“The government should listen to children’s ideas more and children shouldn’t have to pass their idea to an adult to make it happen … Children should be able to change the world too.”– Girl, 11.

As Children’s Commissioner, it’s my job to listen to children and make sure their voices are heard by the people making decisions that shape their lives.

Every child deserves to have a say on the matters that affect their lives. This notion has been central to my time as Children’s Commissioner, as I believe the best policy thinking starts by listening to children – because no one understands childhood today better than children themselves.

Today, I am reflecting on what hundreds of thousands of children have told me about their lives, their challenges and their hopes for the future – and why their voices must remain at the heart of every decision this new government takes.