essay on power of youth

Why we should pay attention to the power of youth

Adjunct Professor, Child & Youth Studies, Brock University

Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Bishop's University

Professor, Brock University

Disclosure statement

Heather L. Ramey receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. She is co-Director of Research for the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement and a Professor in the School of Social and Community Services at Humber.

Heather Lawford receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. She is co-Director of Research for the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement.

Linda Rose-Krasnor receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canadian Safety and Security Program. She is a professor of Psychology at Brock University. She is also associated with the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement.

Brock University and Universitié Bishop’s provide funding as members of The Conversation CA-FR.

Brock University and Bishop's University provide funding as members of The Conversation CA.

View all partners

Youth turnout in the recent United States midterm elections was the highest it has been in 25 years . The midterms also saw the average age of congressional representatives go down by 10 years .

Likewise, in the 2015 Canadian federal election, 58 per cent of newly eligible voters turned out to vote, an increase of almost 18 per cent over the 2011 election .

There have been similar increases in voting among 18- to 24-year-olds in provincial elections . Dramatic wins in 2015 for the NDP in Alberta and British Columbia can be attributed in part to youth voting, because younger voters lean progressive.

Young voters in Canada have shown up for parties focused on issues that are important to their generation, in particular climate change, diversity, equality and the regulatory role of government .

Youth movements, in fact, are playing a role in voter turnout. The U.S. March for our Lives movement aims to end gun violence. The movement’s protests in March of this year attracted an estimated two million youth , and extended into the Vote for Our Lives campaign.

Vote for our Lives began by registering thousands of youth voters at the March for Our Lives protests, and carried the momentum into the midterms, likely playing a part in the youth voting surge.

‘Maple Spring’

There have been many other notable youth movements in North America. The 2012 Québec “Maple Spring” student movement, ignited by a provincial government decision to hike tuition, was at the time described as among the largest youth movements in North America since the 1960s .

An Ontario youth protest against changes to the sex education curriculum in 2018 drew tens of thousands of youth. Indigenous youth protests across North America have focused on topics such as pipelines , clean water and unjust deaths .

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) gives children and youth the right to participate in decision-making in matters that affect them, including in political and community contexts.

More than this, the UN convention gives them the right to informed decision-making, which means that adults are legally obligated to educate youth. This includes, for example, laws and requirements about school rules, health care and education. Adults must explain these issues, consult with youth and take their views into account.

The UNCRC was signed by all United Nations member states, including the U.S., although the U.S. stands alone in failing to ratify it .

Even without the UNCRC, democracy requires considering the views of all citizens. Citizens have rights and obligations, including voting and service; young voters should not be excluded.

Cultural critic Henry Giroux , who writes extensively on education and politics, has defined citizens as people with the “ capacity not only to understand and engage the world but to transform it when necessary, and to believe that he or she can do that .” That means we need youth to participate even before they’re old enough to vote.

The huge benefits of youth engagement

In our own research with the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement, we have found widespread benefits from youth’s civic engagement and advocacy. Young people gain new skills when they become engaged politically, and they learn to take on greater responsibility. They also learn more about who they are and what they value in life . They gain a sense of their unique abilities to make a difference .

If they participate when they are young, they are also more likely to participate later on . Adults also benefit by learning from youth , and society benefits from the new ideas and the fresh perspective of young people, as well as from their future participation .

Is this enough to make policy-makers, politicians and broader society pay attention to young people? It should be, but there are also strategic political reasons to pay attention to youth.

Youth make up a substantial proportion of the voting populations. In Canada, millennials will soon be the largest age cohort within the electorate . Many young people who are not old enough to vote are still active in protests and advocacy.

Can influence election outcomes

Youth have the potential to significantly impact the outcome of elections. Strategies that encourage their participation can help further their influence. Youth should be consulted during the development of party platforms, and advise politicians on strategies that will reach their peers.

Youth advisory councils for political candidates would also help make campaigns more engaging to youth. Barriers to youth participation should also be addressed. Like adults, youth report lack of time as their No. 1 reason for not voting . Unlike adults, however, their second most common reason for failing to cast a ballot is a lack of information about the candidates and issues, perhaps because they get information primarily from social media.

What does it all mean?

Young people want information as elections loom. Given that social media use is almost universal for this age group , there is an opportunity to responsibly share information through their preferred social media and networks.

