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Understanding Politics: A Guide for Teens
Politics can seem like a complex maze of decisions, people, and places that may feel somewhat detached from daily life. But in reality, politics plays a crucial role in every aspect of your life, from the quality of the roads you use, the schools you attend, right through to the rules about what you can and cannot do in your spare time. Understanding this can not only help you make sense of the news but also give you the knowledge you need to engage and influence the world around you.
What Exactly is Politics?
At its core, politics is about governing or leading a group of people. It involves making decisions that apply to members of a community, city, country, or even global regions. These decisions can relate to laws, policies, economic systems, and public services among other areas. Essentially, it's the process of making decisions that are binding on the public.
Politics is often discussed in terms of the activities of governments, political parties, politicians, and voters. It's the method and process of government which includes debates, legislative processes, and all the campaigning that comes before elections. However, politics extends beyond just politicians and governments; it also includes the actions and influences of many organisations and individuals in society.
How Does Politics Affect Young People?
You might think that politics is only an adult's world, but it deeply affects young people. From educational policies, such as curriculum choices and university fees, to laws that affect your freedom, such as voting age or minimum working hours, politics impacts many aspects of your life. Additionally, global political decisions on climate change, digital privacy, and international relations will shape the future world you will inherit.
Issues such as mental health funding, sports and recreational facilities, and transport services that cater specifically to young people are all influenced by political decisions. Your local council, for example, might decide whether to keep a local library open or close it down based on budget allocations a direct result of political decision-making.
Engaging with Politics as a Teenager
Though it might seem intimidating, there are numerous ways you can engage with politics and start to influence decisions that affect you:
- Education: Start by understanding the basics of your country's political system. Knowing how decisions are made helps you understand where and how to apply influence.
- Follow the News: Keeping track of current events helps you stay informed about what's happening in the world of politics. Regularly reading news sources, watching debates, and following politicians on social media can provide insights into their policies and beliefs.
- Join Youth Groups: Many political parties and organisations have youth wings. These groups often campaign on issues specifically affecting young people and can be a gateway to more significant political involvement.
- Volunteer: Volunteering for a cause or a political campaign can give you first-hand experience of the political process and can be an excellent opportunity to meet people who share your interests.
- Use Your Voice: Social media platforms can be powerful tools for voicing your opinions and rallying support around issues that matter to you. Writing a blog, tweeting, or even speaking at local events can help draw attention to your causes.
Dealing with Political Information Overload
In today's digital age, the sheer volume of information available can be overwhelming. Here's how you can manage this and continue to stay informed without burning out:
- Curate Your Sources: Not all information is created equal. Look for reliable news sources that represent various perspectives to develop a well-rounded view.
- Schedule Information Intake: Limit the time you spend absorbing news each day. Being constantly connected can make you feel anxious or depressed.
- Engage in Discussion: Talk about what you've learned with friends or family. This can help deepen your understanding and make learning about politics more enjoyable.
- React Constructively: When you disagree with something, think about constructive ways to express your opinion or get involved to make a change. Anger without action is fruitless.
Conclusion
Politics is more than just politicians and elections; it is about the management and direction of our society. As a young person, the decisions made by politicians today will shape your tomorrow. By understanding and engaging with politics, you can help mould the society you want to live in. The future is not just something that happens; it's something you can help create.
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.
