BBC Young Reporter Competition: tell us the stories that matter to you

Is there an issue you feel others should be aware of, which you have experience of or that really matters to you?

The BBC Young Reporter Competition gives young people like you a unique chance to tell their story on TV, radio, online or on social media with the help of BBC journalists, producers and programme makers.

Have you experienced something unique and special that you want others to know about? Is there an issue which affects you or your community that you want to tell others about?

Perhaps you or someone close to you has come through a particularly difficult time, or maybe you have achieved something amazing you want to tell others about.

If so enter the BBC Young Reporter Competition before the closing date (Sunday 6th January 2019).

The most original and interesting stories will be put in front of a panel of presenters, reporters, senior editors and programme makers from programmes and platforms such as Newsbeat, Newsround, The One Show and BBC Three.

They'll choose the best and most powerful stories - four of which will be made with the winning entrants and will be broadcast by the BBC on either TV, radio, online or social media platforms.

How to enter

To enter, simply use this form to send the BBC the outline of what your story is - you can either write, record or film yourself telling them about this.

Don't worry too much about the style or the format at this stage and remember they don't want the finished story, just an outline of what it is about.

There are two categories - My Life and My World. There are two age groups for each of these depending on whether you are aged 11-15 or 16 to 18. Just enter one category.

All stories which reach the shortlist stage will be checked prior to final judging to make sure they are factually true and accurate and legally sound. So make sure yours is!

Important to note

Parental permission is needed before you can enter, and if your story is about a sensitive topic, such as your health, your religion or your sexuality then please get your parent/guardian to email them BEFORE you enter at [email protected] so we can offer the relevant advice and support.

Stories will be judged on editorial merit - that means the strength of story, originality, and the personal story or background around it. Judges will be looking for a range of diverse stories from across the UK.

For more information about the competition, visit the BBC website.