We might also explore innovative ways to capitalize on their leadership in drawing other citizens into the political process . For example, Vote for Our Lives organizers created a T-shirt with a QR code that allows people to register to vote by just scanning the code with their phone .

Youth have the right, the skills and the numbers to “make a difference” in government and society. Decision-makers would be wise to meaningfully engage with young people and acknowledge the importance of their voices, energy and vision to a healthy democracy.

• Voter turnout
• Youth voters
• March for Our Lives
• 2022 US midterm elections

Editorial Internship

Manager, Enterprise Applications

Integrated Management of Invasive Pampas Grass for Enhanced Land Rehabilitation

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services)

• Cette page n'est pas disponible en Français

The Power of Youth

Young people were hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis, and the current cost of living crisis is exacerbating the pressure on youth. Investing in skills, education, quality jobs and mental health will help young people rejuvenate their educational and career prospects. Is this enough to empower them to face the future with confidence? What do the youth think about the current situation? Giving them a voice in shaping policies is key to helping them bounce back and thrive.

Additional tags

• Youth employment and social policies
• Youth empowerment and intergenerational justice

Young people hold the key to creating a better future

Image:  Fateme Alaie/Unsplash

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} Klaus Schwab

.chakra .wef-9dduvl{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-9dduvl{font-size:1.125rem;}} Explore and monitor how .chakra .wef-15eoq1r{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;color:#F7DB5E;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-15eoq1r{font-size:1.125rem;}} Youth Perspectives is affecting economies, industries and global issues

.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;color:#2846F8;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{font-size:1.125rem;}} Get involved with our crowdsourced digital platform to deliver impact at scale

Stay up to date:, youth perspectives.

Listen to the article

• Young people are the most affected by the crises facing our world.
• They are also the ones with the most innovative ideas and energy to build a better society for tomorrow.
• Read the report "Davos Labs: Youth Recovery Plan" here .

Young people today are coming to age in a world beset by crises. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic devastated lives and livelihoods around the world, the socio-economic systems of the past had put the liveability of the planet at risk and eroded the pathway to healthy, happy, fulfilled lives for too many.

The same prosperity that enabled global progress and democracy after the Second World War is now creating the inequality, social discord and climate change we see today — along with a widening generational wealth gap and youth debt burden, too. For Millennials, the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession resulted in significant unemployment, huge student debt and a lack of meaningful jobs. Now, for Generation Z, COVID-19 has caused school shutdowns, worsening unemployment, and mass protests.

Young people are right to be deeply concerned and angry, seeing these challenges as a betrayal of their future.

But we can’t let these converging crises stifle us. We must remain optimistic – and we must act.

The next generation are the most important and most affected stakeholders when talking about our global future – and we owe them more than this. The year 2021 is the time to start thinking and acting long-term to make intergenerational parity the norm and to design a society, economy and international community that cares for all people.

Young people are also the best placed to lead this transformation. In the past 10 years of working with the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, a network of people between the ages of 20 and 30 working to address problems in more than 450 cities around the world, I’ve seen first-hand that they are the ones with the most innovative ideas and energy to build a better society for tomorrow.

Over the past year, Global Shapers organized dialogues on the most pressing issues facing society, government and business in 146 cities, reaching an audience of more than 2 million. The result of this global, multistakeholder effort, “ Davos Labs: Youth Recovery Plan ,” presents both a stark reminder of our urgent need to act and compelling insights for creating a more resilient, sustainable, inclusive world.

One of the unifying themes of the discussions was the lack of trust young people have for existing political, economic and social systems. They are fed up with ongoing concerns of corruption and stale political leadership, as well as the constant threat to physical safety caused by surveillance and militarized policing against activists and people of colour. In fact, more young people hold faith in governance by system of artificial intelligence than by a fellow human being.

Facing a fragile labour market and almost bankrupt social security system, almost half of those surveyed said they felt they had inadequate skills for the current and future workforce, and almost a quarter said they would risk falling into debt if faced with an unexpected medical expense. The fact that half of the global population remains without internet access presents additional hurdles. Waves of lockdowns and the stresses of finding work or returning to workplaces have exacerbated the existential and often silent mental health crisis.

So, what would Millennials and Generation Z do differently?

Most immediately, they are calling for the international community to safeguard vaccine equity to respond to COVID-19 and prevent future health crises.

Young people are rallying behind a global wealth tax to help finance more resilient safety nets and to manage the alarming surge in wealth inequality. They are calling to direct greater investments to programmes that help young progressive voices join government and become policymakers.

