Young People and Political Engagement

Young people have long been accused of apathy and disinterest when it comes to politics. However, recent events in the UK have shown that this stereotype is quickly becoming outdated. The 2017 general election saw a surge in youth turnout, with a reported 64% of 18-24 year-olds casting their vote, up from 43% in 2015. This trend continued in the 2019 general election, with an estimated 58% of 18-24 year-olds voting, up from 40% in 2017.

So, why the sudden increase in youth engagement in politics? There are several factors at play. Firstly, Brexit has been a major political issue in the UK for several years, and it has impacted young people in a number of ways. Many young people were unhappy with the result of the 2016 referendum, and have since become increasingly vocal about their desire for a second referendum or a different outcome. This has led to a renewed interest in politics among many young people who previously felt disconnected from the political process.

In addition to Brexit, there are several other issues that have galvanized young people and encouraged them to get involved in politics. Climate change is one such issue, with many young people feeling passionate about protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. The Black Lives Matter movement has also played a role in increasing youth engagement, with many young people taking to the streets to protest against racial injustice.

Social media has also been instrumental in engaging young people in politics. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have allowed young people to connect with like-minded individuals and share their views on political issues. This has created a sense of community and solidarity, which has encouraged many young people to become more politically active.

Climate Strikes

Climate strikes have become a powerful tool for young people to engage in political activism and demand action on the climate crisis. These strikes, which involve young people walking out of school or work to protest government inaction on climate change, have spread around the world since they began in 2018 with Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg’s solo school strike for climate action. One of the key reasons why climate strikes are so important to youth political engagement is that they’ve allowed young people to have their voices heard on an issue that will affect their future more than any other. The climate crisis is a global challenge that will have long-lasting and far-reaching consequences, and young people are acutely aware of the urgent need for action. Climate strikes provide a platform for young people to express their concerns and demand meaningful change from their leaders.

Climate strikes are also a way for young people to express their frustration and anger at the lack of action from those in power. Many young people feel that politicians are not taking the climate crisis seriously enough and are failing to prioritize the future of the planet. By participating in climate strikes, young people are sending a clear message to their elected representatives that they demand action on climate change.

Climate strikes could also serve as a catalyst for broader political engagement amongst younger people; and by participating in strikes, young people can become more aware of the political process and the power that they hold as citizens. They can also connect with other like-minded individuals and organizations and become part of a broader movement for change.

Black Lives Matter

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has made a significant impact in the United States, but it has also gained momentum and attention globally. In the UK, the BLM movement has become a critical force in the fight for racial justice. The BLM movement in the UK emerged as a response to the killing of Mark Duggan, a Black man who was shot and killed by police in Tottenham, London in 2011. The movement gained momentum following the killing of George Floyd in the US in 2020, which sparked nationwide protests in the UK. BLM UK was founded by a group of activists who sought to address systemic racism and police brutality against Black individuals in the UK.

The BLM movement in the UK has had a significant impact on British society. The movement has brought attention to issues of racial injustice and police brutality that have been ignored for too long. BLM UK protests have spurred nationwide conversations about systemic racism, police reform, and racial justice. The movement has also brought attention to issues such as the Windrush scandal, which highlighted the systemic racism in the UK’s immigration system. BLM UK has also influenced policy changes, such as the removal of controversial statues and the implementation of police body cameras. 

Younger generations have grown up in an era of unparalleled access to information. With the rise of social media and the internet, young people are able to access news and information from around the world in real time. This has allowed them to learn about issues such as systemic racism and police brutality in ways that previous generations may not have been able to. The BLM movement has also used social media as a tool for organizing protests and spreading awareness about racial injustice, making it more accessible to young people. Younger generations have also grown up in a world where issues of racial injustice are more widely discussed and acknowledged. They have seen the impact of racism on their peers and communities, and they are more likely to be passionate about creating change. Younger people are also more likely to be politically engaged and are more likely to take action to address social issues. The BLM movement has provided a platform for young people to voice their concerns and take action on issues that they care about.

Bibliography

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