2002

EastEnders actress Bindya Solanki hopes the BBC soap has given her a springboard to a bright future.

A recycled computer tells Children's Express how his life has changed since leaving the city for a new life in the classroom.

Media & arts, Values & religion, Law & crime, Social affairs

London's Science Museum has brought the world of James Bond vividly to life in a new exhibition of spy-friendly gadgets and gizmos.

Young journalists offer their examination tips for Year 7 pupils preparing to sit the 11 plus school transfer exam.

After watching a production of Macbeth, Children's Express reporters reflect that life hasn't changed much for some children around the globe.

11-year-old Nestor came to England in 1995 to escape the war in Burundi. Now he says London is home, but he still hopes to return to Africa one day

With a Filipino mother and an English father, 12-year-old Cindy says she gets the best of both worlds.

The adult founder of the UK Youth Parliament believes the organisation has an important future, but the government has to get fully behind it.

The changing relationships between teachers and pupils have affected the way schools deal with bad behaviour and bullying - but young people argue that needn't be a bad thing.

The young people and adults who help keep the Children and Young People's Unit on track explain their roles, and their expectations of the government.

Climbing, sailing, throwing up... all in a week's work on the Tall Ship Prince William for CE journalist Chris McCartney.

Photo-journalists from Children's Express unveil their perspective on the teen skateboarding culture in Belfast for a special city exhibition.

A new, frank exploration of puberty for boys makes a refreshing change, and is just the book for teenagers.

Young reporters count their blessings after a harsh reality check among the children who work the stone quaries of Accra, Ghana.

Young people are just as uncertain - and divided - about the single European currency as the politicians are.

The government wants to start teaching French to seven-year-olds, but schoolchildren themselves are divided over the idea.

White kids - and comedians - who play at being black aren't fooling anyone, and can cause offence.

Young people discuss whether smacking is child abuse by definition, or a valid way of parents showing loving discipline.

Three young people explain how they found their voices in the care system.

10 year-old Alfred can't walk to school on his own because of bullies - and there are thousands more children just like him.

Are Britain's specialist 'art colleges' elitist? Children discuss what art means to them, and whether there's a place for specialising at school.

Children's Express reporters ask celebrities why kids should get involved in the arts at the launch of the Prince of Wales Arts and Kids Foundation

A Christmas stage production of the classic children's story puts one word on the lips of our young reviewers: 'Wow'.

England soccer captain Angela Banks tells Children's Express why she thinks it's time for women to take a more prominent role in the sport.

An unexpectedly pleasant surprise awaits young visitors, if they can set aside their dusty expectations of museums.

Are children turning back to books, or have their imaginations been permanently captured by video games?

Our reviewers loved the comedy sci-fi sequel Men in Black II for its humour and special effects, even if some of the film's jokes aren't for the over-sensitive.

Two new novels peak inside the lives of troubled boys, and make for thought-provoking reading.

Talking about ending racial tension is a good start - but people, including the young, need to change their behaviour if serious progress is to be made.

The sea of white faces at Jessica's new school came as something of a shock after years in London's multi-racial environment.

Two young reviewers rate the hits - and misses - at Disney's newest theme park in Paris, the Walt Disney Studios

What happens when you let young people debate issues in the council chamber? Children's Express reporters found out.

Young people from Northern Ireland are putting each other's lives up on the big screen, thanks to an innovative new media project.

Children's Express reporters preview Grossology, the Science Museum's exhibition about bodily functions.

Young people are developing more exotic tastes when it comes to food - but how well are London's restaurants prepared for such a youthful clientele?

Teenage reporters Stephen Cording and Chris Fletcher reflect on the opportunities they've had since joining Children's Express.

Birmingham member Paras Patel explains how Children's Express helps young people develop a range of different skills.

Jermaine Jenas, Britain's second most expensive teenage footballers, talks about his career so far and England's chances in the World Cup.

An enterprising community initiative is giving young people in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, the chance to boost their self-esteem through learning circus skills.