I am inspired by the countless examples of young people pursuing collective action by bringing together diverse voices to care for their communities.

To limit global warming, young people are demanding a halt to coal, oil and gas exploration, development, and financing, as well as asking firms to replace any corporate board directors who are unwilling to transition to cleaner energy sources.

They are championing an open internet and a $2 trillion digital access plan to bring the world online and prevent internet shutdowns, and they are presenting new ways to minimize the spread of misinformation and combat dangerous extremist views. At the same time, they’re speaking up about mental health and calling for investment to prevent and tackle the stigma associated with it.

The Global Shapers Community is a network of young people under the age of 30 who are working together to drive dialogue, action and change to address local, regional and global challenges.

The community spans more than 8,000 young people in 165 countries and territories.

Teams of Shapers form hubs in cities where they self-organize to create projects that address the needs of their community. The focus of the projects are wide-ranging, from responding to disasters and combating poverty, to fighting climate change and building inclusive communities.

Examples of projects include Water for Life, a effort by the Cartagena Hub that provides families with water filters that remove biological toxins from the water supply and combat preventable diseases in the region, and Creativity Lab from the Yerevan Hub, which features activities for children ages 7 to 9 to boost creative thinking.

Each Shaper also commits personally and professionally to take action to preserve our planet.

Join or support a hub near you .

Transparency, accountability, trust and a focus on stakeholder capitalism will be key to meeting this generation’s ambitions and expectations. We must also entrust in them the power to take the lead to create meaningful change.

I am inspired by the countless examples of young people pursuing collective action by bringing together diverse voices to care for their communities. From providing humanitarian assistance to refugees to helping those most affected by the pandemic to driving local climate action, their examples provide the blueprints we need to build the more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society and economy we need in the post-COVID-19 world.

We are living together in a global village, and it’s only by interactive dialogue, understanding each another and having respect for one another that we can create the necessary climate for a peaceful and sustainable world.

Don't miss any update on this topic

Create a free account and access your personalized content collection with our latest publications and analyses.

License and Republishing

World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

Related topics:

The agenda .chakra .wef-n7bacu{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-weight:400;} weekly.

A weekly update of the most important issues driving the global agenda

.chakra .wef-1dtnjt5{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;} More on Youth Perspectives .chakra .wef-zh0r2a{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;white-space:normal;vertical-align:middle;padding-left:0px;padding-right:0px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:0.75rem;border-radius:0.25rem;font-weight:700;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;line-height:1.2;-webkit-letter-spacing:1.25px;-moz-letter-spacing:1.25px;-ms-letter-spacing:1.25px;letter-spacing:1.25px;background:none;padding:0px;color:#B3B3B3;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;}@media screen and (min-width:37.5rem){.chakra .wef-zh0r2a{font-size:0.875rem;}}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-zh0r2a{font-size:1rem;}} See all

From herding to coding: the Mongolian NGO bridging the digital divide

Bolor-Erdene Battsengel and Oyungoo Enkhbold

October 21, 2024

5 charts that show the state of global youth employment in 2024

Madeleine North

August 29, 2024

Build your personal board of advisors: An entrepreneur explains the importance of mentors

Rebecca Geldard

July 31, 2024

Innovation Prize: Meet the next generation of changemakers

Natalie Pierce and Maria Sol Adaime Gabris

July 11, 2024

Empowering the future: how Global Shapers are advancing the youth agenda

Natalie Pierce

July 10, 2024

What can volunteering teach us about compassionate leadership?

Teemu Alexander Puutio

June 7, 2024

Essay on Youth Empowerment

Students are often asked to write an essay on Youth Empowerment in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Youth Empowerment

What is youth empowerment.

Youth empowerment is when young people get the power to make decisions. It means giving them the tools, opportunities, and confidence to shape their own lives and the world around them. This can include learning new skills, having a say in community decisions, or starting their own projects.

Why is it Important?

Empowering young people is key because they are the future. When they have the right tools and confidence, they can solve problems, make positive changes in their communities, and help everyone around them. It’s about making sure every young person can reach their full potential.

How to Support Youth Empowerment?

Supporting youth empowerment can be simple. It starts with listening to young people’s ideas and taking them seriously. Schools, families, and communities can offer programs where youths learn skills, get involved in projects, and have roles in decision-making. By giving them chances to succeed, we help them grow into leaders of tomorrow.

