Children during street protests – levels and boundaries of participation

Abstract

This article delves into the participation of children in street protests, an area of study that has received limited attention but is becoming increasingly significant. It examines their involvement in protests connected to local concerns such as school closures, air pollution, and violence, as well as their participation in broader movements like feminism and environmentalism. The article seeks to synthesize the limited existing knowledge regarding children’s participation in protests. While schools may sometimes turn protests into mere appearances, educators have the potential to mentor young protesters in understanding social change. The extent to which children are prepared for public participation and engaged in post-protest activities will ultimately determine the educational value derived from street protests.