Children's Express reporters tell BBC Radio listeners about the deliberations by young people and world leaders at the first United Nations Special Session on Children.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling gets a grilling from Children's Express about one of the biggest issues for young people - getting from A to B.

Children's Express reporters discover rival tribes on the streets of Belfast as they expose the rich underbelly of youth culture.

The children of gay parents can't understand why other people think it's such a big deal - but it forces them to keep it secret.

High numbers of school
exclusions have got Northern Ireland's educators worried. Are students
removed from mainstream education being cheated
of their rights?

Black teenagers are already fed up for getting the blame for street crime - now they're getting it in the neck at school as well.

What's it like to read the news? Children's Express reporters get in front of the camera sky.com's Reach for the Sky careers roadshow.

Children and teenagers say what they really think about the rise and fall of manufactured pop bands.

Trash is transformed in a region-wide schools competition to make fantastic costumes out of old rubbish.

Offer some children an opportunity - an outlet for their voices - and they'll seize it with both hands...

Thousands of children are still being forced into hard manual labour just to stay alive - but some are being helped to start new lives.

Northern Ireland's teenagers deserve a peaceful education - so why are adults turning schools into sectarian battlegrounds?

By now everyone should be able to tell their Voldemorts from their Fluffies and you should have some knowledge of the rules of Quidditch. Children's Express journalists explore the Harry Potter phenomena.

This new streetdance production at the Sadler's Wells theatre is guaranteed to get even Granny bouncing in her seat, according to our young reviewers.

Plymouth schoolchildren explain what the monarchy means to young people and whether the Queen's Golden Jubilee matters.

Teenagers from New York share their experience of the terrorist attack on their city with young reporters from Belfast.

Children's Rights, Education, Media & arts, Law & crime

Young people found themselves caught in the
middle when the issue of sexual health became a battleground at the United
Nations Special Session on children.

Children's Express reporters find Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones has visual fireworks, but a script lacking in spark.

Young reviewers tour the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham for Museums and Galleries month - but come away with no plans for a repeat visit.

... on every street corner, drugs are openly discussed. So how much do children know? Children's Express journalists reflect on their own experiences.

The UK's youngest Member of Parliament, 29-year-old David Lammy could just be the man to inspire young people to get interested in politics again.

Young people don't think Prince Harry has been dealt with fairly by the media, or his father.

The Northern Ireland Assembly is on the way to introducing a Children's Commissioner. But are the politicians going to give the children's champion the power to make a difference.

Black broadcasters talk about being part of a minority in the media, as the trade union Bectu attacks the race divide which it says persists in British broadcasting.

Why do people needlessly harm animals? Young people give their views on animal cruelty.

With more asylum seekers settling in Britain every year, Children's Express asks young people what they think.

Uniforms are a pain, and impressing new teachers can be tough - but children say the first day back at school can be fun too.

Children are once again looking forward to gunpowder, treason and plot - but the messages about the dangers of fireworks are beginning to get through.

Why do young people break the law and what happens when they are caught? Children and teenagers say boredom and peer pressure have a lot to do with it.

Growing up with brothers and sisters can lead to fights - but children wouldn't be without them.

Children express wildly different views of what causes bullies to behave the way they do - and what should be done with them.

As the BBC's Children
in Need Appeal kicks off today, Children's Express reporters ask young
people in Newcastle what they will be doing to help and where they think
the money will be going.

The Government set up the Children and Young People's Unit to listen to young people's views. What do children and young people consulted by the department think?

Children love their pets - and can't understand why people would buy them thoughtlessly and then be cruel to them.

Few children escape school without a detention or two - and there aren't many who think it's a fair or effective punishment either.

A 10 year-old girl has become the youngest in the UK to die of a suspected ecstasy overdose. What do young people think of when they hear the word 'drugs'?

The Easter holidays give young people a welcome break from school. But how do they spend their free time, and what do they think of Easter eggs?

What do UK schoolchildren think about the pressures of exams and how nervous do they get waiting for results?

Goths, hippies.... Children's Express reporters ask young people about what they wear and what it says about them.

