On Friday 7th February Sebastian Barnett and Marc Hennessy from Year 14 joined pupils from 34 schools across Northern Ireland in the Anti-Bullying Young People’s Forum in Parliament Buildings. Throughout the day, the pupils formed committees which focused on different issues in relation to bullying. Each committee, which was chaired by an MLA, heard from a range of witnesses with expertise and experience in the areas under discussion.
Sebastian and Marc reflected on their experience…..
‘During our time at Stormont we were able to express our views and thoughts as to how best to overcome bullying issues for young people in Northern Ireland. This was a vital process, opening up the discussion and ensuring that our views could be heard. We were allocated to committees to listen to experts and we too had the chance to express our views passionately. At the end of the day we had the opportunity to listen to the conclusions of each committee before the debate was opened to the floor.
Overall it was a fulfilling experience and one which may impact on legislation on this crucial topic in Northern Ireland and maybe even further afield’
