Kids across SA have told SA Commissioner for Children and Young People, Helen Connolly what issues impact them most
From climate change to quality time with their parents, SA kids have voice their opinions to the SA Commissioner for Children and Young People about what issues impact their lives the most.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Children across the state have made their voices heard, telling South Australia’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, Helen Connolly, the big issues that impact them most.
Every year, for the past five years, Ms Connolly has sent “Tell Helen” postcards to children from every government, Catholic and independent primary school in South Australia.
Over 18,000 children around the state participated in the initiative in 2023, with over 65,000 “Tell Helen” postcards returned to the commissioner over the initiative’s five year lifespan.
Ms Connolly said the idea for the Student Voice Postcard initiative came about because she was concerned the views of tweens – children aged between 8 and 12 – “was not being heard”.
“The importance of learning what it means to have a voice and have your views and ideas taken seriously is crucial to childrens’ sense of belonging,” she said.
“They need to have a feeling of agency within their own families, school and broader communities.
“Being asked what matters to them at this age sends a clear message that their point of view is valued.”
In 2023, children were asked what they enjoyed about being a kid, what they wish grown-ups knew, what they think a good friend is, and what they think would make SA better for kids.
Their responses showed they wanted more opportunities for sports and physical activities in their schools and local communities.
They want to be heard and taken seriously by adults.
Like many young people they remain concerned about the environment and climate change.
But perhaps most tellingly, they would like more quality time with their parents and for people to value kindness more.
Detective shines light on what went wrong investigating Lasonya’s death
A police officer who investigated the death of a mother discovered being eaten by dogs has told an inquest on reflection she would have done several things differently.
$50m in the chamber as funding for steelworks unspent since 2017
Millions of dollars in promised Whyalla steelworks support has been holstered and left languishing as locals struggle under the weight of unpaid bills.