Housing, Immigration and Extremism – all issues children are talking about at Child Talks 2025 to mark World Children’s Day

Over 1,000 schoolchildren from around Ireland will descend on the Helix in Dublin tomorrow (November 20^th) for Child Talks 2025, the annual World Children’s Day event from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO). Six young speakers will take to the stage in front of a live audience to share their inspiring stories on a range of diverse topics including the housing crisis, girls in STEM, extremism and misinformation, finding your voice as a newly arrived young person in Ireland, the need for public hang-out spots for teens and the importance of youth services. There will also be entertainment throughout from Music Generation and Tik Tok musician Brad Heidi. This year’s Child Talks will be hosted by Mark Langtry ‘the Science Guy’ and past speaker 16-year-old Ben Barrett. Now in its eighth year, Child Talks will also be livestreamed to schools around the country on OCO.ie.

Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, said:

“Every year I’m in awe of the brilliant young people who get up on stage at the Helix in front of a huge live audience with their talks, and this year is no different. Our speakers Aoibheann, Saoirse, Kaleb, Molly, Mustapha and Tadhg are discussing really important topics that are sure to resonate with so many other young people tuning in.

“World Children’s Day is a chance to really put the focus on what children want to talk about, in their own words, which is the very essence of what Child Talks is all about.

“With issues being discussed this year like the housing and homelessness crisis and a rise in extremist views, it’s once again clear that children’s issues are human rights issues that impact us all. The onus is on us as a society to listen, and to ensure this impact on children is considered when policy decisions are being made that affect them.

“Child Talks 2025 will also bring the fun factor with entertainment and musical performances throughout the show and we are delighted that so many school children from around the country who can’t make it to the Helix will be able to tune into our livestream online.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Child Talks 2025 speakers

Aoibheann (17) from Dublin will share her past experience of being homeless to help remove the stigma around the housing crisis.

Saoirse (15) from Kerry will talk about her own passion for Science and Technology which resulted in her winning the BT Young Scientist and how she believes more girls should be encouraged to take up STEM subjects.

Kaleb (16) from Kildare will discuss the need for more public areas for teenagers to hang out in after he noticed there were none in his area.

Molly (18) from Dublin will talk about her concerns over a rise in extreme views and the spread of misinformation among her friends.

Mustapha (17) from Dublin will share his experience of arriving in Ireland and finding his voice.

Tadhg (11) from Dublin will tell his story about how youth services have supported him through a specially made video for the event

Hosts:

Ben Barrett (16) from Kildare is a former Child Talks 2024 speaker

Mark Langry the ‘Science Guy’ will host Child Talks for the 3^rd year

 

 

 

 

• 20 Samhna 2025
• Cineál: Preaseisiúint
• Ábhar: Tithíocht, Inimirce