Children in the election campaign: Why their voices often remain unheard of!

Children in the election campaign: Why their voices often remain unheard of!

As part of the election campaign, the perspective of children and adolescents is often neglected. This was particularly clear in an interview that Bremen-Vier children's reporter Thole led with political scientist Andreas Klee. Klee, professor at the University of Bremen and Director of the Center for Labor and Politics, dealt with the democracy formation and the political participation of children in detail.

political relevance for children

thole stated that politicians often enact laws in the interests of older people and left children and young people outside. Klee confirmed that the lack of eligibility of children leads to their interests being less attention. Political agendas are often aimed at people entitled to vote, which restricts the visibility of child interests.

Another topic was the role of children and adolescents in the Fridays-for-Future demonstrations, which in the past put the topic of climate protection in the foreground. Klee noticed that despite this attention, climate issues are currently less politically relevant. The Ukraine conflict and the associated rising energy prices are currently primary issues that distract the public attention of climate issues.

Thole also asked how children can get politically committed. Klee recommended that you get involved in the neighborhood or in organizations that deal with environmental issues. He made it clear that change takes time and that small, sustainable steps are important. Klee encouraged to become active and become part of groups to influence together.

Further information on the political participation of children and the promotion of democracy education can be found in a document of the Bundestag that describes detailed programs and goals in this area. Among other things, these programs aim to strengthen the participation of children and adolescents and to take their perspectives into account in political decisions, as well as in the Bundesag.de is explained.