Young people can make the world different just by speaking up - that was the message from the Ombudsman for Children at Child Talks 2023.
Hundreds of schoolchildren from around the country attended the event at the Helix in Dublin City University today.
Speakers aged between ten and 17 years of age addressed the crowd with mental health, understanding neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ support among the subjects discussed.
Ten-year-old Charlotte Burke from Navan, Co Meath, told the audience how she would like more understanding for people like her sister Katie.
"My twin sister, Kate, she's autistic and and has ADHD. Bright light can sometimes be difficult and too much noise. It can just be really stressing for her," she said, adding that she thinks more understanding from others would be helpful.
Seamus Kenny from Co Meath appealed to the audience to speak about the importance of reaching out when experiencing mental health difficulties.
He said: "I spoke about the importance of finding one person you can talk to about your mental health problems.
"One person you trust to listen to you when you need it."
The 17 year old said giving the speech brought a sense of achievement.
He added: "It was really nerve-racking but it was a great thing to have done."
Child Talks is an annual World Children's Day event hosted by the Ombudsman for Children's Office.
It was streamed live to many schools around the country.
The Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon paid tribute to the speakers.
He said: "We as as older people think we know what what children need or want, and think that we know the issues that are important to them but these are just the children talking to other children and young people.
"And they talk so eloquently with such passion and such power."
He added: "They were all so strong and and today was about the fantastic young people and the way they can make the world different just by speaking up."
