Youth leaders are calling on Boris Johnson to hold a Covid press conference specifically for young people.
The call is being backed by more than 80 charity chiefs, headteachers and organisations such as the Scouts and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
In a letter to the Prime Minister they call for a “dedicated press conference” for under 18s to ask their questions about the coronavirus.
“Without urgent action, we risk the coronavirus pandemic leading to a lost generation of children and young people. Now more than ever, their voices must be heard,” the letter says.
It continues: “The crisis has the potential to exacerbate existing inequalities and create new ones. The future is uncertain - with schools and colleges closed, exams cancelled and employment prospects diminished.
“We must recognise and respect their contribution. From Norway, to New Zealand, to Scotland, other countries are already leading the way forward in engaging with young people directly on these issues and more. The UK Government should do the same.”
The letter has been organised by the #iwill campaign for young people. Other organisations backing the call include the CBI, Unicef and Girlguiding.
Downing Street has introduced questions from the public at the daily coronavirus press conferences but so far they have all been from adults.
“The Government has enabled over-18s in the general public to submit questions to the daily UK Coronavirus press briefing, but now it should allow young people to have their questions answered too.
“That is why we are calling on the Prime Minister to hold a dedicated press conference for young people to answer their questions about Covid-19 - what it means for them now and in the months to come, and to allow under-18s to submit questions to the daily press conference,” the letter says.
Dr Rania Marandos, CEO of Step Up To Serve, which coordinates the #iwill campaign, said; “Young people have so much to bring to the table as engaged citizens. By working closely with them, we benefit daily from their perspectives, insights and passion. The UK Government has much to gain from listening to young people’s voices during this crisis.
“It has been inspiring to come together with so many leading organisations and young people, from all corners of the UK, to sign this open letter. In these challenging times, it is essential that we continue to collaborate with young people and with each other.”
Sacha Deshmukh, Executive Director at Unicef UK, added: “The coronavirus pandemic is having a widespread impact on children, yet too often they are proving to be forgotten and their voices unheard in this crisis.
“We know children are worrying about their friends, families and futures and they have a right to be heard in decisions that affect their lives. By addressing the nation’s children directly, and taking the time to answer their questions and listen to their concerns, the government will provide much-needed reassurance.
“It’s vital that the government demonstrate that they are putting children’s best interests at the heart of decision making, both during the immediate response to the crisis and in building a better future for young people in post-pandemic Britain.”
