As the nation grapples with heightened political tensions, experts warn that the impact extends far beyond the voting booth, reaching the hearts and minds of the youngest members of our society. Children and teenagers, often seen as passive observers, are in fact deeply affected by the divisive rhetoric and charged debates that have become the norm in today's political climate.

Guiding the Next Generation Through Uncertain Times

Uncovering the Emotional Toll on Youth

Researchers at the University of Vermont are taking a closer look at the potential connection between political polarization and its impact on youth mental health. Dr. Steven Schlozman, the chief of child psychiatry at UVM Children's Hospital, notes that while data on the specific effects on children is scarce, the suspicion is that they are absorbing much of the same anxiety and stress experienced by adults. "We certainly have a very high suspicion that kids feel anxious about the election," Schlozman affirms.The UVM team, which includes political science professor Ellen Andersen, plans to delve into national data on youth mental health in areas with deep political divisions, seeking to uncover any potential correlations. Their research will leverage the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a nationwide initiative that will follow approximately 10,000 children from ages 9 to 10 through their adolescence and into young adulthood.

The Impact of Legislative Actions on Vulnerable Youth

Schlozman highlights the direct impact that legislative actions can have on certain children, particularly those who identify with minority gender orientations. "These kids are feeling that distress more directly and that makes sense because those laws actually literally affect them," he explains. Even if a child or their family does not support a particular side of the debate, the mere existence of such divisive legislation can be a source of significant stress and anxiety.

Recognizing the Signs of Political Stress in Children

Parents can be on the lookout for common indicators that a child may be struggling with politics-related stress or election anxiety. Schlozman advises monitoring changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and social withdrawal as potential red flags. By being attuned to these behavioral shifts, parents can take proactive steps to support their children's emotional well-being during these turbulent times.

Fostering Civil Discourse and Empathy

At the UVM Department of Political Science, the term "political sectarianism" is a frequent topic of discussion. This phenomenon describes the deepening division in society where political allegiances become so intense that opposing groups are viewed as morally corrupt or fundamentally flawed. "You make the other side into an 'other', and then you associate that othering with inequity or shame. In other words, people who don't agree with you ought to be shamed," Schlozman explains. "Once you've done that, you cut off communication. It's nearly impossible to have a debate or any kind of civil interaction because you've decided that the person you're talking to is so different from you that there can be no common area."Schlozman offers advice for parents whose children exhibit signs of engaging in political sectarianism. "Any time they start talking about someone with whom they don't agree as being less than them, you want to step in, not in a scolding way but in a thoughtful way and say 'wait, let's try to put our feet in the other person's shoes,'" he suggests. "You want to understand how they got there and that creates empathy."

Empowering Youth Engagement in the Political Process

Schlozman emphasizes the importance of empowering children to engage in the political sphere, even if they are not yet old enough to vote. "Teenagers want to debate, they're coming of age, they're figuring out what they think about the world and the way to get there is by having a debate," he says. "If we can't engage around these issues in a civil way, that's a terrible lesson to show kids."Parents can support their children's political involvement by maintaining a calm and measured approach when discussing these topics. Schlozman advises reserving strong emotional responses for settings without children present, as children are more likely to absorb the emotional tone rather than engage in a constructive dialogue. Instead, he suggests explaining family values to children, fostering a sense of agency and understanding.

Building a Support Network for Overwhelmed Parents

Recognizing the toll that political stress can take on parents, Schlozman encourages them to turn to their support networks for assistance. "Maintaining a sense of control is essential for effective parenting," he says, "and that means relying on partners, spouses, friends, and neighbors to help manage the anxiety and create a more stable environment for their children during these challenging times."By fostering open communication, empathy, and a sense of civic engagement, parents can help guide their children through the turbulent political landscape, empowering them to become informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens of the future.