Youngsters born since 2010 — Era Alpha — are aware of the potential impression of the upcoming presidential election, and they’re forming their very own opinions about what points the following U.S. president ought to sort out, in line with this yr’s Junior Voices survey from The Week Junior and YouGov.
The Week Junior’s annual survey of almost 800 American youngsters ages 8-14 discovered that about two-thirds discuss in regards to the subsequent president at the least as soon as every week, and greater than 3 in 4 consider the end result will at the least considerably have an effect on their household’s every day life. In addition they have opinions about which points ought to take prime precedence. When requested to decide on as much as three important duties for the following president, their prime concern was addressing inflation and lowering the price of items, chosen by 39% of respondents. Defending the rights of individuals of various races, genders, and backgrounds was a prime precedence for 36%, whereas 35% mentioned guaranteeing everybody has entry to healthcare was a prime problem. Making certain everybody had entry to a very good schooling was probably the most urgent problem for 35%.
Gen Alpha children are paying “shut consideration to the upcoming election,” mentioned Andrea Barbalich, Editor-In-Chief of The Week Junior. Youngsters are “following the information protection and speaking in regards to the candidates” and forming “their very own beliefs about what the highest priorities of the following president must be.” Their worries about how the election’s final result will have an effect on their households “got here by loud and clear,” as did “their concern for others,” she mentioned. They need a say and “want adults listened to them extra.” Speaking to them in regards to the points on the poll is a “nice strategy to interact with them and listen to their opinions.”
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The election is on the forefront of American children’ minds. Most youngsters are speaking about who the following president shall be, with 67% doing it at the least as soon as every week, 16% speaking about it every day, and 36% saying as soon as each few days. Solely 11% mentioned they do not discuss it in any respect. Almost 80% mentioned they know which candidate their mother and father assist. The bulk consider the end result will have an effect on their household’s every day life, with 34% believing it’s going to by lots and 44% saying it’s going to have an effect on their household considerably. Solely 7% assume it will not have an effect on their household’s every day life. Although they aren’t sufficiently old to vote, many plan to get entangled on this yr’s election actions. together with by watching the outcomes on election night time (41%), studying, watching, or listening to information protection (39%), speaking to household about who they’re voting for (38%) and accompanying their mother and father after they vote (28%).
If America selected them to be president, 20% mentioned they’d first tackle inflation and decrease prices. One other 15% mentioned they’d shield the civil rights of individuals from various races, genders, and backgrounds, 13% would remedy meals insecurity, and 10% would guarantee common entry to healthcare. Relating to who they envision within the Oval Workplace, 30% mentioned honesty was an important high quality, whereas 18% mentioned intelligence, 11% equity, and 10% being hardworking. For 72% % of them, it is crucial {that a} girl grow to be U.S. president inside their lifetime, with 38% saying it is extraordinarily vital.
Youngsters are staying knowledgeable and wish their views in regards to the election and associated points to be heard. A staggering 89% of children consider they need to have a say on points that have an effect on them, and 88% want adults listened to children extra. In addition they have overwhelming confidence of their skill to alter the world, with 76% believing they’ll make a distinction now.
YouGov surveyed 799 youngsters between ages 8 and 14 from Aug. 27 to Sept. 12, 2024. The survey was carried out on-line. The figures have been weighted and characterize all U.S. youngsters between the ages of 8 and 14.
