6.4 Common Challenges – Fear of saying the wrong thing

Starting political conversations with young people is incredibly valuable – but it isn’t always straightforward. The next few sections outline some common challenges that can come up, and how to respond in a way that keeps the space safe, inclusive and constructive.

Fear of saying the wrong thing – for both you and them
It’s okay not to have all the answers. Politics is complicated, and none of us can know everything. Admitting when you don’t know something can be a powerful model for young people – it shows honesty, humility, and a willingness to learn.

If a tricky question comes up, explore it together. Use it as an opportunity to research, dig deeper, and invite discussion. This helps build confidence in learning how to navigate political ideas, rather than feeling pressure to get everything right. 

E.g. That’s a really good question – I’m not sure of the answer, but let’s look it up together and see what we can find.