Credit: BlueSkyTech
Youngsters in County Durham have debated in County Hall for the final time.
Durham County Council’s Youth Council held its annual Big Debate at the civic building, inviting Year 5 pupils from across the county to test their public speaking and debating skills.
For the last time before County Hall is closed, the building’s council chamber witnessed the youngsters discuss modern issues from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to proposed social media bans.
The day was guided by youth councillor Miah Burns, who chaired the event for the first time and kept the lively debates on track.
But, before the debate began, the event opened with an inspiring speech from newly elected Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for County Durham, 14-year-old Makayla Harwood.
“You are part of history today,” Makayla told the chamber.
“This building might not be here next year, but the skills you learn today and the memories you make here will last a lifetime. Change does not start when you turn 18. It starts right now, in this room, with your voices.”
Pupils also got the chance to learn about local government in a question and answer session with Cllr Cathy Hunt, the council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, and Cllr Joe Quinn, Cabinet member for planning, investments, and assets.
Using a red and green card voting system, the Year 5 students then debated and passed judgment on topics. These included:
- Mental health in schools: Students voted that schools should make student happiness and wellbeing a priority, arguing that happy children naturally learn better.
- Social media bans: While acknowledging online dangers, the chamber rejected a total ban on social media for under-16s, voting instead for tighter restrictions, robust filters, and giving parents better control tools.
- The ethics of AI: The pupils voted in favour of limiting heavy AI reliance in classrooms, insisting that future schooling must protect human critical thinking and problem-solving through traditional testing methods.
- The future of local spaces: The chamber issued a strong call for increased funding and investment in safe, adult-supported, but youth-led community spaces.
Cllr Hunt said: “This year’s Big Debate proved that, while County Hall will soon close, its legacy of nurturing the young voices of County Durham will continue for years to come. The discussions held by the young people were stronger, more articulate, and more vibrant than ever and it was great to see them tackle serious topics with such maturity.
“At aged just nine and 10-years-old, it was a fantastic experience to hear and answer the pupil’s questions and give them an insight into what local government is like.”
The tradition of the Big Debate will continue, with the event to be held in an alternative venue next year.
For more information about the Durham Youth Council, visit www.durham.gov.uk/youthvoice
