Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I get to decide because I’m the adult”? I certainly have. The truth is, as adults, we have all used power over the youth in our lives to get them to behave how we expect. When we exert power over youth to force compliance it is actually a form of oppression called ‘adultism’.

There are many examples of how our society disenfranchises youth including youth having limited voice or rights in our political process and youth needing parental consent to access health care and other services. There are many ways and settings in which youth are viewed and treated as ‘less-than’ adults or where their voices, opinions, and feelings are dismissed or discounted.

Is there a better way?

One of the best and easiest ways we can address our own adultism and prioritize youth voice and agency is by checking and asking them how they feel or think. Too often we assume that what we think is also what the youth in our lives want – but often we don’t stop to find out. This practice also helps youth develop bodily autonomy and better understand the concepts of boundaries and consent. Wherever you interact with youth – at home, work or out in the community, you can pause and ask questions of the youth in your life: How do you feel about this? What do you think about this? When working with youth, we can offer them the respect we would show another adult by prioritizing youth schedules, valuing their time and acting on their input.

Today, I challenge you to think about the youth in your life and ask: Where can I listen and welcome youth leadership and agency?

If you want to dig into the topic of adultism more, take a listen to this Pivot towards promising futures podcast eispode with Amy Torchia, Children’s Advocacy Coordinator for the Vermont Network, to hear her talk more about how ‘Adultism’ shows up in the movement to end violence and how we can all be more aware of it to interrupt these habits!

While we are speaking about supporting youth, I am also so excited to announce to you that we have a NEW webpage designed just for youth with both local and national resouces for youth who are experiencing violence or need support. Please check it out and let us know what you think!

In Community,

Lizzy Lyons

Children’s Advocacy Coordinator

She/Her