need to be reconsidered and re-evaluated with more access to mental health benefits and changing living conditions’. Other issues highlighted by teenagers included: the lack of education about rights in Australian schools; frustration about their inability to participate in politics; the lack of capacity for schools to respond to individual learning needs; and social structures that diminish the agency of children. One young person told the NCC that a particular problem was ‘the stigma surrounding young people being “incapable” of making informed decisions about their own health and education’. 106. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children talked about the importance of maintaining connections to culture and language: ‘Cultural background is key to feeling like you belong to something more. More chance to learn about our culture would be absolutely amazing’. 107. Although participation (or lack of it) was an issue frequently raised by children in consultations with the NCC, measuring participation is problematic. A 2018 poll conducted by the ABC provides some insight into children’s own views regarding the ways they contribute to their communities. Approximately 11,000 children completed the poll (which was run in a similar fashion to the Children’s Rights Poll). The poll found that 99% of children regularly contributed at home, at school and in clubs. The children who responded indicated that they greatly valued opportunities to contribute in the places where they live, learn and play. Overall, the poll revealed that girls contributed more and received less monetary rewards. About half of the respondents reported receiving pocket money but were motivated to contribute because of the rewards of feeling proud and helping others. Recommendation 16: The Australian Government amends the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to require that children are provided with an opportunity to express their views in all matters that affect their rights or interests. A child should not be compelled to express a view, but should be provided with the opportunity to do so in a manner appropriate to their age and maturity. 4 Civil rights and freedoms 4.1 Birth registration, name and nationality (a) Registration of Indigenous births 19