Youth Council with 11 recommendations for the town council

All proposals referred for discussion 

Thirteen representatives on the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council put forward 11 proposals to the town council at their meeting today, 11 March. The young people discussed the importance of sleep and later school start times, ensuring all pupils in the 9th and 10th grades are provided with computers, and developing an artificial intelligence strategy for education in Hafnarfjörður, among many other proposals. They discussed their key concerns and experiences, and how they would like to see the various improvements.

They took the floor one after another. The councillors listened attentively. Mayor Valdimar Víðisson stressed the importance of listening to children. Each councillor in turn encouraged the young people, thanking them for their suggestions. The discussion was good and encouraging, and they talked through the issues.

This is what the proposals sounded like. The Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes:

1. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that a targeted and
   standardised education on sleep and nutrition for all young people in Hafnarfjörður, with
   to improve well-being and support a healthy lifestyle.
2. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that all students in the 9th and 10th grades in
   The town's primary schools will be guaranteed access to laptops for regular use.
   use in studies.
3. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes a motion on the formulation of an artificial intelligence strategy.
   for school activities in Hafnarfjörður.
4. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that the town's primary schools standardise
   the start of the school day and move it to later in the morning, with the aim
   to improve the well-being, health and academic performance of students.
5. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that the town's primary schools introduce increased
   an emphasis on practical teaching, with the aim of promoting diversity
   of studies.
6. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that school swimming be reduced in
   in primary schools and that swimming lessons should be segregated by gender.
7. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that a standardised education programme be introduced.
   Mental health for all young people in the town, with an emphasis on prevention.
8. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that response plans against bullying in
   the town's primary schools will be reviewed and harmonised to ensure clarity
   and effective resources for children and young people in Hafnarfjörður.
9. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that students be guaranteed a formal
   The right to vote in decisions concerning school life, to promote democratic participation.
   youth.
10. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that funding for primary schools be
    increased to improve facilities and equipment for students.
11. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes curriculum content and curriculum work
    The curricula of the primary schools will be harmonised to a greater extent to ensure equality for pupils.

The youth council is important

The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður is a platform for young people aged 13-18. The emphasis is on training in democratic working methods, as well as communicating the views of young people to the relevant authorities within the system.

The Youth Council consists of two representatives from each primary school in Hafnarfjörður, three from each secondary school in Hafnarfjörður, and three representatives who are selected through the youth work.

The council has two staff members, who work primarily as advisers and therefore do not influence its activities.

The aim of the council is to create a platform and channels for those under the age of 18 to communicate their opinions and suggestions to the relevant parties. The participation of young people is important in order to improve the services and conditions available to them. This applies first and foremost to matters that concern young people in one way or another and which they know from first-hand experience. These include schooling, leisure activities and the planning of the immediate environment.

• More about the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council
• To contact the youth council, you can send an email to ungmennarad@hafnarfjordur.is.