5 August 2020
All four children’s commissioners of the UK have teamed up with to invite participants from SAGE, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, to come and answer scientific questions about covid-19 from children and young people.
SAGE is a group of independent experts Co-chaired by Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, and Professor Chris Whitty, the UK Government’s Chief Medical Adviser; you may have seen them on TV with the UK Prime Minister.
SAGE is responsible for providing scientific advice to support the UK Government, and the devolved Governments of Scotland, Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive to make decisions during emergencies, such as the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Next Monday, 10 August, SAGE participants will answer questions from children and young people from across the UK in a live discussion, chaired by the Children’s Commissioner for England. It’s your opportunity to find out more about the science behind the pandemic.
As children’s champions, we want to make sure we have questions from all four corners of the UK.
Three young people from each nation – England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales – will be able to ask their questions live that day and a selection of written questions will also be answered. Questions that can’t be answered on the day will be put into themes (health, education, family, etc.) for which the panel will provide appropriate information. This information will later be available here.
How to take part:
- To ask a question you can:
Email your question to post@childcomwales.org.uk
- Don’t forget to include your first name, your age and where you live and indicate whether you’d be interested in taking part in the live discussion.
We need your questions by 2pm, Thursday, 6 August 2020.
If your question is chosen to be read out live, we’ll let you know by 2pm on Friday, 7 August, when we’ll ask for your consent and well as consent from a parent/guardian. We’ll make sure you’ve got all the information you need to take part on the day, but please make sure you’ve got a trusted adult to support you.
What will you ask?