Latest news with #CarmelCorrigan
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lack of activities for teenagers says commissioner
Jersey's children's commissioner has expressed concerns about the lack of affordable and accessible activities for teenagers on the island. "What they've been telling us around play is that there really isn't all that much for them to do that is affordable, that's accessible," Carmel Corrigan told BBC Radio Jersey as her office released its annual report. She said while provisions for very young children were relatively good, older children and teenagers struggled to find suitable activities. Ms Corrigan noted that this issue was not unique to Jersey, and compared it to similar challenges in the UK and Ireland. However, she pointed out that other European countries took issues more seriously and recognised the value of engaging children in both active play and social activities. She also highlighted the importance of listening to children's voices on the matters. "We need to capture children's voices around a broader range of issues and make sure we're including all children in that conversation," she said. She suggested that a more concerted effort was needed to engage particularly vulnerable children, including those with additional needs or in the care system. The recent success of new play parks in Jersey demonstrates the demand for such spaces but she stressed the need for indoor activities, especially during bad weather. The Office of the Children's Commissioner for Jersey has released a series of recommendations to the government which included: Emphasise the importance of hearing children's voices, commit to legislative reforms, and consider raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14. Assess the impact of proposed budget cuts on children's social care, inclusion review, and youth justice strategies. Amend definitions for clarity, mandate a code of practice, and ensure advocacy services' independence. The Government of Jersey has been asked for a response. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to The Office of the Children's Commissioner for Jersey Play park funding 'a conversation for the future' Abuse of children in care apology plaque proposed 'Significant' demand in young people's care
BBC News
28-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Lack of activities for Jersey teenagers says commissioner
Jersey's children's commissioner has expressed concerns about the lack of affordable and accessible activities for teenagers on the island."What they've been telling us around play is that there really isn't all that much for them to do that is affordable, that's accessible," Carmel Corrigan told BBC Radio Jersey as her office released its annual said while provisions for very young children were relatively good, older children and teenagers struggled to find suitable Corrigan noted that this issue was not unique to Jersey, and compared it to similar challenges in the UK and Ireland. 'Include all children' However, she pointed out that other European countries took issues more seriously and recognised the value of engaging children in both active play and social also highlighted the importance of listening to children's voices on the matters."We need to capture children's voices around a broader range of issues and make sure we're including all children in that conversation," she suggested that a more concerted effort was needed to engage particularly vulnerable children, including those with additional needs or in the care system. 'Need for indoor activities' The recent success of new play parks in Jersey demonstrates the demand for such spaces but she stressed the need for indoor activities, especially during bad Office of the Children's Commissioner for Jersey has released a series of recommendations to the government which included:Emphasise the importance of hearing children's voices, commit to legislative reforms, and consider raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to the impact of proposed budget cuts on children's social care, inclusion review, and youth justice definitions for clarity, mandate a code of practice, and ensure advocacy services' independence. The Government of Jersey has been asked for a response.
BBC News
09-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Review to examine if Jersey children are kept safe online
A review is to examine whether measures to keep Jersey children safe from harm online are sufficiently children, education and home affairs scrutiny panel wants to find out about good practice to protect children within the digital world and the situation in review will include current laws, government policy, the role of internet service providers and social media to protect young islanders were made by the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry into the abuse of children in the island's care system. Deputy Catherine Curtis, panel chairwoman, said: "We are aware that keeping our children safe online is a major concern for islanders - one that is a constantly evolving problem given the nature of technology."She said the panel wanted to ensure Jersey's laws and regulations met "best practice principles" and had the required flexibility to adapt to the changing digital landscape."We are keen to understand the role that social media platforms and internet service providers play in the protection of children, as well as the policy measures our government departments have in place," she said. The panel will hold public hearings with government ministers and hear from Jersey's children's commissioner, Dr Carmel Corrigan, teaching unions and social media panel has not yet set a deadline for submissions of evidence to scrutiny@
