Are We on Mute? Youth Speak Out in New UNICEF USA/Harris Survey

Voices of the Future: Young People's Perspectives on Political Inclusion, an online survey conducted by The Harris Poll in May 2024 for UNICEF USA, provides insights on the views of young people between the ages of 14 and 22 on the political process leading up to the 2024 presidential election.

One of the key takeaways? An overwhelming 81 percent of young respondents said they feel that people in positions of power don't really care about what young people have to say. Sophia and Aryan, two UNICEF USA National Youth Council members, shared their thoughts on the survey's findings with UNICEF USA's Tracy Nájera.

For UNICEF USA, it was an amazing experience having members of the National Youth Council serve as advisors for us as we were thinking about what we wanted to learn from this survey. What was the number one survey result that surprised each of you and why?

Sophia: For me, it was the fact that the majority of young people thought their opinion didn’t matter but also thought they could make a difference. I’ve had so many experiences where school administrators, in some cases, don’t listen to students, but at the same time, students won’t stop talking. It’s not at all unique to our generation. The Baby Boomers and other generations also went against the social norms to raise awareness of issues and take action. As long as people still believe they can make a difference even if they aren’t represented, it’s hopeful.

The one statistic I absolutely loved: 'Young people are more hopeful about the future than the present.' — Aryan, UNICEF USA National Youth Council member

Aryan: The one statistic I absolutely loved: “Young people are more hopeful about the future than the present.” Although many of us can be doubtful, due to climate change or economic uncertainties, I think our generation has a lot of hope. I was pleasantly surprised that 28 percent of young people believe society is doing well right now, but 38 percent of young people believe society will do well in the future — a whole 10 percent increase!

I feel like our generation today, once we’re in voting power, we can make a difference and can make decisions that will benefit everyone, especially the future generations to come. Soon we’ll be the ones voting and the ones writing new policies. We'll be different from our predecessors, and we want to make change for the better.

Young people provided critical feedback, and there were also glimmers of hope and reasons to be optimistic. What struck you as something that presents an opportunity for young people and for society to act on right now? Any final thoughts you’d like to share?

Aryan: It’s important to vote and make voting plans — preferably with friends! My college has a really powerful 100 percent student-led voting initiative. We host monthly information sessions about voter registration and the importance of civic participation. I’m really happy about this, and I wish this initiative would be more common across all schools.

Sophia: When you're voting for local amendments, they will make a greater impact on your day-to-day life — more so than the presidential election. Very rarely are we also doing research on issues like education, housing, social services, etc.

It's important to not just listen to others who agree with you. Speak to people you don't agree with and vote locally and not just in presidential elections. — Sophia, UNICEF USA National Youth Council member

I’d also tell people to listen to both sides, to things you don’t agree with. We should all listen to different arguments to test our assumptions or strengthen positions. It's important to not just listen to others who agree with you. Speak to people you don’t agree with and vote locally and not just in presidential elections.

Read the survey results: