In today’s world, it seems impossible to escape the pervasive discussions surrounding politics. However, have you considered the effect that the often incendiary language used in political campaigns, especially the recent presidential race, is having on our younger generation? They are absorbing far more than we might realize.
A recent study conducted by the Southern Poverty Law Center titled The Impact of the Presidential Campaign on Our Nation’s Schools highlights the troubling influence of such rhetoric on children. According to the report, many children are feeling anxious and afraid due to the hostile climate fostered by political figures. The SPLC surveyed 2,000 educators about how the current political atmosphere is affecting their students, particularly the derogatory language often associated with Donald Trump’s campaign.
The findings were alarming. For instance, non-white children are experiencing heightened fears, while bullies are becoming emboldened by the hateful dialogue they hear at home and on television. The report indicates that the progress made in anti-bullying initiatives has been significantly undermined. Teachers noted that students are now more likely to use slurs and engage in name-calling, often justifying their behavior by claiming they are merely echoing the sentiments of political leaders.
A middle school teacher from Wisconsin reported an increase in openly racist comments towards Latino students, raising serious concerns about their safety and well-being. Another educator from Anaheim, California, shared that students are threatening each other with deportation, using phrases related to the construction of a border wall. These incidents illustrate just how frightened children are in this environment.
In fact, 67% of teachers stated that marginalized students have expressed anxiety regarding their futures and those of their families in the wake of the election. With nearly a third of students in American schools being children of immigrants, it’s no surprise that fear is pervasive. One teacher recounted the story of a Mexican-American boy who is terrified of deportation, despite being a U.S. citizen. He fears both his peers and adults may harm him due to the prevailing attitudes.
Teachers provided over 5,000 comments in response to the survey, with many citing Donald Trump directly. More than a third observed an increase in anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment among students.
Why would these children not be scared? Given the troubling news coverage of violence at Trump rallies and the inflammatory rhetoric surrounding immigration, it’s understandable. Most children do not grasp the complexities of immigration status—something that many adults struggle with, too. Some supporters even argue that children born in the U.S. should not be granted citizenship.
Interestingly, over 40% of educators expressed hesitance in discussing the election in class, yearning for a time when political discourse could be approached neutrally. One teacher remarked, “This year, neutrality is nearly impossible.” They feel that acknowledging any positive aspects of a candidate associated with racism feels like an endorsement of hate.
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In summary, the political climate is undeniably affecting our children, instilling fear and emboldening bullying behaviors. As educators navigate these challenging waters, it’s crucial to remain aware of the impact such discourse has on young minds.