Bishop Stopford meets the BBC!

Some of our Key Stage 4 students attended the “For Students, By Students” conference last week, led by the Global Ambassadors from Quinton House. This year’s theme focused on social media and its impact on young people.  A small group of our students had the opportunity to listen to inspiring talks from professionals, learn from industry experts, and take part in a thought-provoking Q&A panel featuring documentary journalists and MPs. 

Some were even interviewed by the BBC, sharing their perspectives on how social media affects young people today. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage in important conversations and represent BSS with confidence! 

Students who attended the conference share their reflections on the event below: 

“I personally really enjoyed it as it gave me awareness on certain situations that can happen to anybody. I also enjoyed the socialising aspect and learning how to build a work profile for the future.” Elliana  

“I really enjoyed the conference and found it genuinely eye-opening to hear about how social media affects people in so many ways. One thing that really surprised me was hearing an adult speak in support of using social media responsibly, rather than simply arguing that it should be banned because it’s “bad.” That perspective made me pause and rethink my own views. I realised that I’d mostly been influenced by negative stories from parents and the news, which had shaped how I saw social media. Hearing a more balanced point of view helped me recognise that there are positive aspects too, not just the risks. Overall, the conference felt important and necessary. It gave both young people and adults a chance to step back and think more carefully about social media—understanding both its dangers and its benefits, instead of seeing it in such a one-sided way.” Precious 

"The conference was truly fascinating - we learnt a whole range of things about both social media and the wider pros and cons of technology. I felt some of the guest speakers were actually too positive about the effects and opportunities of social media, but equally was very interested to learn some of the pros that most never think of! (However, I still hold my view that someone need's to put their foot down - but seeing other viewpoints and possibilities is undoubtedly essential to have a stronger, well-informed argument and opinion!). It helped make young people more aware of the paramount need to be mindful about usage of social media and technology in general - which is highly valuable, as well as to interact with hundreds of other students from across the county. These kinds of experiences are something very valuable that I would love to see more schools and organisations doing. I was hesitant as to whether I should go, but am certainly glad I did now... I'll be back next year! Oh, and most importantly, the donuts were delicious!" George 

Read the full BBC News article here: Northamptonshire pupils learn pros and cons of social media - BBC News.