures affecting essential aspects of children’s lives.
Easing Concerns for the Future Through Genuine Listening
Youth underrepresentation in political decision-making is a longstanding issue, even though policies and reforms will affect their lives most profoundly in the long term. Alarming findings from youth barometers reveal that satisfaction with life among youth has declined throughout the 2000s. Youth concerns for the future have steadily increased, with the latest youth barometer highlighting issues like climate change and rising global tensions as their primary worries. Addressing these concerns cannot be achieved through discussions solely among adults. Alleviating these anxieties requires actively listening to youth. Young people have opinions and insights—if adults make space for them.
The well-being of children and youth and their aspirations for the future are critical to the nation’s overall future. Why, then, do we not hear more from young people themselves about their worries, well-being, and hopes for the future? Children and youth bring perspectives and fresh ideas that would otherwise be overlooked in public discussions.
Integrating the voices of children and youth should be a core value in social debate and decision-making, ensuring they are integral members of society both as citizens of today and of the future. We have a duty to uphold this value.
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.