Young people in politics, student activism and digital activism.
Young People, Big Impact
Young people are sometimes dismissed as politically apathetic -- too busy with social media and entertainment to care about the world around them. But history tells a different story. From the student movements of the 1960s to the climate strikes of the 2010s and 2020s, young people have repeatedly been at the forefront of social and political change.
In this chapter, you will learn:
- How young people have shaped politics and society throughout history
- Current forms of youth engagement in English-speaking countries
- The debate about lowering the voting age
- Challenges facing young people who want to make a difference
What are some examples of youth movements that have had a significant impact on society?
Four Black students from North Carolina A&T State University sat down at a whites-only lunch counter at Woolworth's and refused to leave when denied service. Their action sparked a wave of similar sit-ins across the South and became a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
Anti-Apartheid Student Movements (South Africa, 1976):
The Soweto Uprising began when students protested against being forced to learn in Afrikaans. Police opened fire, killing hundreds. The event galvanised international opposition to apartheid and eventually contributed to its end.
March for Our Lives (USA, 2018):
After the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, surviving students organised one of the largest youth-led protests in American history, demanding stricter gun control laws. The movement registered hundreds of thousands of new young voters.
Fridays for Future (Global, 2018-present):
Started by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, who began striking from school every Friday to demand climate action. The movement spread worldwide, with millions of young people participating in school strikes for climate.
These movements show that young people can be powerful agents of change, even when they lack formal political power such as the right to vote.
What event sparked the March for Our Lives movement in the United States?
What does "intergenerational justice" mean?
The Voting Age Debate
One of the most discussed questions about youth participation is whether the voting age should be lowered from 18 to 16.
Arguments for lowering the voting age to 16:
- 16-year-olds can work, pay taxes, and drive in many countries -- they should have a say in how their taxes are spent
- Early voting habits tend to stick -- if young people vote at 16, they are more likely to continue voting throughout their lives
- Scotland allowed 16-year-olds to vote in the 2014 independence referendum, and turnout among 16-17 year olds was 75%
- Young people are affected by political decisions (education, climate, housing) and deserve a voice
- It would encourage schools to strengthen civic education
Arguments against lowering the voting age:
- The brain is still developing at 16, particularly the parts responsible for long-term decision-making
- 16-year-olds may be more easily influenced by parents, teachers, or social media
- Most 16-year-olds have limited life experience
- If 16, why not 14 or 12? The line has to be drawn somewhere
- Low turnout among 18-24 year olds suggests that younger voters may also not use the right
Current situation:
- Most countries set the voting age at 18
- Scotland and Wales allow 16-year-olds to vote in local and devolved elections
- Austria allows voting at 16 in all elections
- Some US cities have considered lowering the voting age for local elections
Do you think the voting age should be lowered to 16? Write an argumentative text (150-200 words) presenting your view. Support your argument with at least two specific examples or pieces of evidence.
Choose one youth movement or activist (e.g. Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, the Parkland students, or another) and analyse what made their activism effective. What methods did they use, and what impact did they have?
How Young People Participate Today
Young people today participate in ways that are different from previous generations, but not necessarily less engaged.
Traditional participation:
- Joining political parties (though membership is declining among young people)
- Voting in elections (turnout tends to be lower for younger age groups)
- Writing letters to representatives
- Joining student councils and youth parliaments
New forms of participation:
- Social media activism and awareness campaigns
- Creating and sharing content about political issues
- Online fundraising and crowdfunding for causes
- Digital petitions and email campaigns
- Consumer activism (boycotting or supporting brands based on values)
Barriers to youth participation:
- Feeling that politicians do not listen to or represent young people
- Lack of civic education in schools
- Complexity of political systems
- Disillusionment with traditional politics
- Economic pressures (housing costs, student debt, job insecurity)
Opportunities:
- Technology makes it easier than ever to organise and communicate
- Global connectivity allows young people to learn from and support movements worldwide
- Growing recognition that young voices matter
- Youth-led organisations and movements are gaining credibility
Interview two or three of your classmates about how they engage with political or social issues. Do they vote (if old enough)? Do they follow the news? Do they participate in any form of activism? Write a short report (150-200 words) summarising your findings and reflecting on what they reveal about youth engagement.
Imagine you want to start a youth campaign about an issue you care about (e.g. mental health, climate, education, inequality). Create a plan that includes: the issue, your target audience, three specific actions you would take, and how you would measure success.
Summary
In this chapter, you have learned:
- Youth activism has a long history of driving social and political change
- Movements like the Civil Rights sit-ins, March for Our Lives, and Fridays for Future show the power of young people
- The voting age debate raises important questions about rights, responsibility, and representation
- Young people participate in new ways through digital activism and consumer choices
- Barriers to youth engagement include disillusionment, lack of civic education, and economic pressures
Key Concepts
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Youth activism | Political or social action by young people |
| Student movement | Organised student efforts for change |
| Voting age | Minimum age for voting -- debated in many countries |
| Political socialisation | How people develop political attitudes and values |
| Intergenerational justice | Fairness of current decisions to future generations |
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