6 March 2018
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Government Ministers met representatives from the Scottish Youth Parliament and Children’s Parliament today during the second annual Cabinet meeting with children and young people.
On Tues Members of Children's Parlt will have their 2nd meeting with #ScottishCabinet. Last year they discussed their experiences of school, teachers and bullying. This year the focus is relationships in their lives. Watch this short film to find out more. https://t.co/LsFWvd5VsP
— Children's Parliament (@Creative_Voices) March 5, 2018
MSYPs are on their way to meet w/ @ScotGovFM & @scotgov this morning at the second ever Children & Young PPl's Cabinet Meeting! A brilliant opportunity to share the views of Scotland's young ppl on issues like #Brexit, #PeriodPoverty & young people's rights! #SYPrights #YOYP2018 pic.twitter.com/bHmrJnab69
— SYP (@OfficialSYP) March 6, 2018
The meeting of the #ScottishCabinet and MCPs and MSYPs begins! pic.twitter.com/wAn3QOzSm0
— Children's Parliament (@Creative_Voices) March 6, 2018
During the meeting, children and young people had the chance to discuss some of the key issues impacting on their lives at home, at school and in the community, and share their views with Ministers, in the hope to be able to inform the government’s agenda over the coming year.
In addition, Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament discussed their annual campaign on young people’s rights Right Here, Right Now.
Among others, some of the topics discussed during Cabinet were:
- Human Rights
- Relationships
- Equality
- Period poverty
and other key rights issues for young people.
"School is the last place children should feel scared. It should be a place of support and care." @JohnSwinney replying to issues MCPs raised about education and teaching.
— Children's Parliament (@Creative_Voices) March 6, 2018
"Some of the things you recommended are just common sense things that could make big changes. The language we use, not wearing badges – it's common sense." @ShonaRobison responding to issues raised by MCPs.
— Children's Parliament (@Creative_Voices) March 6, 2018
At the end of the meeting, all participants were invited to collectively agree actions for the year ahead in relation to children and young people, their rights and wellbeing. In the next few weeks, a response will be published, setting out actions for the Scottish Government to take forward over the coming year.
Areas to be addressed by #ScottishCabinet in the year ahead:
1. Listen to children & young people
2. Children and young people's rights & incorporation of the UNCRC
3. Making sure we're getting it right for every child
4. Issues affecting CYP wellbeing@OfficialSYP @ScotGovFM— Children's Parliament (@Creative_Voices) March 6, 2018
Commenting on the meeting, the First Minister said:
“Today’s Cabinet meeting is a great opportunity to further engage with our children and young people at a national level, ensuring they can have their say and be at the heart of decisions which affect them.
“We want Scotland to be the best place for children to grow up. The Children’s Parliament and the Scottish Youth Parliament do great work in helping our children and young people to confidently express their views and have a real influence on the issues that matter most to them.”
That's the annual Children and Young People's Cabinet meeting over! Well done to all the young people who spoke! #YOYP2018 @OfficialSYP @Creative_Voices pic.twitter.com/yjiqFsEg23
— Year of Young People (@YOYP2018) March 6, 2018
We are so proud of our MCPs from Fife and East Lothian for sharing their views and ideas with the @ScotGovFM and the #ScottishCabinet – you are an inspiration! pic.twitter.com/px9ydCqfpM
— Children's Parliament (@Creative_Voices) March 6, 2018