‘Did you hear about what was in the news today?’

"I believe everyone has a responsibility to be aware of what is going on in the world around them. We learn about the news through newspapers, television, radio, social media or simply by word of mouth. It is important to me that we are conscious of local and international news. News is very important as it educates us and it can often affect us. For example, it is important that everyone is aware of what implications Brexit might have as it will affect Ireland in the future - particularly as we import a lot of products from Britain. News can make you realise that you shouldn't take your life for granted. We often think we have problems but you will often come across stories about very poor people around the world or people who have been in all sorts of accidents and these stories remind us of what is really important in life, and how lucky we are." - Sinéad Flannery

"I hear of some parents who don't include their children in 'adult conversations' as they are not mature enough to contribute to them. A part of me agrees with this but then at the same time I think it is great to expose them to real-life situations. In my house, everyone would always drop everything when the news came on and I think it was times like these that made me feel excited about the news, and that is why I am grateful to my parents for instilling this interest in me. Children's minds are like sponges. They soak up everything that is revealed to them and they never forget!. Ever since I was a little girl I have been so very fond of learning and I found the news was the best way to do this. The information is so diverse meaning you can learn a little bit of everything. The best part about it is that you can do it at your leisure!" - Isabel Sanchez Myles

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"I believe that it is important to read the news because it provides information about topics that are current in the world around you, which is a good way to tune yourself into the society that you are living in. Reading the news is also an easy and useful way to educate yourself. The news is important to me because I enjoy learning about human rights, and what kind of struggles different communities are going through here in Ireland and in other countries. I am interested in learning about the political and social conditions in other countries, such as women in Saudi Arabia." - Philip Walshe

"Personally I like to be informed about regional, national and international stories. For example, Brexit is currently in the news and it could result in a hard border in Northern Ireland and I like to keep myself informed with what's happening in that area. I think it is important to be aware of what is going on around the world. It is important to be aware of international politics, climate change, international culture and events. Since newspapers cover such a wide range of topics it is very easy to develop an understanding of all sorts of topics. I also like learning about things from newspapers that we don't cover in school. News opens up conversations in families and the classroom. When there is a terrorist attack (for example) it can be good for people to discuss it with their peers, teachers or families." - Aisling O'Kane

"I feel that over time my understanding of politics and the world has developed because of my interest in keeping up with the news. In exams and in essays, I am able to refer to relevant pieces of news and have a general idea of many topics related to school subjects such as Business Studies, English and Geography. At home, my parents and I discuss our views on different topics and I can learn from them. I have found that reading articles has improved my English and my writing . My vocabulary has increased and I have seen how factual pieces can be written to the point with simple but effective language. The news has also helped me find some of my interests. I have an interest in American politics and news and I also find reading about crime very interesting. It has made me very interested in journalism in general. I think it is important for young people to have an interest in news because many things will have an impact on them. People can also find what they are passionate about and develop their own opinions about different topics." - Amy O'Toole

"As a 15-year old person in Dublin the news does play a role in my life. Typically I get my news from chatting with my parents and friends. Although I myself am not the most committed news reader, I do try do truly understand its importance in the wider context. The news allows everybody to realise what is going on around them and avoid being sheltered and restricted to only knowing about the local gossip. Interestingly, the news also contributes to starting friendships. A common way of beginning a conversation with someone who you may or may not know is to ask them "Did you hear about what was in the news today?" - Emma Burgess