Perspectives of High School Students on Political Polarization: A Survey Study

Political polarization in the United States is at an all-time high. While it has been widely surveyed in the voting-age population, few studies comprehensively assess polarization in children and young adults, who are susceptible to adopting it and will shape the future political landscape. Accordingly, we conducted an anonymous 22-question online survey at our high school, which asked students about their political profiles, experience with political divides, and potential solutions. Students perceived the impacts of family and biased media on political views, and many used social media for political discourse, all of which can create detrimental echo chambers that reinforce polarization. Additionally, respondents were perceptive of partisan divides in their communities and reported related stress, which mirrored adults’ opinions in existing surveys. Feelings of personal offense from political discussions were common, and self-censoring was frequent among students in the conservative-leaning partisan minority. However, students also viewed the humanity in out-partisans and were hopeful about bridging polarization, advising others to be more respectful, empathetic, informed, and open-minded. Accordingly, proposed interventions included policies against politically fueled bullying, open and constructive discourse with opportunities to hear different viewpoints, and a focus on commonalities. All solutions would be more effective with schools and families that model acceptance of diversity.