What what Selection? Are all politicians thieves? What happens? Fake news? In a voting year, it is almost inevitable to go through these questions about politics with children and adolescents at home. And, while they are not easy to explain, they must be answered. After all, more than 50 million people under the age of 18 in Brazil (2019 IBGE estimate) have the right to participate in political life guaranteed by the constitution of children and adolescents.
“Parents are being advised to talk about what is happening in the country and the importance of elections for democracy. “Even when the right to vote is newly won, especially for women,” she said Raquel FranzimDirector of Education, Alana Institute.
He considers that there is no “right age” to start talking Policy, Mainly because it goes beyond a biased choice. “All life in society has a political dimension and it appears early on, in a dispute over toys, for example, a conflict that must be resolved peacefully and diplomatically,” he explained.
The difference is that as we get older, we have to deal with a wider political situation. Even when the National Curriculum Base does not provide adequate procedures for studying current affairs and ideological debates – the home environment is fundamental in this sense, despite the fact that it is scheduled to be studied in schools. “It doesn’t have to be a class or a lecture, just invite children and teens to watch the news, read a newspaper or magazine,” Raquel recommends.
Januária Alves, education communication expert and author at USP I also want to participate (Editora Moderna), which speaks Political education For Children, Emphasizing that children need to have sensitivity to know how far they can understand. “Therefore, tutors should know how their children’s school will communicate with the subject and understand that their role will not always be like family.”
“The school exists to expand the museum. It is also her obligation to talk about things that some families do not feel comfortable talking about at home.Rachel agrees. For him, the important thing is to emphasize that “politics is choice” and that this process should always be valued in education, from the teaching that “you can’t have everything” to our political choices “personal interests should not be privileged, but Collective more “.
This approach also helps mitigate polarization, mainly ideological: insurgency that intensifies political debates. Brazil And from which the little ones are not immune. Own January He says that while working with academics, he has heard numerous reports of children under the age of 10 verbally attacking each other as “bolsominion” or “thief lolista”. “It is not possible to live in a classroom where children attack each other in the name of politics,” he lamented.
This discussion about citizenship, sources news in this report. As much as it is impossible not to show partiality at home, it should not be shown with family disrespect and hatred. “It needs to be emphasized that our opposing views must not be eradicated”, Rachel summed up.
Another tip for a good political education – which is valid for children and adults – is Practice understanding the concept. “I may not like you, but I recognize that your arguments are valid. This ability to listen and argue should be passed on to minors so that they understand that people think differently and therefore they are not good or bad. No one is just one or the other, ”said Januria.
The ability to hear and argue must be passed so that they understand that people think differently.
Januaria Alves, Educational Specialist
But the truth must always be told, mainly because, as the neuropsychologist explained Deborah Moss, When a child asks something, he already has a guess about the answer. “If he asks who his parents will vote for, the important thing is to explain why he voted, not to say that he hates another candidate.” After the adult gives his own answer, he suggests returning the question. “What do you think?” This is a question that children are interested in saying.
Are young people taken seriously?
This is a question that has not yet been asked enough for teens in Brazil, he said Gabriel Marmentini, Executive Director of Politics! According to him, the stereotype that young people do not have the knowledge to deal with the problems of the country and our society is one of the reasons why the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) is responsible for registering the lowest number of 16-year-olds. And 17 years in history with voter registration.
“We have been born away from politics and the last few years have further undermined civil society participation, as priorities in health and unemployment have become a battle for survival.”
At the same time, Gabriel assessed that the epidemic Covid-19 It has made people realize that “everything is politics”, since the decisions of government officials had a direct impact on the health of loved ones, for example. His idea is that despite the low issuance of election documents, young people are becoming increasingly involved in politics. In fact, do a quick search on social networks to monitor the number of teenagers engaged in rights protection. LGBTQIA +Fighting racism and protecting the environment.
“Social networks are a way to express themselves politically in an informal way,” said Gabriel. To encourage this participation, he instructs family members and parents to “call in” and create a safe place at home where young people know that what is being said will not be used against them.
It is also pertinent to encourage a majority opinion to avoid polarization, such as “Have you ever talked to someone who thinks differently about why they understand this opinion?” “Teaching these young people how to go after good information helps them to make their own decisions And even knowing that they could change their minds, “said neuroscientist Deborah Moss. Experts always advise to bring the political perspective from micro to macro-context, to teach what is in politics in domestic life, in condominium, in school, around.
People have heard Claudia They say again, politics is not just institutional and it should not be forgotten. “The clothes you buy, the food you eat, the decision to go to a club and the decision to use drugs or drive without a license রাজনৈতিক these are all political decisions that have consequences for life in society,” Gabriel concluded.
Even without voter registration, children and adolescents have the right to participate in political life, which goes beyond the presidential election. Experts point out how the issue should be treated at home and at school.
