Politics is a powerful tool that decides the destiny of society and the way to the future. To the future workers, creators, and leaders among the young people, politics plays an important role. From the government and political decisions to the engagement and activist politics, it affects the young people positively and negatively. In this article, we’ll explore how politics influences youth in constructive ways, and how it can also present challenges that hinder their development and engagement.
Positive Effects of Politics on Youth
1. Empowerment Through Political Participation
Politics can empower youth through a voice channel and transforming the world around them. Activism and youth movements have transformed societies at all times. The climate movement, for instance, by youth across the globe brought climate issues to the forefront of political agendas. Through politics by youth, they start feeling heard, seen, and empowered to create their own way
2. Education and Awareness
Politics can also be employed to teach children about institutions in society, government, and the responsibility and expectations of citizens. Political discussion, civic education classes, and debate help children think analytically and critically. Familiarity with political processes reinforces their knowledge in democracy, justice, and equality.
3. Leadership Opportunities
Politics provides young people with an opportunity to be leaders, either as student politicians, political campaigners, or citizen activists. These are invaluable learning opportunities that equip them with skills in mobilizing, speaking, and leading. Politics provides confidence and equips young people to become future leaders at the community level and beyond.
4. Advocacy for Youth-Focused Policies
When young adults become active in politics, they are able to help stand up for policies that specifically impact them, like education reform, employment, and psychiatric treatment. It ensures that their specific needs and concerns are thoroughly addressed when making decisions.
Disadvantages of Politics on Youth
1. Political Division and Polarization
One of the most influential negative impacts of politics is the manner by which it could cause disaffection among youths. Polarization on political terms, triggered by the internet and ideologically led news outlets, could cause antagonism and disconnection between social groups. Politics could establish an "us versus them" atmosphere that stifles positive debate in place of healthy debate.
2. Disillusionment and Apathy
The majority of the youth are also disillusioned with politics due to corruption, dishonesty, and politicians' inability to fulfill their promises. Apathy could arise as a result of disillusionment because the youth do not want to be involved in political processes as a whole. A generation that is apathetic taints democracy and cuts short society's potential for advancement.
3. Exploitation and Manipulation
Teenagers in some instances are being politically manipulated or used. Teenagers can be hired by politicians as political or egocentric party tools but at the expense of the matter at hand. This can bring distrust and irritation among the teenagers.
4. Mental Health Impacts
The worst and worst personality of politicized discourse can destroy the mental health of young people. Exposure to political scandals, protest, and bad news cycles may expose them to depression, anxiety, and stress. Social media also accompany political discourse, exposing young people to cyber-bullying or intimidation.
How Can Politics Be Made More Youth-Friendly?
1. Civic Education
Seeking intensive civic education at school can empower the youth to understand political systems, their rights, and their capacity to participate in society. Educated youth are more likely to engage in politics constructively and make wise decisions.
2. Promoting Inclusivity in Politics
Political systems need to reach out to the young by providing them with a platform where they will find their voice in spaces where they will be heard. Lowering the voting age of some constituencies or establishing youth councils are some of the mechanisms through which inclusivity can be enhanced.
3. Corruption and Transparency
Government officials and governments need to be transparent and accountable if they are to have the youths' trust restored to them. The youths will be involved in politics when they are certain that their leaders are doing their best for the people.
The Role of Social Media in Politics and Youth Engagement
Social media is two-edged when it comes to politics and youths. Social media such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have also become excellent tools of political activism and action on the one side. They also empower young people with the ability to share information, organize protests, and communicate with like-minded people from all over the world on the other side. For example, the #Black Lives Matter campaign became a social media viral phenomenon with young people driving the racial justice demands.
But social media is not all good. On-line misinformation, echo chambers, and harassment are some of the most important issues. Youth must be able to use such sites critically, fact-checking and discussing issues respectfully.
Examples of Youth-Led Political Movements
1. The Arab Spring
Youths were leading the Arab Spring, protesting and demanding political reform in North Africa and the Middle East. Through their resilience and courage, youths proved that they can shape political paradigms.
2. Fridays for Future
Under the leadership of Greta Thunberg, Fridays for Future have rallied millions of young people across the globe to urge politicians to act against climate change. The movement is watching young people as global agenda actors.
3. End SARS Movement
Young people in Nigeria coordinated protests using the hashtag #EndSARS to end police brutality. They have brought international attention and government pressure into stopping systemic malpractices.
Conclusion
Politics resonates deeply with young people, shaping their worldview, destiny, and lives. It has the power to empower and enlighten young people but also possibly polarize, disillusion, and push them towards mental illness. Governments, teachers, and communities have to work together to make politics an open, inclusive, and supportive process.
Through civic education, inclusivity, and anti-corruption, it is possible for us to cultivate a generation of educated, dynamic, and empowered young leaders. Politics, provided it is done well, can be harnessed as an instrument of revolution that rejuvenates the youth as well as society.
0 Comments