News20th February 2026

Ark students reflect on life as a teenager today at EdCity podcast studio

Four Year 10 students from Ark Burlington Danes Academy recently visited EdCity’s podcast studio to take part in a conversation exploring what it feels like to be a young person growing up in London today.

Mental health

The discussion – as part of Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week – gave the students space to reflect honestly on the pressures and possibilities shaping their lives, from the impact of social media to anxieties about the wider world.

They shared perspectives that were both sobering and hopeful, offering a powerful reminder of how young people are navigating an increasingly complex landscape.

They considered the impact of technology on their present and their future, talking about the pressure to use AI now and the impact it might have on their working lives, as well as exploring the benefits and potential challenges of the information and connection they can find on social media.

The conversation also turned outward to the state of the world beyond their immediate communities, with concerns about global instability. Even when events are far away geographically, they spoke about how – to them – the world feels more uncertain than ever.

Closer to home, the students discussed experiences of racism in parts of London where they live. They described how this discrimination affects young people’s sense of belonging and safety, highlighting the importance of representation, understanding and open dialogue in tackling these issues.

Despite these challenges, the students were clear about what gives them optimism.

They agreed that school life plays a crucial role as a place of stability, safety and connection. Ark Burlington Danes was described as an environment where they feel supported by staff, able to build strong friendships, and encouraged to think positively about their future.

For them, school is not just about academic learning, but about having a space where they feel seen, listened to and hopeful.

You can listen to the full podcast here:

The discussion was recorded in EdCity’s podcast studio – a professional‑quality space available to schools, organisations and community groups, and designed to give young people and the wider White City community a platform to share ideas, stories and voices.