By: Katie Nelson, Katya Littfin, and Nelson Kramer

Center, Local, and Humor Editors

Most high school students are not politically educated. The majority of us can’t vote, so why would we need to be? The simple answer is that students need political education to navigate a divided and confusing political climate, inform their beliefs, and prepare for their role in democracy. The current political environment of this country remains complex and divided. Numerous issues, ranging from the environment to human rights, deeply polarize society. Those with both political power and influence exploit complicated topics on social media that need careful research, making it hard for anyone to differentiate fact from fiction. Above all else, politics has become a combative space, and it is often discouraging for many to initiate a conversation about it. Even though many high school students cannot vote yet, current political topics we hear about influence their future. Therefore, students should educate themselves on the politics of this country because it affects their education, future opportunities, and rights. Political understanding is no longer an option for students but a responsibility. Students must increase their awareness of political matters, as this not only allows them to form their own opinions and determine where their morals lie but also fundamentally shapes our future democracy. 

Students may feel as though they cannot contribute to politics because of their inability to vote, yet they still have a responsibility and the capability to make a difference. Politics may seem like a taboo and irrelevant subject to many students, but the impact of political decisions on young people’s everyday lives is more than they realize. Many laws and controversial issues directly impact students, including  climate change, abortion, Affirmative Action, and legacy admissions for college applicants. Even if students cannot directly participate and have a voice in the vote, knowing what is on the table is crucial for students to further understand the world around them and to make future decisions. US History teacher Tyler McGlashan argues that, when it comes to politics, “kids have the most at stake because you guys are going to be here the longest.” McGlashan described the direct political impact students had on the Los Gatos campus, stating, “I had a student, [Sam Ross], run for Congress from my classroom. He got on the ballot. He got 800 votes here.” Though running for Congress may feel like a distant achievement for many students, McGlashan outlined other smaller actions students can take to be politically involved: “Several times on this campus we had big rallies when there was a school shooting. There were about 600 kids out there, all holding up signs and everything…I’ve also seen students set up registering to vote tables.” Though politics can seem somewhat intimidating, there are many ways students can get involved. 

However, students must be politically educated before taking action. Going beyond surface-level information encourages independent thought which is critical in promoting change. LGHS AP Government and Ethnic Studies teacher Christie Pacheco addressed the concept of knowledge fallacy  and promoted digging deeper and fact-checking candidates: “I’m always questioning ‘Where’s this coming from, or what’s the motivation?’ And I think that’s really important because I don’t think you should really believe everything a politician says, regardless of if they’re Democrat or Republican.” Unbiased media is essential when it comes to students staying politically informed. By engaging with news outlets, reading articles on current topics, and following reliable sources, students can stay updated on critical issues that affect the entire country, including themselves. These actions play a pivotal role in helping students develop their own informed opinions. Websites such as Open Secrets, which looks at where funding for candidates is coming from; On The Issues, which looks at the voting record of candidates; Snopes, a fact-checking and reference source; and neutral news sites like the British Broadcasting Corporation ( BBC) are great resources that can help students find reliable information and encourage independent thinking. “The extra research is long and painstaking, but I especially think that if you’re going to vote, you have to do these things right. You have to be an informed voter,” Pacheco explained. Research creates a healthier environment to discuss politics by allowing for a mutual sense of awareness. Pacheco emphasized the need for students to remove themselves from their ideological bubbles and become more open-minded to achieve civil political discourse. She believes discussion is much easier when you recognize the reasoning behind other people’s opinions. The only way America will become less politically polarized is if people are more educated on both sides of the issue and have a destigmatized view on political discussion.

Social media also offers a platform where students can express and stand up for what they believe in. Pacheco noted, “In a democracy, the whole point is for people to be engaged, and if you’re not engaged, it doesn’t work. So democracy will not continue if we don’t push ourselves out of our comfort zones and try to talk to people about issues that are difficult.” However, users should regard social media with caution because of the prevalence of inaccurate information. McGlashan stated, “I am very worried about what social media is doing to our politics.” McGlashan believes that misinformation spread by social media can cause a plethora of misconceptions about many voting and social issues. 

Aside from media misinformation, students can find it difficult to construct their own opinions on political issues because of closer spheres of influence. The behavior of parents, teachers, and peers may sway students’ beliefs and willingness to participate in political discourse and education. Teachers should encourage students to participate in political conversations both in and outside of the classroom, especially if it is relative to the curriculum, particularly in English and History classes. Teachers should set an example for students by not belittling them for stating opinions contrary to their own and give positive feedback when students discuss opposing opinions. Similarly, parents should encourage their children to develop their own opinions while guiding them to ensure they’re not misled. McGlashan confirmed that high school is “a perfect place for students to bounce their ideas off of other kids, off their teachers, and start talking to their parents about their political beliefs.”

Political education is critical to all Americans, not only those who can vote. We all influence each other, making the creation of environments that promote healthy political discussion key. We as young adults must see the necessity of finding information from resources beyond what is easily accessible through social media or parents. By doing so, we achieve an in-depth understanding of the policies that will shape their lives in the future and develop good habits for finding news. Teachers, parents, and peers should encourage using multiple, reliable resources that provide insightful data, as well as healthy political discussions, to promote activism for students in our high school. While involvement in politics may seem overwhelming, believing that the problems are too large to fix and stepping away from the entire topic is the wrong approach. Participation is essential to promote change. Pacheco concluded, “Even though you can’t fix these systemic problems on a large scale, [you can ask] ‘what are the small things I can do in my community?’ Vote. Show up. That’s what I would say.”