When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndicate partners may earn a commission.

Children born in 2010 – Generation Alpha – are keenly aware of the potential impact of the upcoming presidential election and are forming their own opinions about the issues the next US president should address, according to this year’s Junior Voices poll from The Week Junior and YouGov.

Week Junior’s annual survey of nearly 800 American children ages 8 to 14 found that about two-thirds talk about the next president at least once a week, and more than 3 in 4 think the outcome will affect at least to some extent the daily life of their family. They also have opinions about which issues should be prioritized. When asked to choose up to three essential tasks for the next president, their top concerns were tackling inflation and reducing the cost of goods, selected by 39% of respondents. Protecting the rights of people of different races, genders and backgrounds was a top priority for 36 percent, while 35 percent said ensuring everyone had access to health care was a top issue. Ensuring everyone has access to a good education was the most pressing issue for 35%.

Alpha kids are paying “close attention to the upcoming election,” said Andrea Barbalich, editor-in-chief of The Week Junior. Children “watch the news and talk about the candidates” and form “their own beliefs about the next president’s top priorities.” Their concerns about how the election outcome would affect their families “came through loud and clear,” as did their “concern for others,” she said. They want to have their say and “want adults to listen to them more.” issues on the ballot is “a great way to engage with them and hear their opinions.”

The election is at the forefront of American children’s minds. Most children talk about who the next president will be, 67% do so at least once a week, 16% talk about it daily and 36% say once every few days. Only 11% said they don’t talk about it at all. Almost 80% said they know which candidate their parents support. Most think the result will affect their family’s daily life, with 34% thinking it will affect a lot and 44% saying it will affect their family somewhat. Only 7% think it will not affect their family’s daily life. Although they are not old enough to vote, many plan to get involved in election activities this year. including watching the results on election night (41%), reading, watching or listening to the news (39%), talking with family about who is voting (38%) and accompanying parents when they vote (28%) ).

If America elected him president, 20 percent said they would tackle inflation and cost-cutting first. Another 15 percent said they would protect the civil rights of people of diverse races, genders and backgrounds, 13 percent would address food insecurity, and 10 percent would ensure universal access to healthcare. In terms of who they envision in the Oval Office, 30 percent said honesty was the most important quality, while 18 percent said intelligence, 11 percent fairness and 10 percent said they were hardworking. For 72% of them, it is important that a woman becomes US president in their lifetime, with 38% saying it is extremely important.

Children are informed and want their views on elections and related issues to be heard. A staggering 89% of children believe they should have a say in issues that affect them, and 88% wish adults would listen to children more. They also have overwhelming confidence in their ability to change the world, with 76% believing they can make a difference now.

YouGov surveyed 799 children aged 8 to 14 between 27 August and 12 September 2024. The survey was conducted online. The numbers have been weighted and represent all US children between the ages of 8 and 14.