Area youth worker Charlie Cox, at the back, with pupils at Les Beaucamps High who are taking part in the At the States project which has seen a relaunch of the youth forum. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 1189240)

TEENAGERS said a relaunched youth forum would give them an opportunity to break down barriers by voicing their opinions about the way the island is run and encourage politicians to look beyond stereotypes.

While previous forums have looked at topics deputies had already discussed, the new one will instead look at upcoming proposals.

Around three or four pupils from each of the island’s secondary schools will meet every half term to talk about ideas about to be debated in the States. Area youth work manager Charlie Cox said the previous forum had always debated proposals that the States had already decided.

The forward-thinking outlook would enable the island’s government to take on board young people’s views in future and before decisions were made.

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