Liverpool City Council has marked the 10th anniversary of the 2168 Children’s Parliament, a program the Council says has become a national example of how to meaningfully involve young people in civic life.
Since 2016, the 2168 Children’s Parliament has given students aged 9 to 12 a formal, structured voice in shaping their community.
“This Parliament isn’t symbolic. It is a genuine deliberative democracy model for children, and over the past decade, its impact has been real,” said Mayor, Ned Mannoun.
“Children from Liverpool have influenced decisions by Council on parks, playgrounds, safety and open space.
“Their ideas have driven community initiatives and contributed to state and federal policy consultations.”
Each year around 44 young ‘parliamentarians’ are selected from 11 primary schools across Liverpool who conduct surveys, research issues that matter to their peers, and present their findings at sittings in Liverpool City Council Chambers.
Mayor Mannoun said the program has reshaped the way Council engages with young people.
“The Parliament has boosted children’s confidence, public speaking skills and leadership capabilities, strengthened families, schools and the wider community, he said.
“Some of the major actions inspired by children’s recommendations include having a say in our Child Safe Policy and Behavioural Standard for Keeping Children Safe, healthy-eating canteen programs, breakfast clubs, anti-bullying initiatives, improvements to public spaces, and infrastructure proposals such as lighting and traffic-calming measures.”
Key issues raised by the children in recent sittings include safety, the natural environment, cost-of-living pressures and road safety.
“For 10 years, this Parliament has shown what happens when we take children seriously — we get better policy, stronger communities and young people who know their voice matters,” said the Mayor.
“Liverpool Council is proud to have pioneered a model that empowers children, especially in areas that face disadvantage, and gives them a platform to shape their own futures.”
