The youth of today -- yobs or future leaders?
Should we dismiss the youth of today or look to them as future leaders? Teenagers are already forming thoughts and opinions on how policy should shape the society of tomorrow. Events during the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) Festival of Social Science (6-15 March) will showcase the views, ideas and motivations of young people in our society. Issues to be discussed by teenagers around the country include environmental sustainability, organ donation and migration. Young people will also be invited to take a leading role in research activities to find solutions to violent behaviour in the UK, by drawing on their own experiences and understanding of violence as well as the surrounding problems. Whether there is biological evidence to explain why teenagers are linked with undesirable behaviours will be the focus of an event on 11 March. Drawing on cutting edge research evidence from leading experts the discussion will look at whether a better understanding of the biological and evolutionary development factors of teenagers could be used to help prevent or better manage these undesirable behaviours. Rather than just being discussed, teenagers will actively contribute to each of these debates debate both on their own behaviour and the adult population. The Festival of Social Science encourages young people to discuss, discover and debate at exhibitions, talks and workshops. It gives young people the chance not only to learn about themselves but to see future potential and get involved with social science as well as wider society.