Why participation is essential to learning?

Children are the experts in their own lives. Research shows that their participation in decision making is likely to have a positive impact; not only for children, but also for practitioners, organisations and communities more broadly. Organisations can empower children as active citizens and learners through the process of child participation. Children have both the right and the capacity to express their views, and to participate in decision making that affects their lives and their wellbeing.

Benefits for children

Children have the desire and the capacity to express their views about the world and the issues that affect their lives (Harris & Manatakis, 2013). More importantly, the participation process can be a positive developmental experience for children, with potential benefits including:

• enhanced self-esteem

• increased feelings of mastery and control

• increased feelings of connectedness

• increased skills in problem solving

• increased capacity for decision making

• improved relationships with adults and other young people (Powell & Smith, 2009; NSW ACYP, 2015; van Bijleveld, Dedding & Bunders-Aelen, 2015).