Big Impact: Changing perceptions
Newcastle hosted the 2007 Seen and Heard Awards for North East England. Award winners discussed society’s perception of young people with a panel of special guests, including the Rt. Hon. Nick Brown, Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend, and Simon Roberson, the BT Regional Manager.
A key issue for the young people present was the lack of youth facilities in their local areas and communities. Nick Brown acknowledged this concern, and stressed the need for young people to actively campaign for the services they needed to ensure that money allocated by Government goes where it can make the biggest difference.
Also discussed was the controversial ‘Mosquito’ device, which emits a frequency typically audible to under 20s only and is often used to disperse crowds gathering in front of private property. The participants debated its effectiveness, with most considering that it arbitrarily targets all young people and that this would be viewed as unacceptable discrimination were it used against any other group in society.
Following the debate, the Awards were presented to groups of young people who had campaigned on issues such as inclusion and teenage pregnancy, and an adult winner who helped young people through music.
A key issue for the young people present was the lack of youth facilities in their local areas and communities. Nick Brown acknowledged this concern, and stressed the need for young people to actively campaign for the services they needed to ensure that money allocated by Government goes where it can make the biggest difference.
Also discussed was the controversial ‘Mosquito’ device, which emits a frequency typically audible to under 20s only and is often used to disperse crowds gathering in front of private property. The participants debated its effectiveness, with most considering that it arbitrarily targets all young people and that this would be viewed as unacceptable discrimination were it used against any other group in society.
Following the debate, the Awards were presented to groups of young people who had campaigned on issues such as inclusion and teenage pregnancy, and an adult winner who helped young people through music.