Should Children Be Political Activists?

Children may not comprehend the depth, complexity, nuance, and ramifications for what they advocate

There exists a minimum age for drinking, smoking, driving, consent for sexual relations, marriage, gun ownership, military conscription, leaving mandatory schooling, the death penalty, and holding elected public office, among many other activities.

These minimum ages exist because adults in society across the political spectrum prudently believe that children do not yet have the life experience, education, nor cognitive facilities to understand deeply or see the bigger picture to participate in activities that may be harmful to their young bodies or have important consequences for their lives.

So why is there so much encouragement and lionization of children who participate in political activism that may have effects far greater than themselves?

I will consider here some issues surrounding activism by children and what their young ages may mean.

Influence of Adults

Children’s Dependence on Adults

Children are not truly free, nor is it wise to consider them as free or permit them the freedom of adults since it would also mean…