They say you can choose your friends and not your family. But what do young people think about this saying?

Children consider what it takes to put a smile on their face - or a frown.

Is it wrong to leave children at home alone? What would they do in an emergency? Children's Express reporters find out.

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but schoolgirls say gold, silver and pearls are just as good!

Why did the chicken cross the road? Children's Express reporters find out what makes young people laugh.

Children start planning their careers early - soldier, firemen, vet - but ending up jobless is a worry.

Too much noise and rubbish, too few places to play. Young people from Newcastle's Cowgate estate tell Children's Express reporters what they think of their area and what changes they would make, if they could.

Mothers are nice, kind, old and helpful - even if they tell us off a lot.

What would a life without music be like? Young people say what music means to them.

The arrival of 'street wardens' to patrol a troubled housing estate in Newcastle upon Tyne meets with a mixed reaction from its younger residents.

Children in Newcastle find getting to school by bus is an unreliable and expensive business.

Young people tell Children's Express reporters how they think life has changed in the twelve months since terrorists brought down the World Trade Centre.

Children and teenagers discuss their wide and varied musical tastes.

In developing countries
600 million children live in absolute poverty. Young people tell Children's Express
what they think.

Children have got used to the roads being dangerous, but think it's time drivers and pedestrians all started taking more care.

What do young people do with their time when they're not at school? Children's Express reporters find out.

Young people enjoy weeks of freedom in the summer, but is there enough for them to do? Children's Express reportes find ther's not much summer fun for kids in the north-east of England.

Is swearing rude, cool or just a part of our everyday language?

Are teenagers too young to have children? What do their peers think of them? Young people discuss the pros and cons of teenage pregnancy.

What do we know about
the euro? Children's Express reporters find out what young people think
about how it will affect them.

Interviews with children and teenagers suggest that the older they are, the less they trust the police - but that doesn't stop many thinking they should carry guns.

Children recall 2001's highlights, and their hopes for 2002.

Why do young people skip school? Should their parents be prosecuted if they do? Young people give their opinions on truancy.

How do you tell someone you've got a crush on them? Children's Express reporters get the low-down on love in the 21st century.

'Not enough' admits the chairman of the UK body set up to tackle racial discrimination and promote equality.

The latest technology is being used to address some of society's longest-standing problems.

Children's Express reporters review Kidzclub in Bangor, an indoor adventure play centre for the under-11s.

Where can teenagers get advice on education, careers, health and leisure in an atmosphere that appeals to them? Children's Express reports on the Connexions Centre in London.

Two new children's novels explore the lives of children in troubled countries.

As Valentine's Day looms, teenagers say they'll be romantic when it suits them - not the card companies.

What is happening to British pop music? Young people have had enough of Britpap - but fear things could be getting worse, not better.

Evolution not revolution: the Natural History Museum's new Darwin exhibit is interesting enough, but not as imaginative as it could have been.

A landlubber CE journalist recalls the week he found his sea legs on the tall ship Prince William

Children's Express reports from the Hague, where government ministers and young people are trying to protect our future.

Young people say they need more than to 'be consulted' about government policy towards youth - they need to help design and develop it too.

Youth delegates at the UN's bio-diversity conference in The Hague are frustrated by a lack of action from the politicians.

One short visit to the touring Moving Pictures exhibition left young reviewers from Sheffield wanting a whole lot more.

Fathers' guilty secrets, and the impact on their children, form the heart of two new novels reviewed by Children's Express.

The London borough where 14 year-old Keshia lives is far more multi-cultural than people think - but needs more entertainment for young people.

Newcastle schoolboy Gavin Mather reflects on his week in New York at the United Nations Special Session on Children, where plans were made to improve the lives of millions of young people.

As Prince Harry hits the headlines, his peers give their verdict on drink, drugs and teenagers.

The Macpherson report on racism in London's Metropolitan police was supposed to be a wake up call. So why are they still dozing?

Children's Express reviewers couldn't resist the pop-tastic mood when the Smash Hits tour came to Belfast.

