HUNDREDS of children got together at a Newport school to share their ideas for improving the lives of young people across Wales.

But this was a 'virtual' gathering at the city's Glasllwch primary school, to mark the launch of a major survey that has given a voice to thousands of children.

The Beth Nesa/What Next? project was launched last spring by the then newly appointed Children's Commissioner for Wales Sally Holland, as a means of finding out first hand about the issues that matter to children and young people.

At a 'webinar' hosted by Glasllwch primary school today, around 500 children from schools throughout Wales were able to talk via the internet about issues raised through the project.

Scores of schools now have super ambassadors, through a scheme started by Professor Holland that aims to promote children's rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in primary schools, and they led the webinar.

Glasllwch's super ambassadors - Year Six pupils Conor Foster and Freya Chicken - took part, watched by around 90 of the school's other pupils.

They and fellow super ambassadors receive special missions from Professor Holland, which can involve gathering information, sharing positive work, and promoting the UNCRC.

"Our first job was to help children in the school learn about the UNCRC and we had to do a power point in assembly," said Conor.

Freya said: "We also make sure children know what children's rights are and if they don't, we tell them through assemblies and posters, things like that."

Glasllwch's super ambassadors have also been spreading the word about the Beth Nesa project and its findings.

"About 200 primary schools in Wales now have super ambassadors, and this month their mission has been to inform the children in their schools about the findings of Beth Nesa," said Professor Holland.

"More than 7,000 children and young people have taken part in Beth Nesa and I'm pleased with the number but also with the breadth of issues they have raised, because it gives us a really good sense of what their concerns are."

Having more places to play was the highest priority for almost half of children aged three-seven years who took part, while for seven-11 year-olds and 12-18 year-olds tackling bullying was the biggest concern.

Other priorities highlighted included protecting children from violence and abuse at home, and the need to help children and families in poverty.

Conor said there had been questions and discussion on the webinar about whether cyber bullying was more common than face-to-face bullying.

Freya said it is important that children know what to do and who to talk to if they are worried about bullying.

The findings of the Beth Nesa/What Next? project will inform Professor Holland's priorities in her role for the next three years.