The upcoming childhood summit themed “Secret Lives of Children – What Adults Need to Know!” will provide a platform for kids to voice their opinions.
Logan local Tia Godbold, only 10 years old, will be the master of ceremonies for the event.
When the summit was last held in 2021, Miss Godbold spoke on the topic of “Eat, Play, Love – A Child’s Basic Needs”.
She said she had “mixed feelings” about hosting, but was ultimately excited.
“I don’t want to stuff up… but I’m pretty excited,” she said.
Miss Godbold said providing children with a voice was crucial because children’s thoughts were more complex and diverse than one might imagine.
“Children are growing in a different mindset than parents with different experiences,” she said.
She said she has seen “a big change in how adults think”, particularly from parents, teachers and even Logan councillors.
Her mum, Julianne Godbold, is proud of her daughter’s confidence.
“There’s a lot that I’m learning from it,” Ms Godbold said.
“She’s really stretched herself to do something new and to write her own script and to be up there in front of adults and be heard by adults.
“I think it’s great for her.”
Both mother and daughter acknowledged their generational differences and how their experiences have shaped their individual mindsets.
Also speaking at the event is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocate and writer Thomas Mayor.
“Children can teach us,” Mr Mayor said.
“They are always taught fairness and to be considerate [and] they don’t yet have inbuilt prejudices.”
Mr Mayor said he would be sharing glimpses into his own childhood at the summit.
“I think it’s important to share each other’s stories… hopefully to inspire others,” he said.
“The reason I think this summit is so important is because you don’t need to instruct kids on how to be heard.”
The forum will be held June 23 and 24 at Griffith University’s Logan Campus for children aged 4-14.