Also check:

• Speech on Youth Empowerment

250 Words Essay on Youth Empowerment

Youth empowerment is all about giving young people the power to make choices and decisions that affect their lives. It’s about giving them the skills and confidence to stand up for themselves and others, to take action, and to make a difference in the world.

Why is Youth Empowerment Important?

Youth empowerment is important because young people are the future. They are the ones who will be making decisions about the world in the years to come. If we want to create a better world, we need to empower young people to be active and engaged citizens.

How Can We Empower Youth?

There are many ways to empower youth. One way is to provide them with quality education. Education gives young people the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. It also helps them develop critical thinking skills and the ability to make informed decisions.

Another way to empower youth is to give them opportunities to participate in decision-making. This could involve giving them a say in how their school is run or allowing them to serve on community boards or committees. When young people are given a voice, they feel more valued and respected. They are also more likely to be engaged in their communities and to make positive contributions.

Youth empowerment is essential for creating a better world. By empowering young people, we give them the tools they need to succeed in life and to make a difference in the world.

500 Words Essay on Youth Empowerment

Youth empowerment is all about giving young people the chance to speak up and make choices about their lives. It’s like giving someone the tools and confidence they need to build a house. Instead of a house, though, they’re building their future. This idea is super important because it helps young people learn how to solve problems, make decisions, and feel confident in their abilities.

Imagine you have a voice, but no one listens to it. That’s how many young people feel. Empowering them means their voices are heard, and they can help make decisions that affect their lives and communities. It’s important because when young people feel they have power and are important, they do better in school, are happier, and can make their communities better places.

Education and Opportunities

One big part of youth empowerment is education. But it’s not just about reading, writing, and math. It’s also about learning life skills, like how to communicate well, work in teams, and solve problems. Schools and clubs can offer programs where young people can learn these skills and more. Also, giving young people chances to try new things, like sports, arts, or science projects, helps them find what they love and what they’re good at.

Support and Encouragement

Support from family, teachers, and friends is like the sunshine for plants. It helps young people grow strong and confident. When someone believes in you, it’s easier to believe in yourself. That’s why it’s so important for adults to listen to young people, support their dreams, and encourage them to keep trying, even when things get tough.

Leadership and Responsibility

Empowering young people also means giving them the chance to lead. This could be something small, like leading a group project at school, or something big, like starting a community service project. When young people take on leadership roles, they learn how to plan, make decisions, and work with others. They also learn that they have the power to make a difference in the world.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

Of course, empowering young people isn’t always easy. There are challenges, like not having enough money for programs or not everyone believing that young people can lead. But by working together, communities can find ways to overcome these challenges. This might mean finding volunteers to help run programs or looking for money from businesses or the government.

Youth empowerment is like giving young people a key to unlock their potential. It’s about helping them find their voice, learn new skills, and believe in themselves. When young people are empowered, they can do amazing things for themselves and their communities. So, let’s all work together to give young people the support, opportunities, and encouragement they need to grow into strong, confident, and caring adults.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Youth Is The Hope Of Our Future
• Essay on Thailand Culture
• Essay on Thailand

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Role of Youth Essay

Essay on the Role of Youth in Modern Era

Youth is joy. Youth is a phase in which small children have come out of their protective shells and are ready to spread their wings in the world of hope and dreams. Youth means to cherish hope. It is a time of development. It is the time for growth and change. He plays an important role in the development of our society. He has the potential to learn and adapt to the environment. He has the capabilities to bring social reforms and improvement to society. His idealism, enthusiasm and courage cannot be matched with any other segment in the society.

Role of Youth Essay In English

Every person grows the most in their youth. People go through times of joy, hardship, worry but at the end of the day, we all become better. Youth has to be the most important part of everyone’s life, considering just how much one person can develop during these years. These years will not only offer opportunities for growth but will also help us in getting a better understanding of ourselves. This understanding of oneself is an unending process. It marks its beginning in our youth and continues to be a major part of our lives in the future. We grow as people, learn how to develop relationships, and understand the people around us much better when we reach our youth.

As kids, we take many things for granted. We take our friends for granted, we sometimes take our blessings for granted and it makes sense because the only thing that children are focused on is living. We don’t care about anything else and just want to live a fulfilling life as children. When we reach our youth, we become more goal-oriented. We prioritize our time and become more focused on what we want in life. No matter what happens or what age you reach, one must always keep their inner child alive. The child that wants to live life to the fullest. The child that wants to cherish some of the most amazing moments that life has to offer. The child laughs and giggles at the silliest things. Oftentimes, as adults, people tend to forget to enjoy life and have a good time. And that is why it is essential to continue to be that child throughout the entirety of your life. 

