The Free Speech Crisis Spreads to Schools

 A recent survey has found that a substantial number of teenagers do not want to share their political opinions, fearing they will lose friends or be cancelled. They are afraid to voice their opinions on certain political issues in school as they’re worried about being criticised by their classmates. Nearly a quarter of schoolchildren between the ages of 10 and 17, out of 4,000 surveyed, said they have been asked to stop voicing their political views at school. Whatever happened to freedom of expression?

The survey was carried out by the Economist Educational Foundation which found that 22% of 15 to 17 year-olds had stopped sharing their political opinions because they were worried about criticism, along with 20% of 10 to 14 year-olds. The survey also found students feel unprepared and have limited political knowledge heading into the next General Election, prompting 44% of 15 to 17 year-olds to say they don’t feel ready to vote in the next election.

Political debate and diversity of opinion is a strength in a democratic society. It drives innovation, improves decision-making and fosters resilience. Diverse perspectives force people out of complacency and into more thoughtful evaluations of the problems facing us. So why are many schoolchildren inhibited about expressing themselves?...<<<Read More>>>...