Youth activism is the participation in community organizing for social change by persons between the ages of 15–24. Youth activism has led to a shift in political participation and activism. A notable shift within youth activism is the rise of “Alter-Activism” resulting in an emphasis on lived experiences and connectivity amongst young activists. The young activists have taken lead roles in public protest and advocacy around many issues like climate change, abortion rights and gun violence. Different from past protest or advocacy, technology has become the backbone to many of these modern youth movements. It has been shown in multiple studies that internet use along with seeking information online is shown to have positive impacts on political engagement. Popular applications like Twitter, Instagram and YouTube have become the newest tools for young activists in the 21st century. Technology and the use of digital media has changed the way youth participate in activism globally, and youth are more active in media than older generations.
Child and youth activists protesting at a demonstration in Hong Kong in December 2005.
Students in a demonstration for the Tempi rail crash in Greece, 2023.
Youth national democratic mass organizations during International Human Rights Day, December 10, 2021.
Community organizing is a process where people who live in proximity to each other or share some common problem come together into an organization that acts in their shared self-interest.
Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now protest (Richir).
Protest against fracking in Balcombe, UK
Cecil Williams at the I Hotel protest, January 1977
Janadesh 2007 protesters seeking land rights