What do young people want to see in politics? More than 20,000 pieces of their writing hold some answers
- Written by Philippa Collin, Professor, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University
Ahead of the Australian election, candidates, advisers and political parties might be paying attention to what young people think. And if they’re not, they should be.
This election will be the first in which Gen Z and Millennial voters (aged 18–40) will outnumber Baby Boomers[1] (aged 60–79). Many of these young people were in high school during the previous two elections.
While there are concerns about the effectiveness of civics and citizenship education[2], there is also evidence[3] young people are interested in, and active on, many issues.
So what do young people care about most? We analysed thousands of pieces of writing by young Australians to find out.
What matters to young people?
For the past 20 years, young people have been telling us what matters to them as part of the Whitlam Institute’s What Matters?[4] writing competition. Students in years 5–12 can write about whatever they like. Most are directed by their schools to contribute as a part of their civics curriculum. Some opt to enter the competition out of interest.
A unique sample, our analysis[5] of 22,500 entries from 2019 to 2024 provides insight into the issues that resonate most with this generation.
We identified common themes: society and democracy, mental health, environment and climate change, intergenerational justice and (social) media.
1. Society and democracy
We found young people were actively grappling with complex and diverse issues in an increasingly fragmented political landscape. They are also concerned about anti-democratic forces.
They reflect on what makes this moment exceptional – climate change, war and violence, rapid technological change – and consider actions needed from individuals, communities and institutions for them to have a future.
Our research shows young people prioritise care in local and global futures, valuing peer support, family, intergenerational ties, and connections across communities and borders. The most common topic was family, followed by pollution, racism and poverty.
An ethics of care shapes their sense of belonging and responsibility – and the responsibilities of government. As a senior student wrote in 2022:
Children are being abused, or watching one of their parents be abused countless times. The Government needs to step up and do their job properly by using more effective ways of helping children and their parents get out of unsafe environments.
Our sentiment analysis shows that they write with hope – and frequently with anxiety and fear.
2. Mental health
Many young people write about “health”, including physical health and the health of communities and natural environments. Most often, though, they write about mental health and the causes of worry, distress and illness.
Young people want governments and leaders to tackle the causes of the causes of ill-health[6]. In other words, they want action on what creates the drivers of ill-health, including climate change, inequality and loneliness.
For policymakers and advocates, this means recognising mental health as deeply connected to broader social and political issues – issues young people believe governments must address if they are serious about improving wellbeing.
3. Environment and climate change
Environmental issues, particularly climate change, were dominant themes — more so than in previous years[7]. Students write about their relationship to the environment and the benefits of connecting to nature.
Some are calling out extractive relationships with the environment, particularly by large corporations. They demand urgent action from individuals and institutions, advocating for policies that prioritise future generations and the planet.
A senior student wrote in 2019:
our future is under threat because of climate change […] it is our generation’s future that is on the line, yet we continue to be unheard.
4. Intergenerational justice
Young people see intergenerational justice and social justice as interconnected, demanding climate action, economic opportunity and democratic participation. Their concerns reflect a commitment to human rights including refugee rights, gender equality and Indigenous justice.
Their writing shows awareness of Australia’s role in the world. Many discuss global conflicts and the responsibilities of nations in promoting peace and security. They want to contribute to efforts to address these issues.
Young people want to trust and have more of a role in Australian democracy. They want those in power, and the institutions and agencies over which they preside, to be more transparent, to communicate regularly and honestly, and to show how they are taking action for a better future for all generations.
Key areas where young people want greater accountability are in government, the media and business. Twelve-year-old Ivy said in an interview:
young children should have a direct voice to parliament […] adults would take us more seriously instead of just viewing us as just kids. If issues affect kids right now or this generation, they should have a say about that to parliament.
Young people want their activism and efforts recognised and supported. They hope for a democracy in which they’re not just heard, but are actively engaged by leaders, with a direct voice in government (at all levels) and institutions.
5. (Social) media
Young people highlight social media’s pros and cons, calling for strategies that better engage with them to reduce harm and maximise benefits.
They stress the need for digital literacy to navigate online information critically, and they want online environments to be supportive and safe.
Young people are concerned about how they are represented in the media generally. They argue that inclusive and accurate portrayals are key to having their voices heard and respected – crucial for meaningful civic participation.
Candidates on notice
Young people are not just future constituents – they are voting at the next election.
The young people whose writing we analysed have formed civic and political values during a turbulent time in Australian and world history: catastrophic bushfires and floods, a climate crisis, a pandemic, and digital technologies that are changing our lives.
They reject the idea they are too young to understand issues, and instead want a participatory democracy in which their voices influence real decisions. Indeed, the public[10] has shown a desire to let young people have more of a say.
Our analysis tells us many of this year’s 18–24-year-old voters are informed, engaged and ready to hold leaders accountable. They want action on climate, mental health, economic justice and democratic accountability. They’re tired of being ignored and sidelined.
The authors would like to acknowledge research assistant Ammar Shoukat Randhawa for their work on the research this article reports.
References
- ^ will outnumber Baby Boomers (www.abc.net.au)
- ^ the effectiveness of civics and citizenship education (theconversation.com)
- ^ there is also evidence (www.whitlam.org)
- ^ What Matters? (www.whitlam.org)
- ^ our analysis (www.whitlam.org)
- ^ the causes of the causes of ill-health (theconversation.com)
- ^ more so than in previous years (www.whitlam.org)
- ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
- ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
- ^ the public (theconversation.com)
