This kind of question shows young people are genuinely interested in having a conversation about politics – which is a positive thing. If you feel comfortable, you can share your view, just as you might with other parts of your life. But there’s no obligation to do so – it’s also completely valid to say you’d prefer not to share. What matters most is how you hold space for young people to think for themselves, reflect on their own ideas, and recognise that political views can shift over time. That’s all part of a healthy democracy.
Social media often sparks great conversations. Rather than shutting them down, use these moments to model curiosity, explore different perspectives, and check the sources together. It's important not to ignore or reinforce misinformation – take the opportunity to unpack it openly and help young people think critically about where information comes from.
As a youth practitioner, you already know how to handle disagreement in your group. Just because it’s a political conversation doesn’t mean the expectations for behaviour are any different. If you’ve already established a code of conduct, now is the time to remind people of it. If not, it’s a good opportunity to introduce clear ground rules to help keep future political discussions respectful, constructive and safe for everyone.
When a young person shares a view that’s difficult or potentially harmful, it’s important not to ignore it – but also not to shut it down immediately. These moments can offer valuable opportunities to pause, ask questions, and explore where the view is coming from. Staying calm and curious helps maintain trust and keeps the conversation going.
At the same time, it’s vital to ensure that the space stays safe and inclusive. If a comment crosses a line or risks making others feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s okay to step in and set a clear boundary. Remind the group that while everyone is encouraged to share their views, those views shouldn’t come at the expense of others' rights, dignity, or wellbeing.
It’s not unusual for young people to feel disconnected from politics – especially if it hasn’t felt relevant to their lives before. Rather than trying to convince them it matters, start with what does matter to them. Whether it’s housing, the environment or something closer to home, helping them make those links is where meaningful engagement begins.
