This is particularly important at a time when politics has never seemed less relevant to the young, and it may be one reason why the Government has been so keen to encourage children's participation. The early, high-profile and often frothy flinging open of the doors to children's visits and question times has evolved into more meaningful initiatives such as Have Your Say and a 500,000 fund to provide grants to develop participation.
These are modest beginnings, but nonetheless welcome. Local authorities have reflected these moves, increasingly building children's participation and views into local strategies.
But how meaningful is it all? Around the country there are interesting and sometimes innovative examples of how communities and organisations are involving children and young people, but they are still exceptions rather than everyday experience. Britain is one of the most non-child-friendly places in Europe, reflected in every aspect of national life from the built environment to the organisation of local services. Asking children their view on their lunch menu alone, essential though it is, will not change this. Consulting with children needs to be much more thought through and integral than is currently the norm.
As Adrienne Katz, chief executive of Young Voice, explains: "This is only the first phase. New ethical frameworks are still to emerge and adults need to learn that consultation without feedback and follow-up action is pointless and insulting. Engagement is a two-way thing."
And that is the challenge for all of us - to take the bold move of building children and young people into the fabric of society.
For the Government, the challenge comes most immediately in the form of the powers the Children's Commissioner will be granted. For children's organisations and services, the major challenge is about building children and young people into their decision-making processes.
For all of us, the real test is how prepared we are to act on what we hear from children. Only then can we really begin to build communities that reflect the needs of those who live in them.
