If you think that young people have nothing better to do than sit around with their mates, gossiping whilst playing computer games, you'd be wrong!

Young people today are a richly diverse group, more than capable of bringing a fresh yet informed perspective to any decision-making table. If nothing else, they are certainly the experts at being young - and understand what that means in the UK, in the 21st century.

New research has revealed that direct action by young people is having a very positive affect on communities - and that some adults and organisations are actually beginning to listen and act on what children think.

In the report, called 'Seen & Heard', 15 documented case studies show young people speaking out on local, national and international issues, from campaigning on local school priorities to presenting at a global conference on sustainable development. (You can get a copy of the report from www.bt.com/listening)

Most of the young people who tell their stories only achieved their success in the face of initial disinterest, disbelief and opposition. The young people in every case demonstrated true determination. But significantly, when adults have eventually listened, and then acted upon what they heard, the benefits for the local communities have been tremendous.

Sean, 18, knew bullying was a major issue in his community. However, he found that most local schools were only paying lip service to the problem. Sean has now written an Anti-Bullying Policy, which has been approved by his borough council and will be implemented in his area.

Lloyd, 16, was selected to attend the World Summit on Sustainable Development in South Africa in August 2002. Backed by the signatures of over 20,000 young people, he put a nine-point plan to many world leaders including Tony Blair and UN secretary Kofi Annan. Since the Johannesburg Summit he has been involved with setting up a youth organisation, backed by the Friends of the Earth, called Sust'n'Able, and has addressed the Greater London Assembly's environmental committee.

Although young people have been told in the past that they should be "seen and not heard", things are changing - and for the better. The UK Youth Parliament helped to produce the report as part of BT's "Am I Listening" campaign, which is encouraging organisations and adults to listen to young people and act on what they hear.

This has provided more ways in which adults from business, government or charities can listen to what young people have to say, and respond with action. These include involving young people in consultations, formal and informal, mentoring and supporting their activities, opening doors to other potential audiences and of course developing and implementing the products and services that young people have suggested.

We can each ask ourselves - am I listening to young people? The Seen & Heard report shows us what can happen when we do.

BT is now looking for stories about young people who are making a difference by getting their voices heard, to be included in the 2nd edition of the 'Seen & Heard' report. If you think you know a young person whose story could inspire others to speak up, contact Justin McKeown on 0870 606 0960.