Expect the unexpected when working with young people

Days after 17-year old Paris Brown was appointed the first youth crime commissioner in Kent, she landed in hot water over comments she had posted on Twitter. The tweets, all posted when she was between 14 and 16, were at the least reckless and insensitive.

For many, including the raft of journalists who took a keen interest, the comments were foul-mouthed, racist and homophobic, and her behaviour was simply unacceptable for someone in public office. Paris duly resigned in April.

I’m sure I am not alone, especially among teachers who routinely involve young people in their school’s decision-making, in feeling some sympathy for Paris. When we involve young people, we should expect the unexpected. We know from experience that when we involve young people in our work we should be prepared for them to make comments that jar with our adult viewpoints, as well as providing refreshing honesty and unexpected insights.