A welcome from the 2025-26 Youth Panel

Date published: 02.06.2025

When asked to imagine a scenario where we could snap our fingers and change one thing about the current situation facing young people, we unanimously agreed that reducing school-related pressure is the top priority.  
 
We feel that too much importance is placed on a single exam to define a young person's future success, which contributes significantly to stress and anxiety. The pressure to succeed academically is overwhelming, with students feeling that one moment or grade could determine their entire future. 
 
We think social media is a contributing factor, amplifying this pressure and creating unrealistic standards that negatively impact mental health. We express our concern over vaping and other unhealthy habits, and we point to the influence of algorithms that push harmful content to young people. We emphasise that if given the chance, we would snap our fingers to give young people more control over these digital environments. 

Another major theme is the difficulty young people face in opening up about mental health struggles due to stigma and feelings of embarrassment. We know young people often feel unable to express themselves honestly or seek help, largely due to a lack of understanding about available resources.  

We also point to the role of family and community, noting that some parents may minimise or dismiss their child’s mental health concerns. As a result, we on the panel strongly advocate for improved mental health education for both parents and communities. We call for policies that allow young people to access mental health support without needing parental consent in certain circumstances. 

Finally, when reflecting on our reasons for joining the Youth Panel, we share a collective desire to raise the profile and awareness of the Brent Centre and other services, many of which remain largely unknown to young people. Some members, such as those from the Brent Youth Parliament, also aim to bring political and diverse perspectives into the Youth Panel. The panel opened up an important conversation about accessibility, suggesting that online therapy options are in high demand and can help meet the needs of a wide range of young people. 
 
Our top three shared values are: 
1. Give to get respect. 
2. Kindness. We don’t know what someone is going through, so we should treat others how we want to be treated. 
3. Fairness. There are things people can’t control, and all people should be treated the same.