A group of 80 children and adolescents, aged 12 to 17, from 25 local child participation groups across Andalusia, gathered in the Malaga town of Mollina for the IV Andalusian Meeting of Councils for Children and Adolescents. The event, organized by UNICEF under the slogan 'Safe spaces for participation', included three representatives from the Local Council for Children and Adolescents of Vícar.
During the meeting, the young participants debated various forms of violence affecting their generation, including cyberbullying, and reflected on the situation of minors in international conflict zones. The primary objective was to prevent violence and create safe environments for child and adolescent participation.
The attendees developed proposals for adults, requesting more training for families and educators on violence and cyberbullying. They also urged public administrations for more information, prevention measures, increased surveillance in educational centers, and adapted spaces where minors feel protected and heard, promoting their involvement in decisions concerning their well-being and rights.
Violence against children continues to increase at different stages of minors' lives and frequently occurs in close and trusted environments, reinforcing the need to promote safe and protective spaces.
Participants came from 25 of the 76 Andalusian municipalities that are part of the Child-Friendly Cities network. The meeting highlights the importance of raising awareness and fostering collective action to ensure the safety and well-being of minors in the region.
