How Political Choices Shape Youth: The Importance of Early Engagement

In the United States, a significant portion of the populace is affected by political choices yet lacks voting rights. In 2023, out of 334.9 million residents, around 72.8 million were children aged 0-17, including approximately 7.5 million in Texas alone. Despite being ineligible to vote, these young individuals are influenced by decisions related to healthcare, education, and environmental policies. Many advocate early political exposure for children. Tracie Jae shares her daughters’ engagement with social issues from a young age, while educator PN Kells describes how her sons have participated in activism from infancy, reinforcing their commitment to social justice. Tracy Bean, a Galena Park educator, emphasizes the importance of sending at-risk students to the State Capitol for political exposure, which broadens their aspirations and encourages civic engagement. However, Joy Goodgine argues that instilling strong morals and empathy before introducing politics may be more effective for genuine political interest as they mature.