Youngsters debate national issues in chamber

Discovery Academy proposing the motion 'This House believes that under 16s should not have access to social media sites'

- Sentinel Reporter

HUNDREDS of Stoke-on-Trent secondary school pupils took part in a council chamber debate hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

The event, organised by the city council and MP Gareth Snell, enabled youngsters from across the city to experience democracy firsthand through formal debates, discussion and a Question Time-style political panel.

As part of the city's centenary programme, the Schools Debate challenged students to step into the shoes of MPs to debate issues. Students debated major national issues including housing on the green belt and the use of fireworks. In the afternoon, they put their questions directly to politicians before the two top-scoring teams progressed to a final debate on the motion - should social media be banned for under-16s?