How well connected to our world is the youth of today? Recent studies show that it isn’t very much. Around 90% of teens and youth have some form of social media, whilst a shocking 21% attend local youth clubs regularly. At this rate, how will this generation gain the in person social skills required to allow the world to thrive? 

In the last decade, over 750 youth groups in the UK have been forced to shut down, removing a safe space from countless children's lives. I recently spoke to the Development Coordinator at a local youth group of which I have attended for almost 10 years. 

The Activity Den is a youth group based in Tanfield Lea, which has provided a safe space for young people since 2007. It was initially set up by the Grey family, who are still heavily involved with the organisation to this day. They currently have 7 different groups throughout the week to provide a range of activities to local young people, including Den Dance, Den Download, Den Shoots, Healthy Futures, Woodcraft Folk, Sound Hub and Later. Each group provides a different set of activities to a different age group. The groups are available for young people aged 6 and up, and local teens have an opportunity to give back to the community with the Young Volunteers Task Force, open to those 13+ who are willing to help out and spend their time helping others, including young children. Joining this team allows teens to develop skills and make contributions to the charity. Whilst all groups are different, they all have one shared mission, keeping local youth happy and healthy, which is done by educating them on topics like how to live healthily and providing a safe space to support their mental health and self-esteem. 

Kat, the Development Coordinator at The Activity Den, believes that young people should join the organisation as they “offer a wide range of activities and opportunities for people of all ages” and that they “try to offer a unique experience and space for young people”. Parents, wouldn’t this be a great opportunity for young people like your child? Seeing as The Activity Den “prides itself on being inclusive, democratic and young people led”, what harm could there be in signing your child up for a local youth group, such as The Activity Den? 

In conclusion, what do you think would be better, having the vast majority of youth addicted to social media and the false lives it brings, or having the leaders of the future gaining vital skills while having fun with people their age?