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Adolescent civic engagement: Lessons from Black Lives Matter

Author

Listed:
  • Arielle Baskin-Sommers

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

  • Cortney Simmons

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

  • May Conley

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

  • Shou-An Chang

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

  • Suzanne Estrada

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

  • Meghan Collins

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

  • William Pelham

    (Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093)

  • Emil Beckford

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

  • Haley Mitchell-Adams

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

  • Nia Berrian

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

  • Susan F. Tapert

    (Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093)

  • Dylan G. Gee

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

  • B. J. Casey

    (Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511)

Abstract

In 2020, individuals of all ages engaged in demonstrations condemning police brutality and supporting the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Research that used parent reports and trends commented on in popular media suggested that adolescents under 18 had become increasingly involved in this movement. In the first large-scale quantitative survey of adolescents’ exposure to BLM demonstrations, 4,970 youth (mean age = 12.88 y) across the United States highlighted that they were highly engaged, particularly with media, and experienced positive emotions when exposed to the BLM movement. In addition to reporting strong engagement and positive emotions related to BLM demonstrations, Black adolescents in particular reported higher negative emotions when engaging with different types of media and more exposure to violence during in-person BLM demonstrations. Appreciating youth civic engagement, while also providing support for processing complex experiences and feelings, is important for the health and welfare of young people and society.

Suggested Citation

  • Arielle Baskin-Sommers & Cortney Simmons & May Conley & Shou-An Chang & Suzanne Estrada & Meghan Collins & William Pelham & Emil Beckford & Haley Mitchell-Adams & Nia Berrian & Susan F. Tapert & Dylan, 2021. "Adolescent civic engagement: Lessons from Black Lives Matter," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 118(41), pages 2109860118-, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nas:journl:v:118:y:2021:p:e2109860118
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