My friend has been put at the bottom set although she is quite smart. even her form tutor knows this. What shall I do?
Female - 12 Years
I am sure when the school decided which set to put your friend in, they took into account all the information available to them. This would be to ensure she has the best chance to do well. We are also sure that if your friend performs well in that set, she could be moved up at a later date. It would be awful if she was put in a higher set to start with and ended up struggling - I am sure the school knows best. However, if your friend is still unhappy then she should talk to her Mentor or House Leader and ask for the situation to be reviewed, her parents/guardians could also write to the school.
My teacher showed me his thingy. He is 50 now I have extra classes with him.
(Male 10 - 12)
Thank you for contacting the youth website problem page. Clearly the problem you submitted is a very serious allegation about the teacher concerned. You are going to have to find the courage to tell an adult you trust about this, either your parents or carers, another teacher at the school you attend, a youth worker, school nurse or the Police. Whoever you choose you must tell another responsible adult. Good luck.
I work at weekends washing-up in a pub kitchen. One of the jobs I have to do is to clean the meat-slicer and it scares me cos of the blade – do I have to do it? (Male: 15)
NO – A Meat Slicer is a ‘Prescribed Dangerous Machine’ which means that the law specifically lists this type of machine as being dangerous because of the serious risks it poses. Because of this, nobody under the age of 18 can operate a meat slicer, nor can they get involved with the cleaning and maintenance of this type of equipment.
Your employer has a duty to assess the health and safety risks you are exposed to while at work, and then put in place measures to prevent or control those risks from happening, this exercise is called a risk assessment. Because of your age, your employer must also inform your parents of the risk assessment findings and controls measures implemented. These risk assessments should also identify jobs you as a young person should not get involved with, like cleaning the meat slicer.
I recommend raising your concerns with your employer and parents. If this does not work you should next consider contacting your local Environmental Health Department who will visit your employer. Click here for details.
I have a paper round and really like the money, but my boss has asked me to come in earlier (about 6am) to help sort out the papers. Someone told me that this is illegal, will I get into trouble? (Male: 13)
Your friend is quite right, it is illegal for any young person of school age to work before 7am. In law your employer is responsible, as the adult, for ensuring that he/she works within the law they would be liable for up to £1000 fine for employing a child before 7am, therefore you would not get into trouble but your employer would. The leaflet Child Employment an Employers Guide ( put it where he can get this) is worth showing your employer.