Children's Express reporters join competition judges on a tour of Belfast as they try to decide whether the city is ready to be nominated a possible City of Culture.

A government select committee has finally taken children's rights seriously enough to invite children and young people into the House of Commons to put their case.

A teenage reviewer finds plenty of riveting drama in the staged life of a clown.

Eight young politicians tell Children's Express what a big difference three little letters - MYP - can make.

Education, Health and sexuality, values and religion, family & relationships

Talk of military action against Saddam Hussein is intensifying - but many young people are deeply sceptical about whether - and why - the West should bomb Iraq.

Children's Express members review films from the Showcomotion film festival for young people.

The NSPCC is campaigning to outlaw smacking by parents. Journalist from Children's Express Sheffield give their views.

Children's Express journalist Chris McCartney is going to sea to combat his fear of water.

Pupils mourn the hotly contested closure of their school, and pay tribute to the teachers who've kept them going to the end.

The ex 'Popstars' in newly renamed spin-off band Liberty X tell Children's Express how they're handling fame and fortune.

To promote National
Children's Art Day on July 5 2002, reporters from Children's Express spent
the day shadowing two leading figures in the world of art. This is what
happened...

Young reviewers say Tyneside's original New Castle is the city's finest museum - what a pity it's not more welcoming.

Young reviewers are delighted by the second Harry Potter film - but think it may be frightening for their younger brothers and sisters.

In Museums and Galleries month, young reviewers in London find the Imperial War Museum offers an up-close-and-personal perspective on life in the 1940s.

Sheffield's Marjorie Baker tells young reporters how she plans to use her year in office to attract more young people into politics and promote her city.

Christmas hasn't truly started until you've seen this modern fairy tale live on stage.

In Museums and Galleries month, young reviewers from Belfast see plenty of potential in the Ulster Museum's new backpack project.

The Minister for Young People admits that there's much work still to do to enfranchise the young - but there's also much to be proud of.

At 17, Tom Burke is already a seasoned Children's Rights campaigner - and now he's off to New York to rub shoulders with world leaders.

Ulster University research suggests Northern Ireland's children may start to absorb bigoted values from the age of three. But young people say there's much to be encouraged about too.

Young reviewers find plenty to enjoy and admire in the latest crop of books for children - and they're not alone.

Fewer and fewer children feel any connection to religion, despite efforts by priests, clerics and others to maintain the relevance of faith in the 21st Century.

Two of the UK Youth Parliament's founder members explain how becoming MYPs has changed their lives, and lead to real change in their communities.

Belfast members report
on an educational CD-ROM which will help
young people from Northern Ireland learn about their culture
and history.

Increased security can make school feel like prison. So why can't young people learn to look after their environmnent? asks Children's Express journalist Daniel McCrisken.

The EastEnders actress tells Children's Express about life on Albert Square, and being the only Asian in the BBC soap.

Ignorance has not been bliss for a long time - secondary school pupils want full and frank sex education, and not from their usual teachers either.

Two experienced young journalists see another side to the media when they take part in the Sky News 'Reach for the Sky LIVE' 2-day workshop.

Television has been accused of provoking eating disorders by actively promoting bodily pefection, but some websites are taking things into a new dimension.

Young people give their views on local politics and explain why they should be allowed to vote.

What is there for bored teenagers to do around Islington? Children's Express reporters discovered movies, exhibitions, computer games and even a city farm.

Members explain how seven years of growth and development has put Children's Express at the forefront of youth media in the UK.

The UK Youth Parliament is already making an impact across government departments - but what is it, and how does it work?

For Museums and Galleries month, young reviewers in Plymouth are satisfied but underwhelmed by a hands-on approach to words in art.

If adult politicians want more young people to vote, they need to get serious about really listening to young voices, say Children's Express.

One of the UK government's teenage representatives at the United Nations explains how she hopes the Special Session on Children will improve the lives of young people around the world.

Ministers promise action at the sixth world conference on biological diversity - but the youth delegates invited to take part remain to be convinced.