By Kamilah Snyder

As the nation’s political turmoil continues to spiral, it seems that students are becoming less informed about politics, turning a blind eye to current events. This has become more than a passive trend; it has become a serious problem. At a time when political decisions directly affect civil rights, global relations, and even everyday life, remaining uninformed is no longer harmless.

Most recently, President Donald Trump said that “anything less” than full US control of Greenland is “unacceptable.” A nation wealthy in natural resources and climate knowledge, this is only the tip of the political division our nation is currently facing. He has a broader pattern of disregarding sovereignty and global responsibility. Moments like these highlight why political awareness matters, especially for young people who will inherit the consequences of these decisions.

Over the past few months, the country has witnessed acts of violence and political conflict that seem more fitting for a dystopian novel than real life. From the death of Renee Nicole Good following an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shooting in Minnesota, to President Trump’s intervention with Venezuela, now is not the time for silence or ignorance. Choosing not to pay attention does not shield students from these realities. Rather, it allows them to continue unchecked.

Even so, studies from Harvard Institute of Politics have shown that teachers now face an “inhospitable” climate for teaching civics, leading to alarmingly low levels of political education among students. Less than half of young Americans vote, with only 10 percent of Americans between 18 and 24 meeting a standard of “informed engagement” as of the 2012 presidential election. These statistics reveal a dangerous gap between political power and public understanding. 

What many fail to realize is that political disengagement creates space for leaders to act without accountability. When students remain uninformed, they surrender their civic power: the right to question authority, to protest injustice, and to speak out. 

Today, the Freedom Forum has described the current political climate as one of the most hostile environments for civic freedoms in modern history. Trump’s executive orders labeling opposing law firms as “national security threats” were a key talking point. This blatant disregard for democratic norms has only intensified division between political parties.

A country that prides itself on being “America the Free” has increasingly become a cautionary example in global politics discussions. Fortunately, education remains one of the strongest tools available to counter political apathy. 

At Granada Hills Charter (GHC), courses like IB Global Politics, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Government and Politics demonstrate active efforts to keep students informed. These discussion-based courses explore both historical and current political issues, allowing students to to critically engage with the world around them.  

Advanced Placement (AP) Government and Politics teacher Lara Willig remains adamant on keeping her students informed and aware of today’s political sphere. 

“Education is important for a variety of different reasons,” Willig said. “Part of having a politically active and thoughtful electorate is incredibly difficult if nobody talks about it.”

As students, our responsibility must extend beyond mere observation. Research from YoungCitizens.org shows that students who feel informed about politics are more likely to vote and trust democratic institutions. Education does not just inform, it empowers. 

“If your parents are watching the news, sit down with them,” Willig said. “Listening to the radio, having an education, and asking questions are good ways to start becoming politically active.”

So, if frustration or disillusionment has grown in response to the injustices unfolding nationwide, let that discomfort be motivation rather than resignation. No matter one’s political beliefs, citizenship in the United States includes the right and responsibility to exercise your voice. 

Education creates the foundation for action. Whether through conversation, voting, or civic participation, engagement matters. If there was ever a time for students to start participating, it’s now.