As the upcoming election approaches, many teens find themselves deeply affected by the political climate. Even though they many are not be eligible to vote, their awareness and concern about the issues and outcomes are real. Support the teens in your life during this time with these tips:
1. Acknowledge Their Emotions
Teens, like everyone else, often experience a wide range of emotions during an election cycle—anxiety, frustration, excitement, and anger. It’s important to validate these feelings. Acknowledging that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or passionate about political issues lets teens know that their feelings are real, make sense, and are important. Avoid dismissing their concerns, even if they seem intense or based on incomplete or inaccurate information. Instead, encourage open conversations where they can express their thoughts and fears.
2. Provide Reliable Information
The flood of information during an election can be overwhelming and distinguishing between credible sources and misinformation can be challenging, especially for young people. Help teens access reliable news outlets and teach them how to critically evaluate the information they encounter online. Encourage discussions about media literacy, including understanding biases (from both the right and the left) and recognizing fact from opinion. Providing a safe space to explore these topics can empower teens to form their own informed opinions rather than simply echoing the viewpoints of others.
3. Encourage Constructive Engagement
Teens are often eager to get involved, even if they can’t vote yet. Encourage them to participate in ways that feel meaningful to them. This might include volunteering for a campaign, joining youth-led advocacy groups, or engaging in community service related to causes they care about. They can also participate in school debates, write articles, or start a social media campaign to raise awareness among their peers. Constructive engagement helps teens feel that they can make a difference, even if they’re not casting a ballot.
4. Focus on Values, Not Just Politics
Election discussions can quickly become heated, especially when differing opinions clash. Instead of focusing solely on candidates or parties, guide the conversation towards values and issues that matter to your teen. What are their priorities? What kind of world do they want to help create? By framing the discussion around values, you can help teens understand the broader impact of politics and encourage them to think critically about what they stand for.
5. Manage Stress and Encourage Balance
The constant barrage of election news is stressful, especially when your teen is highly invested in the outcome. Encourage teens to take breaks from social media and news outlets when it becomes too much. Balance is key—remind them that it’s okay to step back and focus on other aspects of life, such as hobbies, friendships, and self-care. Maintaining a healthy perspective can help prevent burnout and keep the conversation around politics productive and positive.
6. Be a Role Model for Respectful Dialogue
Teens learn a lot by observing the adults around them. Model respectful dialogue, even when discussing contentious topics. Show how to disagree without being disagreeable, and emphasize the importance of listening to understand rather than just to respond. Your behavior can set a powerful example for how to navigate our often polarized world of politics with grace and empathy.
By supporting teens’ feelings about the upcoming election, you will help them develop a healthy relationship with civic engagement. Ultimately, this support lays the groundwork for them to become informed, thoughtful, and active participants in the democratic process, both now and in the future.
Britt H. Rathbone is a licensed clinical social worker and adolescent mental health expert. He is the director of Capital Youth Services, an adolescent psychotherapy practice serving the DMV. He is the coauthor of What Works with Teens and Parenting a Teen Who Has Intense Emotions. whatworkswithteens.com
