Some of North Tyneside’s youngest and brightest had the chance to quiz a panel of experts as part of European Democracy Week.
Over 60 students from North Tyneside’s middle and high schools posed questions to a panel of politicians and experts, as part of a ‘Young Person’s Question Time’ session hosted by North Tyneside Council.
The well-attended event, held on October 18, was chaired by BBC Look North’s Adrian Pitches, and formed part of North Tyneside Council’s work to mark this year’s European Local Democracy Week (15 October – 19 October).
Following a similar format to the BBC’s Question Time show, panellists included, representatives from the fields of health, policing, business and the voluntary sector.
Pupils aged between 10 and 17 asked their own questions on the day, covering a broad range of subjects including UK democracy, modern technology, period poverty and mental health
Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn, who was also on the panel, said: “The Young Person’s Question Time is always a fantastic event and this year was no exception.
“I was so impressed by the knowledge on display from all of the young people attending. They started a lot of fantastic discussions and I feel very proud to see the genuine interest they have in the topics.
“I’d like to thank all of the students who came along and for their fantastic questions, as well as the other panel members for making it such a lively debate.”
Host Adrian Pitches added: “It has been another stimulating morning with the young people from North Tyneside.
“There were some very probing questions for the panel about issues that affect young people and indeed affect us all.”
Karen Goldfinch, Owner Made to Treasure and Vice Chair North Tyneside Business Forum and Chair Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade said: “It is so encouraging to see such fantastic young people and hear all their questions, their thoughts and their aspirations for the future. I was really pleased to be asked to be part of the panel.”
One of the young people taking part on the day was Megan, a Year 12 student from Monkseaton High School, who said: “I really enjoyed attending young person’s question time with my school. It was good to hear the opinions of people who make decisions in our area ”
The Young Person’s Question Time is part of a variety of events being held in North Tyneside to mark European Local Democracy Week. Other events included school councils from primary schools coming together to look at the council’s local democracy theme and North Tyneside Youth Council held its annual debate, which is now in its fifth year, as they debated topics such as reducing single use plastics, first aid training for young people and improving work experience opportunities
ENDS