When the opportunity to speak on ABC Radio National about the social media ban was presented to a group of Year 10 students, comprising Shania, Ahalya, Hannah, and myself, we jumped at the wonderful opportunity to voice our opinions on behalf of many young people across the country.

In the few days beforehand, we had a lot to prepare. Guided by Ms. Baker, we split into two sides, one for the ban and one against the ban, researched every aspect of the topic, and practised conversation-style debates, all the while eagerly anticipating what the radio studio would be like.

On the day of our radio debut we were all very excited but a little nervous. We arrived at the ABC and signed in before being shown through a maze of high-security passageways to the studio. There was a lot of cool technology which we peered eagerly at through glass windows, as we waited for our turn to be interviewed.

As we sat down with our host Brigitte Duclos, we immediately felt at ease. Very soon it was our turn to be on air and the conversation was super entertaining and engaging, there were many laughs mingled with the more serious ideas we contributed. Our time on air flew by and soon we were leaving the ABC behind to return to school.

Overall this was a marvellous experience that my peers and I were grateful to have experienced, and a special thank you to Ms. Baker for extending this opportunity to us and helping us every step of the way.

Alice
Year 10