For the second year running, the BBC is giving 11-18 year olds the chance to tell the world their stories.

Backed by a star-studded line up including Stacey Dooley, Ade Adepitan, Alex Jones, Greg James, Laura Kuenssberg, Gary Lineker, Mobeen Azhar, Clive Myrie and Mim Shaikh, the most compelling entries will be aired across the BBC, including the likes of Breakfast, Newsbeat, News at Six, The One Show, Newsround, BBC Local Radio, BBC Three and across the world on BBC News Online.

In 2018, young people across the UK submitted their stories to the BBC Young Reporter competition, bringing fresh, new perspectives to the BBC’s output. The competition brought to light some of the exceptional circumstances experienced by the nation’s youth, as BBC Young Reporter winners told their stories across the BBC’s network. Some of last year’s winning stories dealt with issues including identity, housing and mental health.

BBC Director-General, Tony Hall, says: “The calibre of last year’s entries was exceptional, and the stories shared thought-provoking. It’s a real honour to have young people from across the UK share their experiences so eloquently with our audiences, and I’m delighted that we’re making the BBC Young Reporter Competition even bigger and better for 2020.

“I can’t wait to see the stories this year’s reporters come up with. I hope thousands of people will get involved. We’ll look at every one of the ideas - and I hope we inspire the next generation of storytellers to come and work in our industry.”

The BBC Young Reporter Competition will be looking for powerful stories that haven’t been told before. Entries can be written, recorded or filmed and should fall under the themes of 'My Life' or 'Our World'. Entries into both categories will be split into two age groups: 11-15 and 16-18 years old. Winners of the competition will be given the tools and support to tell their story; working with BBC journalists, producers and programme makers.

The One Show’s Alex Jones, a judge for last year’s BBC Young Reporter Competition, says: “It was really exciting hearing all the stories from young people last year. We’re often unaware of the complexities of life for this generation, and it was eye-opening to hear of their courage and tenacity in overcoming difficult situations. I’m really looking forward to judging the entries again this year.”

Mobeen Azhar, BBC journalist and filmmaker, says: “I’m excited about judging this year’s BBC Young Reporter competition! We are looking for stories that haven’t been told before which is something I’m really passionate about. It’s a privilege to be involved in this project and I can’t wait to see the stories everyone comes up with.”

The winners of the BBC Young Reporter competition will be announced at an awards ceremony on 10 March 2020. To enter go to bbc.co.uk/youngreportercompetition - where you’ll also find all the terms and conditions and privacy notice - before the closing date of 26 October 2019. Entries can also be submitted in Welsh. To keep up to date with BBC Young Reporter, follow us on Twitter @BBCYoungReport or head to the BBC Young Reporter YouTube page.

BBC Young Reporter engages with thousands of 11-18 year olds across the UK every year, in partnership with schools, colleges and youth organisations. The initiative works with young people in three ways - supporting them to tell their stories on BBC programmes and platforms, giving them new skills and information about how to spot fake and false information, and with the help of BBC staff ambassadors giving them advice and inspiration about careers in the media.