10 Tips to Help You Understand Brexit

Practical advice for teenagers to understand Brexit, covering the EU’s role, reasons for leaving, key changes, and real-life impacts, enabling them to navigate a post-Brexit world with confidence and clarity.

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  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 5 minute read
  • 960 words (2.4 sides of A4)
  • Providing help and guidance on Politics and World Matters
  • Created and reviewed by our team of experts

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Brexit, short for "British exit," refers to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union (EU). This historic event has shaped the country's political, economic, and social landscape, leaving many people, including teenagers, wondering how it affects their lives. Understanding Brexit can seem complicated, but breaking it down into manageable parts can help you grasp its key aspects and implications. The EU is a political and economic partnership between European countries that allows for free trade, movement, and cooperation on various issues. The UK joined the EU in 1973 but voted to leave in a 2016 referendum. This decision has led to significant changes in how the UK interacts with the rest of the world.

The Real-Life Impact of Brexit on Teenagers

Brexit has brought changes that directly or indirectly affect young people. From new rules on travel and education to changes in job opportunities and consumer prices, its impact can be felt in various ways. For teenagers planning their futures, understanding Brexit is important for making informed decisions. While Brexit can seem like a distant political issue, it influences everyday life in areas such as shopping, travel, and education. By learning about Brexit, you can better understand its effects and how to navigate this new reality.

10 Tips to Help You Understand Brexit

Here are ten practical strategies to help you make sense of Brexit and its implications:

1. Learn About the EU

Start by understanding what the EU is and what it does. Research its history, member countries, and the benefits it offers, such as free trade and freedom of movement. Knowing the basics of the EU helps explain why Brexit was such a significant decision.

2. Understand Why Brexit Happened

The 2016 referendum saw 52% of voters choose to leave the EU. Reasons included concerns about immigration, sovereignty, and the cost of EU membership. Understanding these motivations provides context for the decision.

3. Explore the Brexit Timeline

Brexit didn't happen overnight. The UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, after years of negotiations. Learn about key events, such as the referendum, the transition period, and the signing of trade agreements.

4. Know the Key Changes10 Tips to Help You Understand Brexit

Brexit has brought changes in areas like:
  • Trade: New customs checks and tariffs for goods moving between the UK and EU.
  • Travel: New rules for UK citizens visiting EU countries, such as needing a passport valid for at least six months.
  • Education: Changes to tuition fees and access to programmes like Erasmus for studying abroad.

5. Follow the News

Keep up with Brexit-related news to stay informed about ongoing developments. Reliable sources like the BBC or reputable newspapers can provide balanced coverage and updates.

6. Ask Questions

If you're unsure about how Brexit affects specific areas of your life, don't hesitate to ask. Teachers, parents, or even local MPs can help explain how Brexit impacts education, travel, or other topics important to you.

7. Understand Its Economic Impact

Brexit has influenced the UK economy in various ways, including changes in trade, investment, and job markets. Learn how these economic shifts might affect your future career opportunities or the cost of living.

8. Explore the Political Landscape

Brexit has reshaped UK politics, with debates about sovereignty, trade, and immigration dominating discussions. Understanding these political changes can help you engage in informed conversations about the country's future.

9. Consider the Global Perspective

Brexit has changed the UK's relationships with other countries. Learn how the UK's role on the global stage has evolved and what it means for international cooperation, trade, and diplomacy.

10. Think About Your Future

Brexit may influence your choices, such as studying abroad, career options, or travel plans. Understanding these changes can help you plan for the future with confidence and adapt to the new opportunities and challenges Brexit presents.

Making Sense of Brexit's Complexity

Brexit is a complex topic with far-reaching implications, but breaking it down into key areas makes it easier to understand. Focus on the aspects that are most relevant to you, such as education, travel, or job opportunities, and use reliable resources to deepen your knowledge.

Staying Informed

Brexit is an ongoing process, and new developments may arise. Stay informed by following trusted news outlets, asking questions, and discussing the topic with others. By staying engaged, you can better understand how Brexit continues to shape the UK and your future.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Brexit can feel overwhelming, but it's an important topic that affects many aspects of life in the UK. By learning about its background, key changes, and real-life impacts, you can make sense of this historic event and its implications. Remember, knowledge is power, and staying informed will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of a post-Brexit world with confidence.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.