Youth is the time in our lives that teaches us how to make decisions and start making reasonable choices for our betterment. Our youth builds our character and is a very crucial part of our development.

Youth is the part of our lives that builds our character. The morals and responsibilities that we take up and learn in this period of our life shapes our future. The kinds of choices that you make and the decisions in your lives, start having a consequence in this period. There are several ways in which the youth of a person leads to many changes in their life. Young people are energetic, enthusiastic and filled with a lot of passion. The young spirit that every leader talks about refers to the same thing. The passion and the energy in this period of our lives, when put to something very creative and useful can easily lead to developing our skills and leading us to a bright future right away. 

Youth’s Roles and Responsibilities In Today’s Era

Youth and life indeed itself flashes by, in the blink of an eye. That is why you need to ask yourselves what you can do for society and the country. God has vested all power in the hands of the youth so that he can perform his duties effectively. They should start thinking positively and creatively. They must develop the spirit to refute what is wrong in society. They must realize that now is the time to take action. 

Youth should not seek an easy, comfortable path. No one develops in a pampered environment. These are some key responsibilities that the young generation must inculcate in them:

Value Of Time: It is the responsibility of the youth to understand the importance of time. Every moment is crucial for them to take action so punctuality is a must.

Discipline: Youth has to understand the necessity of discipline in life. Youth is full of passion. Without discipline, the youngsters cannot work passionately.

Thinking Before Taking Action: Youth must not be impulsive. It is very important to think before taking action. This is how the youth will be able to create a thoughtful society.

Character Driven: Character builds up a nation. The young people need to be morally strong, reflective individuals and dedicated which will drive them to take corrective actions for the nation.

Fearless: The youth must be courageous in taking action. Fearless youth can fight injustice.

Goal-Oriented: The youth needs to be focused on the goals that he wants to accomplish. When the young generation is goal-oriented, then their vision and mission become very clear.

Zealous: Youth has to be energized, full of vitality. With the attribute of zealousness, the youth can help to protect the national security and interest of a country and ideological position.

Role of Youth In Building A Nation

National development is now in the hands of the young generation. The older generation has passed on the baton to the youth. The young generation has more concurrent dreams, passion and hope. Youth in any country represents the future of his nation. 

For the development of the country, the young people have to be hardworking in any field they get involved in, be it teaching, farming, mechanic or any other field. Today the youth is facing challenges in employment opportunities, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS but there are chances to overcome some of these challenges. They need to take up any job opportunity that is available till they get what they want to. The young generation has to be very responsible and say NO to drugs. Youth empowerment can eradicate poverty from the country. He plays an important role in the constructive process of building social cohesion, economic prosperity and political stability of a nation in an inclusive and democratic way. 

The youth of a country counts as the most important asset that they can possess. Youth is the chance for the entire nation to leave a mark on the entire globe. By making sure that the youth of a nation continues to grow with each passing day and ends up achieving some of the most brilliant things that can put their country on the top, the nation can rebuild and grow with them.

Better youth and better quality of life for youth assures success for not only the existing generation but also for the upcoming generation. Therefore there is no denying the fact that a country can become much better with the support of the youth that they have.

Role of Youth For The Change In The Society

Youth is the future of society.  The young generation simply needs to renew, refresh and maintain the current status of society. When the youth contributes his ideas and energy to resolve social issues, he becomes a capable leader and can also make a difference in the lives of others. They must have the courage to resolve the mournful contradictions that are plaguing society and boldly take on great challenges without shunning the subsequent problems and difficulties that they will inevitably face.

Nothing can equal the splendour of the youth. To be young --- that in itself is to possess a treasure of infinite worth far greater than any person of power. It is the responsibility of the older generation to provide them with the right resources, guidance and a good environment so that they become strong change agents in the community. They say that the strongest force is the power of the young. And it is true because the power and the strength that the youth of a nation possesses is unmatched and does bring a chance to grow and develop not only for them but for the people around them.

FAQs on Role of Youth Essay

1. Why is Youth So Important?

Youth symbolizes hope. He can bring a change to the society and nation. The youth of a nation symbolizes the drive and will to do more and that is why everything that the youth of a country upvotes attracts attention. The motivation and hunger for success is something that cannot be explained but this is exactly what makes youth so special and important. 

