A recent study gathered insights from 10-year-olds across America about the 2024 US Presidential election. The findings shed light on children’s views of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
- Democrat-leaning children were found to drive political polarization more than their counterparts.
- Children in red states frequently repeated misinformation, unlike those in blue states.
- Most children believe the US is ready for a female president of colour.
- The influence of parents and media on children’s political views was significant.
A recent study commissioned by researchers at Arizona State University and Stanford University interviewed 80 elementary school children from Arizona, New Jersey, and Texas about their perceptions of the presidential candidates and the overall political landscape. The responses revealed stark divisions in opinion, particularly among Democrat-leaning children, who were more likely to express strong negative feelings towards former President Donald Trump.
In contrast, children from red states often repeated misinformation about the candidates. For instance, some believed false narratives about Trump’s financial generosity towards the military or untrue claims about Kamala Harris’s religious beliefs. This trend highlights the role of information sources like parents and media in shaping young minds.
When queried on the suitability of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris for presidency, many children showed clear biases. A significant majority of Democrat-leaning children strongly favoured Harris, whereas Republican-leaning children expressed a more balanced view, showing neutrality or mild positivity towards Harris.
The study found a noteworthy gender difference in the perceived impact of celebrity endorsements. Over 90% of boys believed that Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris would influence the election, compared to fewer than two-thirds of girls. This demonstrates the varied impact of media figures on different demographics.
One of the striking findings was the children’s readiness to accept a female president of colour. Approximately two-thirds, including a majority in red states, supported the idea of Kamala Harris as president. Despite some individual reservations, the broader sentiment was progressive, showing an openness to breaking historical precedents.
The interviews also explored children’s willingness to engage with peers of differing political views. Many children expressed a willingness to visit the homes of friends with divergent political signs, although Democrat-leaning children were more hesitant to visit Trump-supporting households than vice versa. This indicates early signs of political tribalism influenced by household beliefs.
Reflecting on current political leaders, concerns about Joe Biden’s age and fitness for office were common, while Trump’s legal issues were less frequently cited as deterrents by his young supporters. This suggests a selective filtering of political flaws based on familial biases.
Overall, the study underscores the profound effect parents and media have on children’s political opinions, as well as the early formation of partisan attitudes.
These findings reveal early political biases and highlight the significant influence of familial and media sources on children’s political perceptions.
