Children's manifesto seeks safer streets, better online children protection

More than 500 children from 65 Children's Local Councils across Malta and Gozo have presented a manifesto to political parties, calling for safer streets, protected green spaces, better mental health support, online protection, and a formal role in decisions that affect their future.

The Children's Manifesto, led by the Children's Local Councils and coordinated by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, lists 132 proposals that children want political parties to commit to ahead of the 30 May general election.

"Through this manifesto, children are not asking for token consultation; they are asking for concrete commitments on the issues already dominating the national conversation," said President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, MFWS founder and chair.

She said this is a call for political parties to put children at the heart of every policy; to take into consideration their proposals for the Malta they will inherit."

The manifesto was drawn up following years of work, discussion and consultation with Children's Local Councils across 65 localities. It is structured around six pillars: Community and Environment; Health and Mental Wellbeing; Education; Diversity and Inclusion; Children's Rights and Active Participation; and Technology, Online Protection and AI.

The strongest shift in this year's manifesto is the importance children place on community. The Community and Environment pillar contains more proposals than any other, sending a clear message to political parties that children across Malta and Gozo want stronger community life, safer public spaces, more greenery, and places where they can meet, play, belong and be heard.

The proposals speak directly to the issues dominating the national conversation: traffic, road safety, overdevelopment, access to green spaces, cost of living, poverty, disability, inclusion, mental health, education and community life. Children also called for AI to be used in ways that benefit their lives, while ensuring they have meaningful alternatives to screen time.

The manifesto was launched by the children themselves and presented to political parties. Electoral candidates will be invited to sign a declaration committing to champion the manifesto's proposals on 19 and 20 May.

Last week, the Office of the Commissioner for Children launched a manifesto titled “Of children, by children, for children,” which highlights 15 proposals aimed at the 15th legislature.

Local Councils' Association president Mario Fava said the direct participation of people in community life lies at the heart of every democracy, a principle that applies equally to children.

"We cannot speak of a long-term vision if those who will live and lead it in the future are excluded from the decisions being made today," Mr Fava said. "The next step must be direct engagement with these children. It is only through such a process that we can build solutions that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of all."

The full manifesto is available at mfws.org.mt.