While young people have been key players in social and political movements for centuries, digital media have changed the landscape of tweens’ and teens’ activism and civic involvement, especially in the midst of the pandemic. On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development convened an interdisciplinary panel of experts for “Young Voices Online: An Exploration of Teens’ and Tweens’ Civic Engagement,” an “Ask the Experts” webinar. Moderated by the incomparable Dr. Henry Jenkins, Primary Investigator for the Civic Paths Research Group at the University of Southern California, the panel discussed how teens are engaging in civic and social movements both on and offline, how parents and educators can empower young people, and how digital and social media are providing key points of engagement through new technologies and communication strategies.

[2:19] To set the stage, Dr. Henry Jenkins shares stories of famous movements which showcase how youth build capacities for future political lives and the ways in which youth have taken action in their communities for many years. Dr. Jenkins discusses how digital media are changing the landscape of youth civic engagement and participatory politics, and situates the conversation within the context of current political and social issues.

[7:43] Bringing her developmental perspective, Dr. Ellen Middaugh, Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Development in the Connie L. Lurie College of Education at San José State University, shares the keys to supporting young people as they get involved in civic and social issues. She highlights the vast impacts of youth-led movements and elected officials speaking directly to young people, and walks parents, educators, and others through the roots of civic engagement and its developmental process, which involves youth finding their voices, passions, purpose, and community. Dr. Middaugh reminds parents that civic engagement might stem from involvement in communities that are not necessarily obviously civic organizations, such as gaming groups.

[22:16] Kristian Lundberg, Researcher at CIRCLE in the Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University, offers a data-driven reflection on how young people are getting involved today, as well as the many ways young people were more involved than ever in the 2020 election season. Lundberg emphasizes the power of young people’s media content creation; this creativity and influence on what young people are consuming is allowing youth to empower each other to influence lasting, positive change. He also shares a number of ways that youth, even before they are old enough to vote, can safely get involved and move the needle on policies and social movements that matter to them.

[34:20] Before young people can get involved in meaningful ways, they require background knowledge and wisdom to support their efforts. Dr. Ashley Berner, Director of the Institute for Education Policy and Associate Professor in the School of Education at Johns Hopkins University, provides practical tips for parents and educators to support the development of background knowledge of civics, comparative politics, geography, world religions, and more. She encourages parents and educators to build children’s capacities for civic activity by, for example, supporting involvement in student government, speaking with local elected officials, or joining parents in their civic efforts. Most importantly, Dr. Berner implores parents and educators to work hard to help children develop civic tolerance by arguing ideas rather than disparaging individuals.

Joined by Dr. Parissa Ballard [20:30] and Marc Prensky [1:03:10], Dr. Jenkins and the panelists answer several questions from the audience, including inquiries about how to handle negative comments, tips for mindful engagement, leveraging technology to build civic capacity, supporting children of different ages with different resources, and more.

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