The ClearCommunityWeb team joined Reaching Higher Charity for their half-term podcast session with young people aged 11–15. Rather than arriving with a fixed agenda or a lesson plan, we sat around a table and they led the conversation, setting the topics and asking us the questions.
This session is part of our intergenerational project in Croydon exploring online safety, indirect and direct experiences of online violence, and where young people actually turn for help.
This was an invaluable opportunity to gain rich insights including:
– The proposed social media bans: Opinions were divided—and not just between the adults and the young people. Candid, creative revelations on how easily age verification barriers are bypassed.
– AI: Real anxiety about environmental impact and future job security, balanced with excitement about how AI tools can improve daily accessibility.
A massive thank you to Liv Owens for partnering with us on this and bringing thoughtful context around algorithms, cookies, and our evolving relationship with AI.
Most of all, thank you to Reaching Higher and every young person who welcomed us into their space. When we make room for informal, genuine dialogue, the learning you get in return is invaluable.