2. What are the Qualities Youth Needs to Possess?

Youth needs to be disciplined, morally strong, reflective individuals, and empathetic. The youth must have brilliant skills to develop themselves at all times and also skills that help them in leading better relationships with people around them in their personal lives.

3. How  can Youth Build A Strong Nation?

Youth can build a strong nation by eradicating poverty, building social cohesion, developing the economic condition and political stability of a country. Youth can become a force to empower each other instead of pulling each other down. Imagine a world where every person wants the other to grow and become better. This is why we believe in the power of togetherness and unity. The youth must possess this very quality to be a force to bring a change in the society that they live in and build a strong nation together. 

4. Why is it necessary for the youth to be goal-oriented?

When you are goal oriented then you become very clear about vision and mission. Goals make and contribute towards one’s purpose. The true way to find your purpose in life is by trying new things every day and finding what your true calling is. By becoming goal-oriented, people can achieve great things and become stronger and get an idea of their purpose. The youth has the right motivation and the drive to achieve unimaginable things. That is why, when they become goal-oriented, they can easily find their true calling, become powerful and successful, and help other people. 

5. What are some important responsibilities of the youth?

The youth must have responsibilities like being goal-driven, zealous, and respectful. People in their youth must know how to make definite decisions that are well thought and not hurried. Lastly, the youth must be disciplined and should understand the importance of time. 

Essays About Youth: Top 5 Essay Examples Plus 10 Prompts

Discover our guide with creative writing prompts and examples for essays about youth to help you get started on your next great essay!

Youth is that cusp between childhood and adulthood — a period filled with zest, adventure, and impulsiveness. Our future depends on the youth of today. As such, we are well-advised to equip ourselves with sufficient skills and knowledge to resolve future problems effectively. We must also train them to develop a moral compass, incredible determination, and deep compassion for others to serve well as future leaders.

5 Essay Examples

1. youth in revolt: five powerful movements fueled by young activist by erin blakemore, 2. what you can learn from a young ceo by elaine pofeldt, 3. advice to the youth by mark twain , 4. us youth are in a mental health crisis—we must invest in their care by mitchell j. prinstein, 5. young people are leaving their jobs in record numbers—and not going back by raisa bruner, 1. effects of social media on youth self-esteem, 2. youth’s learning crisis, 3. addressing youth obesity, 4. encouraging stem careers for youth, 5. engaging youth in community building, 6. why youth engage in cybercrime, 7. love for today’s youth, 8. national youth day, 9. substance abuse prevention for youth , 10. benefits of sex education to youth.

“Youth who participated in the civil rights movement embraced what one-time SNCC chairman Representative John Lewis called “good trouble”—fearless agitation designed to provoke, challenge, and move progress forward.”

Youth have always driven impactful social and political movements in whatever era and whichever part of the globe they are. This essay recounts some of history’s most powerful and meaningful protests mobilized by youth. Check out these essays about life lessons .

“Whether we needed to select a blogging platform or figure out how to keep costs down, we invariably found that younger CEOs were great sources of ideas.”

Gone are the days when one would purely seek older people for wisdom in business. With the competition in the digital age, youth are proving to bring in a wealth of ideas that can effectively support business strategies.

“Build your character thoughtfully and painstakingly upon these precepts, and by and by, when you have got it built, you will be surprised and gratified to see how nicely and sharply it resembles everybody else’s. ”

The American writer shows his humor and sarcasm by teaching youth the art of lying and handling firearms carelessly. Ultimately, he tells those who would succeed that they would be no different than the rest of society. 

“We have an opportunity to make a serious commitment to youth mental health, just as we did 70 years ago to help adults. This is a chance for parents, teachers, and youth to stop whispering about their mental health needs and begin shouting for our country to invest in its future and end our children’s suffering.”

As youth suicides have increased over the years, data shows that it is now the second leading cause of death among 10- to 24-year-olds. The situation demands urgent action and a rethink of the overall mental health system.

“For some, it’s burnout. For others, the timing was ripe to refocus on side projects as the stresses of the pandemic started to wane. And for many, especially in a service sector dominated by “zillennials”… poor treatment and low wages became unsustainable.”

