Use the presidential election to teach kids about politics - not partisanship

By Lindsey Cormack

A new generation of voters need to know the basics of government to become informed, engaged citizens

Election years always galvanize political discussion, and all too often the focus is on polling and the horse-race style analysis of the U.S. presidential contest. But this moment can, and should be about more than that. While younger generations see and hear a lot about the political race on social media and from their peers, parents have an opportunity to connect on more than just the presidential race.

U.S. schools are struggling to provide civic education, and many of the fundamentals we assume are being covered are slipping through the cracks for the next generation of voters. Over the past 50 years, a greater emphasis on STEM and standardized tests - and an increased fear from faculty and educators of upsetting overbearing parents - have left many schools at an impasse. Kids have had to learn the basics of how government works through quick social-media soundbites, if at all.

In an increasingly divisive political landscape, negative partisanship, and an "us vs. them" mentality is seemingly encouraging Americans to pick a side - or worse, watch from the sidelines rather than be willing, capable political participants. What is this teaching our children? Negative political talk and divisive rhetoric only fuels that idea that politics is a battleground, not a privilege to take part in for the greater good.

Kids and teens need to see the adults around them engage with and understand our collective politics.

Kids and teens need to see the adults around them engage with and understand our collective politics and government at all levels (national, state, and local). Parents owe it to their kids to teach them how our political system works and model how to engage with politics in ways that go beyond favoritism. Teaching the next generation of voters the basics will ensure that they are informed, engaged, and happier citizens.

Modeling a deeper form of civic know-how for kids isn't hard, but parents need to make an effort - and we need to do it now. Here are a few guidelines:

1. Act as a sounding board: Let your kids know that, if they encounter information or hear something about the election or anything about government power, you're open to talking it through with them. It's unrealistic to leave this work to educators, and we can help by ensuring that the messages kids are receiving are accurate and factual. Show children that you care about these issues and be a willing, and neutral, conversation partner if they have questions. If you don't know the answer - that's okay too. Tell them you don't know and agree to learn things together.

2. Do your homework on local politics: Find out who and what will be on your local and state ballot in November. Vote411.org is a great resource for identifying issues and initiatives that are on the line and will impact you, your family and your community. Talk through these issues with children and teens, to help them understand and visualize how they can create change.

3. Research the candidates: To learn more about local candidates, go directly to the source. Watch or read something created by the candidate to better determine what they stand for. Share and discuss it with children and teens, and help them weigh the pros and cons. Modeling this productive decision-making practice will help them make up their own mind, instead of simply siding with the views of political pundits.

3. Bring your kids to vote with you: Make a voting plan that allows your kids to join you, whether by filling out a mail-in ballot together, going to vote in the early voting window, or strategizing how to vote together on Election Day. If your kids are soon to be of voting age, make sure they are registered to vote. So many new voters don't know they're supposed to register before it's actually time to vote. Helping them navigate this process will ensure they're ready to vote on Election Day.

Doing this work will not only help your kids better understand politics, it will help them better navigate life. By modeling the importance of discussion, and helping children and teens build their political fluency, parents ensure that their children are better positioned to identify and address community issues. Building self-efficacy through knowledge and conversational practice is a way to enhance a child's self-esteem.

When kids and teens understand how our government works, there is less room for predatory, anxiety-inducing content about "government" to take hold. By showing them how to be involved in ongoing political processes, you are teaching them to be more effective and more connected participants in our electoral system.

Lindsey Cormack is an associate professor of political science and director of the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology, and the author of "How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It)," (Jossey-Bass, 2024).

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-Lindsey Cormack

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09-30-24 0755ET

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