A big topic of discussion at the moment is with regards to people’s concern over the behaviour of young people. For example, there are growing concerns about juvenile delinquency, young people’s poor mental health and their academic performance. However, what is really being done to alleviate these problems? 

Arguably there is a noticeable trend where in primary school or when children are still quite young, there is a greater investment made into their wellbeing. For example, in primary schools or in the lower years of secondary schools, there is a variety of clubs and as these are often super curricular, these not only can help with academic performance, thus alleviating academic pressure, but also help teenagers to gain a sense of community and belonging with their peers. However, as they get older, there seems to be less of these clubs and they’re replaced with typically obligatory interventions which are only there to enhance grades and leave little room for genuine enjoyment or enthusiasm, an approach which can arguably contribute to even more stress as everything is oriented towards exam performance alone and ignores the importance of the process. 

The latter approach is, according to school council member Ioan Lewis Weedon, ‘forced and superficial’ because it fails to consider the importance of enthusiasm. He suggests that schools, especially for their older students, should introduce clubs and societies much like universities, which whilst helping students with their academic performance in areas such as their personal statements, should also allow students to have a more fluid and natural environment to pursue their interests where they have greater choice over what they explore or discuss, as well as meet with other like-minded people.  

Furthermore, in our local areas, there is little opportunity for participation in local events that would be catered for young people. For instance, there are many ‘Story and Rhymes’ or other types of play sessions widely available in many areas like Walthamstow or Leytonstone, but very few events that would engage teenagers or young people. This arguably quite negligent approach to young people is greatly damaging as it ignores the necessity of guidance, especially during what are rather tumultuous years of a transition period into adulthood. 

So, it is clear that more attention needs to be directed towards the development and support of young people; whilst in some ways they are quite restricted, in some regard they are also quite neglected. Young people need to be guided through various activities which can cultivate their different interests and aspirations, as well as providing them with a sense of community and comradery with their peers, both in schools and in the wider community.