The pandemic burnout has driven the Great Resignation among youth, leaving over 10 million jobs in the US unoccupied. This triggers a sea change in the societal landscape, where young workers pursue their self-worth and can afford to do so.

10 Thought-Provoking Prompts On Essays About Youth

While we all tend to compare our qualities and achievements to those of others, social media has made this habit worse. To youth, the biggest market of social media platforms, this has resulted in lower self-esteem, especially for girls . In your essay, gather present research that studies the links between social media use and low confidence levels. Then, recommend ways for young readers to spend more time in the real world and rebuild their self-esteem.

In recent years, it has been recognized that the world is facing a learning crisis that even the wealthier G20 countries are not exempt from . But as the COVID-19 pandemic has halted face-to-face school interactions for prolonged periods, what does the future of education and skills-building look like for our youth? Answer this with the support of research studies and data, and surveys from reputed organizations and agencies. Finally, enumerate the best ways to invest in our youth’s education.

Many cases of obesity among youth are due to the lack of exercise. For this topic prompt, lay down the negative effects of obesity, such as the increased likelihood of diabetes, hypertension, lack of self-esteem, and depression. Then, with research on wellness experts’ advice, encourage readers to change their lifestyle one step at a time to address or prevent obesity. For example, walking for 10 minutes to take a break from work could be a powerful start in changing a routine. 

No industry gains as much from youth’s ingenuity as the innovation industry. First, elaborate on the importance of developing youth’s scientific and technical skills. Then, look at how schools incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math into the curriculum, starting with your school. To conclude your essay, look at how intensive your government’s programs are in unlocking the inner scientists of today’s youth. 

Youth have the vigor and passion for changing the world. Because of this, they are one of the best groups to tap into for building a better community. To start this essay, look at the ratio of young volunteers to the total number of volunteers in your community. You can check this ratio in other communities and see how active your youth are in volunteer community work compared to others. Then, enumerate interesting practices cities can adopt to attract youth to participate in their programs. 

The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency has reported a 107% annual increase in police reports of young students engaging in cyberattacks in 2020. Dig deeper into this report and find out the main motivations why young offenders would join the dark side in cyberspace. Is it for the millions of bucks or the sense of validation in the hacking community? Then identify some best practices law enforcement authorities and schools are implementing to thwart cybercrime among youth.

Young love has always been defined by its wild passions and adventures. Does this hold today in this digital age? How have relationships evolved in the age of social media? Mull over these questions and look at other modern trends in young love. For example, many claims that internet relationships, where couples meet and interact purely online, constitute true love. 

Celebrated every August 12, International Youth Day (IYD) aims to raise awareness of youth’s pressing challenges. Your essay can revolve around the focus of the last or upcoming celebration theme. Then, reflect on the issue’s relevance and what actions you think society can take to ease the problem. For example, the 2022 IYD is themed “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages.” This expounds on fostering solidarity across generations to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prevention is always better than cure. In this essay, search for data on youths reportedly battling drug abuse. Highlight an upward trend, if any. Then, highlight the risk factors that lead youth to drug or alcohol abuse and the consequences on health and overall well-being. You may also pay attention to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s 16 key principles for determining the most suitable prevention programs. 

A research study has found that aside from preventing early pregnancy and the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, comprehensive sex education helps youth feel safe and achieve success in the long term. Examine these benefits and cite the negative effects of a lack of sex education during youth. Finally, it underscores schools’ critical roles in integrating sex education and protecting students. 

If you need further guidance, check out our essay writing tips . Finally, don’t forget to proofread your essay using the best grammar checkers .

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Culture Youth Culture

How Youth Can Shape the World: Empowering Change

Table of contents, advocacy: amplifying voices, social entrepreneurship: innovative solutions, education: empowering future leaders, technology: catalyst for global impact, collaboration: uniting for impact, references:.

• Amiri, F. (2019). Youth Social Entrepreneurship as a Driver of Social Change. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 36(3), 332-345.
• Evans, S., & Henry, S. (2008). The Involvement of Young People in Activism: The Potential for a Youth Voice in Environmental Change? Area, 40(3), 348-358.
• Knight, A. (2019). Why We Can't Wait: Youth Voices for Climate Justice. Environmental Justice, 12(6), 145-150.
• Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
• Yildiz, M. (2018). Youth and Social Entrepreneurship: A New Era of Entrepreneurial Thinking. Springer.

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

• Acculturation
• Punjabi Culture
• Multiculturalism
• Asian American Culture

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.