Hundreds of high school and university students are expected to skip classes today as part of a nationwide student walkout opposing Pauline Hanson and One Nation. Protest organisers the National Union of Students have billed it as a “fight against racism” and opportunity to “stand up against the far right” – pointing to the party’s stance on multicultural issues.

While protest is a legitimate form of political participation, there has been backlash. [No surprises there.]

...Arguments that young people belong in school, miss an important point: children and young people have political and civic rights.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, young people have a right to civic and political association, participation and representation. In Australia, elected representatives also serve children in their electorates and states. These representatives should be accountable to everybody regardless of their age or whether or not they can vote.

However, research suggests young people are still framed as “apprentice citizens” who are routinely told they must learn about democracy but not yet take part.