Northern Ireland Youth Assembly

05/10/2026

On Saturday, Youth Assembly Members met with officials from the Department of Education to examine proposals for a new NI curriculum.

Throughout the day, we discussed:

✅ Why the curriculum is being reviewed
✅ The capabilities and skills young people need for the future
✅ Proposed changes to Personal, Social, Citizenship and Careers (PSCC)
✅ Developments in subjects such as History and Modern Languages

Through interactive discussions, young people shared their views and provided valuable feedback to help inform the conversation on the future of the curriculum in Northern Ireland.

28/09/2026

On Saturday 19 September, we held our second plenary of the 2025-2027 Youth Assembly Mandate.

On the day, Youth Assembly Members debated the motion: “This Youth Assembly believes stronger regulation of social media is a better solution than a ban for under-16s” and the result was a resounding “Aye.” Next, we will write to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and share the concerns of young people from across Northern Ireland.

We’re grateful to the Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, John Blair MLA A, for chairing the debate and to Peter McReynolds MLA , Nick Mathison MLA and Matthew O'Toole MLA for taking the time to engage with our Members before the debate.

25/09/2026

Looking back at our very first plenary as the 2025-27 Youth Assembly and comparing it with our second plenary.

Less than a year into the mandate, and these Members have already achieved so much. We're incredibly proud of everything they've accomplished and can't wait to see what's next. Keep smashing it, YAMs!

21/09/2026

21/09/2026

Baby McReynolds had a brilliant time at the Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday as the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly debated social media.

The question was ‘Should social media be restricted or banned for young people’.

What do you think?

19/09/2026

Youth Assembly Members from across Northern Ireland came together for their second plenary session to debate the motion:
“This Youth Assembly believes stronger regulation of social media is a better solution than a ban for under-16s.”

📣The result? A resounding AYE.

🎉Congratulations to all Members who took part in their second plenary debate, delivering thoughtful and compelling arguments on an issue that affects young people everywhere.

✅Following the debate, Members agreed that stronger regulation, rather than an outright ban, is the best approach to addressing the impact of social media on young people. In light of this, the Youth Assembly will write to the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham MP to share its views and advocate for meaningful change in how social media is regulated and used by young people.

19/09/2026

Preparing to make their voices heard! 💬

This morning, Youth Assembly Members took part in debate training ahead of this afternoon’s plenary session.
With the issue of a social media ban up for debate, there were plenty of strong arguments on both sides.

➡Stay tuned to see how the Youth Assembly voted!

15/09/2026

The Youth Assembly recognised all the young people, who have consistently called for change on this issue.

The Minister’s announcement is a significant milestone and reflects years of advocacy by young people determined to see their voices translated into action.

Today we called for work on the School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill to continue to ensure lasting change for young people.

You can watch the evidence session or read the report here: https://niyouthassembly.org/assembly-committee-work/

08/09/2026

Youth Assembly Members are getting ready to give evidence to the Ad Hoc Committee on the School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill next Tuesday, 15 September.

Alongside the pulse survey that was conducted over the summer, Members met online to prepare and will be sharing young people's views and experiences of school uniform policies with MLAs next week.

Find out more about our work on this issue: https://niyouthassembly.org/assembly-committee-work/

Keep an eye on our socials for the link to the live stream.

26/08/2026

Yesterday, Youth Assembly members joined an online meeting with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Members heard about the Commission's work, explored key human rights issues, and shared their views on matters affecting young people across Northern Ireland.