How to talk about politics and social issues in schools

Politics has a direct impact on the world around us, including education and students’ future pathways. And yet, many teachers are hesitant to discuss politics in the classroom.

For example, in the UK, only 1% of teachers reported feeling prepared to teach politics, despite 72% of parents agreeing that it’s important for children to be politically literate. Yet one expert went as far as to say that not providing the tools for political literacy actually weakens democracy because it can affect the number of students who vote in elections.

In the age of social media and misinformation, it’s never been more important to inform students about the political landscape and help them recognise credible, trustworthy political news and sources. It’s also essential that young people learn to engage with politics, debate contentious issues, respect alternative positions, and understand the political systems that will govern their lives.

With US presidential elections on the horizon, and the aftermath of key elections across Europe this summer, now is a good moment for educators to look at how they can bring politics to the classroom.

Ask students to share a news story with the class

Getting students engaged with politics can start with an activity as simple as asking them to bring a news story to school. The task encourages students to read news publications and allows for a greater scope of discussion because different stories will catch different students’ attention.

You could set specifications for the type of news source students can use – for instance, that it has to be from a national paper. You could also mention other requirements like that the story has to be published within the past week, and has to focus on a particular theme, such as hospital funding or women in work. You could always choose a topic that doesn’t immediately seem political (e.g. fashion) and ask students to consider how politics are still at play (e.g. how sustainability laws are changing the production of clothes).

Each student then has 10 minutes to present their chosen news story to the class concentrating on:

• A brief summary of the news story. What’s happening? Who does it involve? What are the repercussions?
• Why they selected that story. What makes it interesting? Why would the general public want to know about the story?
• What is the political leaning/motivation of the news source to report that story? What potential bias is at play?
• Is there any sensational language in the story? Are there concrete facts in the story? How can the student tell the difference?
• What could alternative perspectives of the story be? Where would these narratives be shared (i.e. in the same news source or somewhere else?)

Students finding and selecting news stories provides a real-world relevance to their understanding of politics. It connects your classroom chat to political events and movements, and shows students just how much politics permeates their everyday life.

Hold debates on political topics where students represent both sides

Students should develop awareness, confidence and empathy in politics. Debates are a healthy way of building these skills. And especially for more controversial topics, debates teach students to express their ideas clearly and calmly.

Give students a prompt for a debate, for instance, ‘Should the voting age be lowered to 16?’. Assign students to defend the position of ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Then allow students to present their arguments and respond to critics from the other side.

Students will have to carry out in-depth research before the debate, evaluating arguments for and against, assessing evidence, and identifying biases. And, because some students will have to advocate for a side they may not agree with, it’s good practice in being tolerant and understanding diverse viewpoints.

The real-time nature of a debate promotes active political engagement among students, which means outside school, they may be more likely to get involved in politics. Debates in a respectful environment can help them to learn the skills they need to become ambassadors for issues they feel passionately about.

Look at past political events and compare them with current day events

Tie history and politics together and ask students if they can see any similarities between historical events and the present day. You could ask your class if history repeats itself or if there are noticeable political shifts that distinguish now from then.

For example, you could compare the US Civil Rights movement in the 1960s to the Black Lives Matter movement today. Give students information on the context, goals, challenges, and outcomes of each. Then, divide the class into small groups where they analyse documents and accounts of the public response, media coverage, government action, and social impact of the two movements. Next, have these groups deliver their findings back to the class, focusing on conversation points like:

1. Have political attitudes towards the events changed?
2. Have any lessons been learned from the past? If yes, how have they been applied?
3. Do students think future political events could mirror these two events?

Bring in representatives from social organisations

Teachers don’t have to handle the responsibility of discussing politics with young people alone. Invite representatives from NGOs, charities and advocacies to speak to your class. These groups have firsthand insights into political issues and how to implement positive change in the world of politics.

Target reputable organisations that are non-partisan, and have had proven success with their mission (whether directly political or not). For example, organisations like Doctors Without Borders, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, UN Women, and The Trevor Project. It’s also worthwhile reaching out to organisations that are working on local issues in your school neighbourhood.

Ask the class to research the organisation and prepare questions before the event. Encourage students to ask questions that are relevant to the current political climate (e.g. for the Trevor Project ‘what action should governments be taking to better protect trans children in schools?’). After the talk, be sure to check in with students about their impressions of the organisation and its work, and why these types of groups are needed as part of the wider political system.

Watch content from political influencers together

Studies show that the majority of students use social media for political awareness and information. In fact, some young people say that they trust influencers more than politicians to tell them the truth. So, sharing content from political influencers and figures on social media can be an effective way to engage your students.

Try to choose people who have balanced, educational content that has been fact-checked by either the platform, experts or another trusted method. Some useful examples are:

• Hank Green, who offers educational video on US government and politics
• Kid President, who discusses social issues and inspires young people to make a difference in the world
• Emma González, who is a survivor of the Parkland shooting and co-founder of March For Our Lives
• Greta Thunberg, who is a prominent environmental activist known for her emotive speeches and protests

When showing your class content from influencers, you can explain who the person is and why they’re an authority to speak about politics. Whilst watching content, pause to clarify points, and encourage students to ask questions or respond to points that have been made. Don’t forget to ask students how the subject matters relate to their own experiences.

At the same time, look at influencers’ content critically. Are there any viewpoints that aren’t being considered? How would a counter-influencer respond to the content? This exercise helps develop students’ digital media literacy and teaches them to be cautious about consuming content without scrutiny.

Talking to the politicians of the future

Teaching students about politics and social issues in school is just as essential as science or mathematics. Students who are more informed about politics are not only better equipped to navigate life, they are more likely to be politically-driven and push changes that improve life for millions in the future.

Further reading

To help shape more budding politicians and activists in your classroom, read 5 ways to foster global citizenship in your classroom and How to build strong school community at the primary level.