The move has been echoed in Harrogate, where hospital chiefs have drawn up similar plans.
The trusts have put forward their moves as part of a bid for foundation hospital status, which requires hospitals to have "democratic" arrangements and a new system of local elections for hospital boards.
Jan Sobieraj, chief executive of Barnsley District General Hospital NHS Trust, said the move was vital if it was to involve local youth in health services.
First wave foundation trusts at Basildon and Thurrock University hospitals already have members responsible for voting in governors as young as 12.
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