Next HeadsUp debate on You and Society starts next week - April 23

You and Society: What Makes Society Work Well?

11-18 year-olds to have their say on the Big Society,
 Britishness and Societal Breakdown

30 April - 18 May 2012

HeadsUp.org.uk

What do young people think about the society they live in? Do they feel included? How can they help to improve their local communities? From 30 April, under-18s will be debating all aspects of British society with decision-makers online.

HeadsUp is an online forum for young people to explore political issues and learn about politics through debate with their peers and politicians. HeadsUp provides a direct line to politicians, allowing students to get their views across to real decision-makers and is a safe, moderated space that can be used by teachers as a resource for the teaching of Citizenship or PSHE.

All the debates are supported by lesson plans and activities for teachers and background information for students to ensure high-quality and informed debate.

The three week debate is happening online from Monday 30th April to Friday 18th May 2012 and all of the comments can be viewed throughout the three weeks without registration. The following topics will be discussed:

o    British Society...does the government do too much? - What makes people feel left out of society? What can young people do to improve their local community? What might be the impact of Scotland leaving the UK?

o    The Big Society...do we expect too much of volunteers? - Would you want a company or charity to take over your school? Should young people have more responsibilities in their communities? Are there some things that the government should always be responsible for?

o    Broken Society...is our society really broken? Do we do enough to help those who are struggling in Britain? Were the riots an example of "broken Britain"? Do you think adults blame children and young people unfairly for society's problems?

The following decision-makers are getting involved, with more to be confirmed soon:

• Mark Drakeford AM
• Kevin Stewart MSP

If you would like to be involved, or need more information,  contact Beccy Allen at the Hansard Society on 0207 438 1214 or Beccy@hansardsociety.org.uk

Editors' Notes

• HeadsUp is an innovative website where 11-18 year olds debate political issues and learn about the political process. The site is a non-partisan, cross-party educational resource that provides a secure, structured and student-centred discussion platform.
  

 

The forum schedule for the 2011-12 school year is as follows:

    26 September - 14 October 2011 :: How equal is Britain? [report]
    21 November - 9 December 2011 :: The Media: is it doing its job? [report]
    5 - 23 March 2012 :: What makes a good family? [report]
    30 April - 18 May 2012 :: What makes society work well?
    18 June - 6 July 2012 :: Olympic and Paralympic Games...

• Interested MPs, Peers, MSPs and AMs are invited to get involved in the debate - to take part please email Beccy Allen (above) for more information.

• Two ways to register to participate in HeadsUp:

1.    Young People - If you are aged 11-18 and want to get in on the action you need to complete the Student Sign Up Form.
2.    Teachers/youth workers - can register a whole class/school year/group by completing our Teachers Registration Form.

• All HeadsUp forums are open to be viewed and the debate followed by the public. Participants need to register or login to post comments (11-18s and supporting teachers/youth workers only).

• The project is part-funded by the House of Commons.

• There are over 1,000 schools currently registered with HeadsUp.