Opinion: Hot Issue - Should youth workers promote correct grammar?

YES - Simon Antrobus, chief executive, Clubs for Young People.

Youth work should promote good grammar by example but it must focus on supporting young people to develop their confidence to go for that job in the first place. Through the extended schools initiative, our clubs are working with schools to provide structured activities in the community. Providing somewhere safe for them to go, something structured to do and someone experienced to talk to will support young people much more than a grammar text book.

YES - Oliver Benson, head of editorial, youth journalism charity Headliners.

It is important that young people understand that using correct English makes it easier for other people to understand what they are saying. But the most important thing is allowing everyone to get involved in debating issues. Not being able to use grammar shouldn't be a barrier to having your voice heard. We need to support young people to use correct grammar because they want to be understood, not because their youth worker will tell them off.