Keele University launches the Children and Young People’s Research Network
Researchers at Keele University are coming together with external partners to create a research network to explore issues impacting children and young people.
Launched on Universal Children’s Day, the Research Network will bring together academics from Keele University’s School of Psychology with colleagues from Staffordshire University and partners from external organisations such as schools, businesses, and charities, to promote, coordinate, and support excellence in research with children and young people.
Projects developed by The Children and Young People’s Research Network will cover issues including domestic abuse prevention, school-based approaches to mental health, bullying in schools, children's creativity, safeguarding children, growth mindsets, literacy, and the benefits of reading with children.
Speaking at the launch of the network, Dr Claire Fox, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Network lead, commented:
“We decided to celebrate the official launch of the network on Universal Children’s Day because we believe the rights of the child are just as important today as they were when the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was established in 1989. Through collaborating with external partners we aim to address key issues that relate to children’s rights, such as the right to good quality education, healthcare, and to be free from fear and abuse”.
Melian Mansfield, Chair of Early Childhood Forum, who is also a Keele graduate, delivered the keynote speech at the network launch. Highlighting the many issues facing young people today, Melian commented:
“The first priority for everyone working with children should be to consider what is in the best interests of the child. The inequalities in this country are huge, and growing. Those children who are disadvantaged are becoming even more disadvantaged. And nobody's doing anything about it. We must do everything we can to respect children’s rights; children are amazing, they will create all sorts of opportunities for themselves given the chance, but often they are held back. We need to work hard to change attitudes, to influence the government, and I hope that the research that is going to be done by the Children and Young People’s Network will influence that.”
For more information about the network, see the Children and Young People’s Research Network web pages.