Young Futures Roundtable
Insights and Video Recording
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
Nelson Mandela - Anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader
Children and young people represent a vital demographic with unique perspectives and experiences. However, their voices and ideas are often not considered in the futures work that informs the strategies of organizations and governments.
On Thursday, 4th May Fam Studio gathered our community in an online roundtable to explore the cutting-edge research and organizations striving to include children and young people as valuable stakeholders and contributors to co-visioning the future.
We were joined by speakers working at different levels of engagement, in different contexts and age groups.
Bo Stjerne Thomsen, vice-president of the LEGO Foundation, shared their work to bring young people into some of the most important and “influential” spaces, like onto the stage and sharing their voices in the UN General Assembly last year. Or in co-creating the principles for technology and innovation with UNICEF; to using virtual reality to “see” and “experience” the world from the point of view of a toddler and framing a public facing narrative to help us all remember that ‘messy’ for everyone, including toddlers, is part of learning.
Laura McBain, K-12 Lab Director of Community and Implementation from Stanford d.school shared their framework for futures thinking with children, young people and the educator community. It is based on 5 approaches that they have developed: Empathy for the Future, Tracing Changes Over Time, Seeking Visions of Coexistence, Seeing in Multiples and World-Building. These are just some of the themes they are actively exploring with young people as they work to build a generation of “futurists.”
Sweta Shah, the co-founder of Childarise, shared their newest project, “If I could tell the World - voices of displaced children.” This project, in particular, is focused on early years and young children living in emergency settings . Using the power of storytelling through many mediums, they are working to bring even the youngest children's voices into the field of co-visioning the future.
We were moderated by our own Zelda Yanovich, who eloquently moderated and shared Fam's discovery work where we have been experimenting with governance, emerging technologies, and futures literacy where children and young people can collaborate with AI to co-create future visual worlds.
There was ample time for Q&A, and many links and examples were shared in the chat. We have gathered these at the bottom of this post. The full recorded roundtable is available as well for future viewing and reference.
As a team, we have been reflecting on the topics discussed and working to synthesize some takeaways to share with our community. We have landed on 6 main themes we will be bringing into our work and we hope influences your work and dialogues as well
01. Young people want to be heard
In today's rapidly changing world, children yearn to be heard and included in society. They are not satisfied with being passive recipients of decisions made by adults; they desire active participation and a genuine voice in shaping their own futures. For instance, young climate activists like Greta Thunberg have made waves globally, demanding action on the climate crisis and urging world leaders to prioritize their generation's future. Similarly, youth-led social movements such as Black Lives Matter and March for Our Lives have highlighted the urgency of addressing racial inequality and gun violence, respectively. These examples demonstrate that children have valuable insights, perspectives, and solutions to offer. Their desire to be heard and included serves as a powerful reminder that their voices matter, and their participation is essential for building a more just and sustainable society.
Creating spaces and processes for young people and children to feel heard and express themselves is a science. Bo shared a link to the Lundy model, which focuses on space, voice, audience and influence.
02. All kids and educators are futurists
In an era of constant technological advancements and an ever-evolving global landscape, it is crucial for both children and educators to embrace futures thinking in preparing for an unknown future. Traditional educational approaches that focus solely on memorization and rote learning do not adequately equip young minds with the skills and capabilities they need. Instead, educators endeavor to foster environments that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity. By embracing a futurist mindset, educators can help children develop essential skills such as resilience, creativity and futures literacy, which are vital for navigating a rapidly changing world.
This approach empowers children to become active learners, able to embrace uncertainty and continually learn and adapt as new challenges and opportunities arise. By embracing futurism, educators and children can lay the groundwork for a generation that is well-prepared to thrive in an unknown future.
03. Children and Young people do not want to decide, but they want to be at the table
While children and young people may not necessarily desire the burden of making the most complex decisions in society, they do yearn for a seat at the "table" to participate in discussions about crucial issues. They understand that their perspectives and experiences hold value and can contribute to finding innovative solutions. For instance, when discussing educational reforms, involving students in the decision-making process can provide insights on how to create more engaging and relevant learning experiences. Similarly, in matters of public safety, young people's input can shed light on the specific challenges they face and lead to more effective policies. Additionally, when addressing social justice concerns, including child and youth voices ensures that the diverse needs and aspirations of future generations are considered. By allowing children and young people to be part of the conversation, society can benefit from their fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and the inclusive approach that arises from engaging diverse stakeholders.
How might we create a society where there are governance models and even requirements for organizations and governments to have representation of children and young people within the advisory, councils and board rooms creating all of our futures?
04. Technology can support creative expression and belonging for kids
Technology can provide playful ways for us to connect, experience, create and visualize the world we know is possible. From augmented reality apps to connect kids to the natural world to block chain contracts that allow indigenous peoples to protect process and traditions being adapted by western society. As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it is crucial to prioritize the safeguarding of children's well-being and privacy.
AI in particular provides remarkable potential for supporting creative expression and amplifying children's voices, however, it must be accompanied by robust safety measures and ethical guidelines. AI-powered tools and applications can serve as creative collaborators, offering new possibilities for artistic exploration. For instance, AI-generated music compositions or virtual reality experiences can inspire children to think outside the box and experiment with different forms of expression.
Transparent data protection, age-appropriate content filters, and parental controls are necessary to ensure that children are protected from potential risks and inappropriate content. Furthermore, accessibility and availability of these tools are of paramount importance. It is crucial to bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to technology, enabling children from all socioeconomic backgrounds to explore and express their creativity. By establishing a balance between safeguarding and accessibility, we can create an environment where children can confidently leverage emerging technologies to enhance their creative expression and voice, while ensuring their safety and well-being are upheld.
05. Even the youngest children have a lot to give and to share
Even at a young age, children between the ages of 2 to 4 have a remarkable capacity to express and share their needs and experiences. Despite their limited vocabulary and developing communication skills, they possess a rich inner world that is waiting to be understood. It is crucial for our society to respect and listen to these young children, as their voices are valuable and their perspectives can offer valuable insights. By taking the time to actively engage with them and attentively observe their behavior, adults can gain a deeper understanding of their needs, desires, and emotions. Young children may communicate through non-verbal cues, gestures, and their play, providing glimpses into their thoughts and feelings. By honoring and valuing their expressions, we can create a society that values the voice of even its youngest members, allowing for a more inclusive and empathetic future.
06. Parent/ caregiver engagement is crucial for equity of voices
Different cultures have varying approaches to how children are treated and included, which may influence parents' or caregiver’s attitudes and willingness to support their children's participation. Some adults may require additional support and guidance to include their children's voices and to navigate unfamiliar territory. Providing resources, workshops, and educational programs for parents/caregivers can help foster a deeper understanding of the value of children's perspectives and the benefits of their inclusion. By actively involving parents, we can bridge cultural gaps, address any concerns or misconceptions, and build a collaborative environment where children's voices are respected and amplified. Ultimately, engaging parents and caregivers as partners in the process will lead to a more inclusive and holistic approach to including children in society.
We’re so glad to be exploring alongside you in our shared movement to help all kids and families navigate the challenges of today and tomorrow through creativity, design, and futures thinking.
We’d love to hear from you. What questions do you want us to tackle? What ideas are inspiring you in your work for kids and families?
Let us know at signals@famstudio.co