By Lulu Amala Halloum

Published 12th Apr 2023, 06:00 GMT

All of which disproportionately impact youth. This injustice is only exacerbated by my generation needlessly being excluded from conversations with too many decision-makers failing to recognise our role in society. This has to change. We cannot keep making decisions about young people without young people. We are the experts on what affects us and we can provide innovative solutions to problems. By failing to support us in making positive change, our communities will suffer.

It is essential to view youth as leaders of both today and tomorrow. With our energy, talent, and innovative ideas, we can make a positive difference in the present. Unfortunately, political education is not available until A-Level, leaving us disenfranchised until we turn eighteen. Additionally, there are few policies that specifically cater to young people and there is limited representation of young MPs. We cannot allow the powers that be to keep us disengaged and underrepresented, as it would harm both our generation and our futures.

Laws do not magically start affecting us on the day we turn 18. We can join youth councils or other local groups, attend protests and strikes, and use social media to express our opinions and engage with the political landscape. We need to be in touch with our passions and get involved in issues that we care about.

Lulu Amala Halloum is looking to encourage more young people to get involved with the Harrogate Youth Council. PIC: Jemison Photographer.

I believe it is essential for my peers and society at large to acknowledge that we are already taking action on various political issues and activities, even if they do not see them as ‘political’. Our online spaces have enabled us to connect, express ourselves, and take a stance on various issues creatively.

Whether it is adding our pronouns to our Instagram bios, the outpouring of support for mental health awareness, attending protests and strikes or using hashtags like #MeToo #ReclaimOurStreets or #BlackLivesMatter.

Our leaders should not underestimate the power and significance of popular culture among younger generations and the online space we occupy. Moreover, my peers must feel empowered to stand up and be counted, demonstrating that we are willing and able to engage in the political process responsibly.

I have been actively involved in the revitalisation of the Harrogate Youth Council, an experience, both professionally and personally fulfilling. I have met new people, visited new places and gained invaluable experience influencing real policy and change.

Lulu Amala Halloum is chair of Harrogate Youth Council and a Year 11 student at Harrogate Grammar School.

From working with the North Yorkshire Council to the NHS, being able to amplify the voice of youth in my community is rewarding. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed with individuals and our public services, including Andrew Jones MP for Harrogate & Knaresborough, reflecting on the importance of incorporating the voice of youth.

Adults are often taken aback when they realise that our concerns are aligned, albeit viewed through different generational lenses. As a result, the importance of including the viewpoints of young people in mainstream discussions and debates, rather than relegating them to the sidelines, has been strengthened.

Lulu Amala Halloum is chair of Harrogate Youth Council.

Injustice exacerbated by younger generations being needlessly excluded from politics - Lulu Amala Halloum