Article 12 (respect for the views of the child)
Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life.
The climate protests in London have been making the news recently and this has sometimes been reporting negative actions (e.g. more than 950 people arrested) instead of the issue of climate change. 16 year old Greta Thunberg has once again shown how a young person can use their voice to have their views taken seriously. This term the S1 pupils at Bridge of Don Academy are taking part in the Miniature Earth Learning Project and this allows them an opportunity to express their views and for adults to take them seriously. Let’s hope they too can articulate themselves as well as Greta and can take positive action in issues they feel strongly about.
Greta Thunberg addressing Extinction Rebellion protesters: Full speech (2 mins, 34 secs) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-48008183/greta-thunberg-teen-activist-says-humanity-at-a-crossroads
Short clip (37 secs) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-48003955