Youth Council with 11 proposals for the town council

Thirteen representatives of the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council presented 11 proposals to the town council at their meeting today, March 11. The young people discussed the importance of sleep and starting school later, ensuring that all students in grades 9 and 10 have access to laptops, and creating an AI policy for schools in Hafnarfjörður, along with many other proposals. They spoke about the issues closest to their hearts, their experiences, and the improvements they want to see.

They stepped up to the podium one by one. The town council members listened attentively. Mayor Valdimar Víðisson emphasized the importance of listening to children. One council member after another encouraged the young people and thanked them for their proposals. The conversation was positive and engaging as they discussed the topics.

These were the proposals. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes:

1. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes establishing coordinated education on sleep and nutrition for all young people in Hafnarfjörður, with the aim of improving well‑being and supporting a healthy lifestyle.
2. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes ensuring that all students in grades 9 and 10 in the town’s primary schools have access to laptops for regular use in their studies.
3. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes developing an AI policy for school operations in Hafnarfjörður.
4. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes that primary schools coordinate their daily start times and move the beginning of the school day later in the morning, with the aim of improving students’ well‑being, health, and academic performance.
5. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes that primary schools place greater emphasis on hands‑on learning to increase the diversity of education.
6. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes reducing school swimming in primary schools and making swimming lessons gender‑segregated.
7. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes establishing coordinated mental‑health education for all young people in the town, with an emphasis on prevention.
8. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes reviewing and aligning anti‑bullying response plans in the town’s primary schools to ensure clear and effective measures for children and young people in Hafnarfjörður.
9. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes ensuring that students have formal voting rights in decisions that affect school life, in order to strengthen democratic participation among young people.
10. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes increasing funding for primary schools to improve facilities and equipment for students.
11. Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes further coordination of teaching materials and curriculum development in primary schools to ensure equality among students.

The Youth Council matters

Hafnarfjörður Youth Council is a platform for young people aged 13–18. The emphasis is on training in democratic practices and ensuring that the views of young people reach the appropriate decision‑makers.

The council includes two representatives from each primary school in Hafnarfjörður, three from each upper‑secondary school, and three representatives selected through youth organizations.

The council has two staff members who act solely as advisors and do not influence its decisions.

The council’s goal is to provide a platform and pathways for those under 18 to present their views and proposals to the appropriate authorities. Young people’s participation is important for improving services and conditions for them — particularly on issues they experience firsthand, such as schooling, leisure activities, and the organization of their surroundings.

To contact the Youth Council, you can send an email to ungmennarad@hafnarfjordur.is.