The findings from earlier chapters suggest that there are many ways in which young lives could be improved. The role of government and other agencies in meeting young people's needs more effectively, encouraging their greater participation in decisions that affect them, and generally making England more child friendly, have been touched upon, as have young people's concerns about safety, leisure activities, the environment and a host of other areas in their daily lives. This chapter focuses on what children and adults in the surveys said about things they would like to see done in the community as well as how people could make each other's lives happier and more enjoyable in everyday ways. They were asked, for instance, to suggest what adults could do for young people of their age, and what they might do to make life easier and happier for adults.

Hallett and Prout (2003) discuss how children's voices can influence social policy, and several exercises other than the present study have sought to find out children's priorities were they in a position of power. The Children's and Young People's Unit (see Flood, 2002) received back completed postcards from over 700 children aged 12 or less saying what they would change for children if they were Prime Minister. Their responses were coded into six categories, and much the most important was ‘achievement and enjoyment’ (mentioned by 483 children and including actions to do with school, the environment and leisure). Protection (104 mentions) came next, followed by health and well-being (73), participation and citizenship (47), inclusion (30), and responsibility (21). Sinclair et al (2002) report the findings of a similar survey based on young people's messages on postcards about what they would do to make things better for young people if they were Tony Blair. The best information was collected from 12- to 14- year-olds whose priorities were, in order of importance: better services for young people; better facilities and activities; involvement in charity/helping others; better safety for children; children's participation; learning about others; more freedom; and improving the environment.

The school survey and young people's concerns

The present study also gave all children the opportunity to imagine they were Prime Minister and say what they would do for children and young people of their age.