Leeds Beckett students deliver Street Law sessions in local schools

We were thrilled to host this year’s Leeds Law School Street Law programme across five local schools in Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester. These interactive workshops were led by our Law students and focused on social media and the Law. 

The session tested students’ understanding of the boundaries of acceptable behaviour online, which led to some surprising outcomes in assessing the legality of what can be said on social media accounts. Students were shocked to learn about the criminality associated with certain language and behaviour online and how the proposed social media ban might affect their fellow classmates.  

Our Law students developed understanding of laws underpinning acceptable behaviour online and its relationship with Human Rights Law. The Street Law programme was met with great success and provided students with insight into the law they will study at university, as well as giving students an understanding of acceptable practices online. 

Second year Law student Lucinda Weston shared the value of the experience teaching 17-year-olds on the new and unfounded dangers of social media use:

“Taking part in the Street Law programme and visiting Longley College in Sheffield was a really valuable experience. As part of a group, I helped deliver sessions on social media and the law, exploring how legal principles apply to everyday online behaviour. It was particularly interesting to engage students in discussions around real-life scenarios and see how they responded to the legal issues raised.

"One of the most enjoyable aspects was working in smaller groups to guide students through activities. This created a more interactive environment and encouraged open discussion, which made the sessions both engaging and rewarding. It was great to see students develop their understanding and confidence when thinking about how the law affects their daily lives.

"The experience also helped me develop key skills, particularly in communication and presentation. Explaining legal concepts in a clear and accessible way, has strengthened my confidence in speaking to new audiences. Working collaboratively with my group was another important and worthwhile aspect, and the preparation we put in really contributed to the success of the sessions.

“Overall, I would strongly encourage anyone considering the programme to get involved. It is a great opportunity to build practical skills, work as part of a team while making new friends, and gain experience in making the law more accessible to others, it is both enjoyable and highly worthwhile”.

Max similarly explained the value of the experience:

“I believe the experience was just as enriching for me as I hope it was for the students, and I’m grateful to have been part of such a valuable initiative. It helped develop my communication skills when delivering information to younger audiences and improved my confidence in public speaking, which is a life skill that will definitely benefit me in my future legal career. 

“I would recommend the initiative to anyone, especially those interested in giving back to the younger generation”

Leeds Law School is thrilled to have made such an impression on local students and to build students’ confidence in engaging with laws that directly affect them!

Find out more about the career development opportunities on offer at Leeds Law School.