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| Source: Fridays For Future webpage |
There's been similar youth movements such as March For Our Lives advocating tighter gun control. With the horrific mosque shooting in New Zealand last week (or white supremacist terrorism - whichever way you want to label or frame the story), I wouldn't be surprised if global youth activism on this issue becomes bigger.
It's great that the next generation are mobilizing on matters of global concern. Social science research on life experiences during one's formative years suggests that these teens will be more civic-minded and politically engaged as they grow older. Their longer term impact is less clear. Will they influence their peers (i.e. their generation) which can help shift cultural/political norms. Will their activism help reframe existing debates and generate new ideas to existing problems which resonate with the "adults" right now? As the current youth get older, will their positions shift (or will they become jaded) as they recognize the power of corporate interests, prevailing socio-economic structures, and other national priorities which challenge their position?
