Professor Laura Lundy who works at the Queen's University Belfast researching and advocating for the rights of the child also works with our Platform.
She created a model of child participation (known as the The Lundy Model) to show how to include children in conversations about their rights and to make sure that children's right to be heard is put into practice.
Our work and interactions with children are based on this model.
The model has four main parts:
- Space
Adults must create safe and welcoming opportunities (spaces) to share their opinions. Adults need to make these spaces accessible, with a well-trained staff. Children from different backgrounds should be included and feel well taking their space.
- Voice
Adults must help children and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. This means giving them the information, support, and freedom to decide if and how they want to express themselves.
- Audience
Decision makers and/or people in power should carefully listen to what children say. Adults need to genuinely commit to hearing and responding to children’s views.
- Influence
Children's views should have a real and tangible impact on decision-making. Decision-makers should consider their opinions carefully and give feedback to children on how their views were considered or why certain decisions were made.
The Lundy Model has transformed the global understanding of child participation. UN, European Commission, international organisations, national governments, and NGOs worldwide have used it to ensure children are involved in important decisions.