NSPCC starts search for 12 – 15-year-olds to join the charity’s Voice of Online Youth Group
· Participants will meet key decision makers, help influence policies, laws and regulations, help tackle online safety issues and learn new life skills
· Young people can apply via the link: The Voice of Online Youth | NSPCC
Do you know of, or are you a young person who is passionate about making the online world safe for children and young people?
The NSPCC is currently recruiting up to 20 young people aged 12 – 15 from across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to join their campaigning group – ‘The Voice of Online Youth’.
This is an incredible opportunity for young people from all backgrounds, who have an interest in the digital world to be at the heart of the charity’s online safety campaign and work to make the internet safer for children across the country.
Having young people’s voices and experiences heard and recognised is one of the main driving forces behind the NSPCC achieving its goal that every child is safe online, can enjoy age-appropriate online experiences and tech companies are held accountable for making their platforms safe for children.
Children’s opinions and experiences of the online world should be invaluable to decision makers as they know first-hand the risks young people are facing.
Members of the Voice of Online Youth will enable the charity to amplify children’s voices and experiences and help keep others safe online.
They will meet with key decision-makers, help influence policies, laws and regulation, share their experiences and opinions, and help tackle online safety issues.
No previous experience is required – just a passion for making the online world safer for children and young people.
Membership will run for 18 months, and successful applicants will need to attend online sessions and workshops every other month – with some in-person meetings.
The NSPCC will cover the cost of travel, accommodation and reasonable expenses for regional and national meetings.
It’s a great opportunity for a young person to learn a range of valuable skills, make a difference and have lots of fun. Participants will:
· Meet decision makers, attend events and take part in workshops to explore all aspects of online safety.
· Advise the charity, politicians, regulators as well as parents and professionals about the best way to protect children online.
· Get training in campaigning, public speaking and teamwork – all valuable skills for education and life.
· Have the chance to travel around the UK, meet other young people and take part in residential events.
Last year, members spoke at the world’s first Children’s AI Summit in London; attended the Global AI Summit in Paris and met with Peter Kyle, who was at that time Secretary of State for Science Innovation and Technology.
Earlier this year, three members of the group also met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London and spoke to him about their views on children’s access to social media as the debate around social media bans continues.
Child Safety Online Senior Project Officer, Adam Diment, who runs The Voice of Online Youth said: “Children and young people can teach adults so much about the online world.
“The more we listen to their experiences, champion their voices, and include them in the national conversation, the safer we can make the online world for young people and for everyone.
“Through my work with The Voice of Online Youth, I have watched young people grow in confidence and develop skills that will last them a lifetime.
“That’s why the NSPCC set up the Voice of Online Youth – and we want you to encourage more children and young people to be part of it.”
More information and details of how to apply can be found at:
The Voice of Online Youth | NSPCC or by searching ‘Voice of Online Youth’ online. Applications close on 22nd May.
