Students take part in third annual Big Debate
NEARLY 100 students took part in a discussion aimed at tackling the important topics and issues that
they face in the third annual Big Debate.
Taking place at Durham County Council’s County Hall, 70 year five students from 16 different
schools from across the country attended the Parliament-styled debate. Organised and hosted by
Durham Youth Council (DYC), children were given topics they could debate for or against, and some
of the responses could be used to shape the work of DYC next year.
Some of the topics discussed by the students included: the option for all students to work from
home instead of school; all young people to be taught about politics and democracy in school; and
that vaping and smoking should be banned.
Following discussions, children decided that there shouldn’t be an option to work from home for
students to allow social and emotional skills to develop; all young people should have lessons in
politics and democracy and that there should be harsher laws and rules around smoking and vaping.
Having enjoyed the day in the chambers, 10-year-old Evie said: “I especially liked debating in the
big chambers, the building is cool.”
Matthew, aged 10, added: “I liked using the microphones, the young councillors were all really
friendly and I liked the topics that we were given.”
The Big Debate was the brainchild of former youth councillor and Member of Youth Parliament,
Leah Merrington. She strongly believed that children and young people should be more engaged in
politics and democracy. It was youth councillor and current Member of Youth Parliament, Caitlin
Richards, that brought Leah’s dream to life, and Caitlin has helped to lead on the event for three
years.
Cat Harwood, Durham Youth Council lead, said: “The Big Debate has gone from strength to
strength and remains one of our most popular annual events, with schools from across the county
joining waiting lists to get a place.
“Our youth councillors go above and beyond to share their knowledge with younger generations.”
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s
services, said: “These children are a testament to their parents and should be proud of the role they
are playing in shaping politics for the future.
“Debates such as this one are a perfect way for younger people to have a say in the topics and
issues that matter to them most, and we encourage any young person with an interest in politics to
look into joining Durham Youth Council.”
