Every year on 12 August, International Youth Day celebrates the ideas and achievements of young people around the world. Established by the United Nations, the day also draws attention to the challenges young people face and the importance of including them in decisions that affect their futures.
From tackling environmental issues to supporting their local communities, young people are proving that they don’t need to wait until adulthood to make a meaningful difference. International Youth Day is the perfect opportunity to recognise their efforts and encourage every child to believe that their ideas and actions matter.
The Skills Behind Positive Change
Young changemakers are not necessarily the loudest or most confident people in the room. What they often share is curiosity, and a determination to keep learning.
Making a difference requires many of the same abilities that help students succeed at school. These include communication, teamwork, organisation, critical thinking and problem-solving. Young people may also need resilience when their first idea does not work or when other people do not immediately understand their vision. These are all valuable life skills they can use at school and beyond.
Helping children develop a growth mindset can encourage them to view difficulties as opportunities to improve. Instead of assuming they are not capable, they can learn to ask what they might try differently next time.
Creativity is equally important. Encouraging children to explore new ideas can help them become more confident thinkers who are willing to challenge the way things have always been done. Parents can nurture this by giving children opportunities to experiment and by encouraging their creativity both inside and outside the classroom.
Making a Difference Through Volunteering
Volunteering is one of the most accessible ways for young people to support a cause they care about. They might help at a charity shop, support an animal rescue, assist at a community event or mentor younger pupils.
As well as benefiting others, volunteering helps teenagers build confidence, independence and valuable experience. Tutor Doctor’s guide to ways teenagers can volunteer provides practical ideas for getting started.
For older students, volunteering can also strengthen university applications by demonstrating commitment, initiative and real-world skills. However, it should not simply become another box to tick. The most rewarding opportunities are usually connected to a young person’s genuine interests and values. Find out more about the role of volunteering in university applications.
How Parents Can Encourage Young Changemakers
Parents don’t need to pressure children to launch a national campaign or solve an enormous global problem. Instead, start by listening to what interests or concerns them.
Ask what they would improve at school, in their community, or in the wider world. Help them break their idea into realistic steps and identify people who could support them. Exploring different career paths can also show teenagers how their interests could eventually develop into meaningful work.
Most importantly, celebrate effort rather than recognition. A young person does not need thousands of followers or an award to make a difference. Kindness, initiative and consistent local action all count.
At Tutor Doctor, we help students develop the academic skills, confidence and independence they need to pursue their goals. Find your nearest Tutor Doctor location today and discover how our one-to-one tutoring encourages young people to recognise their potential and use it positively.
