When people hear a teenager’s opinion, the words that come to mind are ; childish, immature, naive. But why?
At what point did age become a measure of validity?

Recently, I spoke to someone about the changes taking place in our school. I spoke from my experience, what I’ve seen, felt, and lived as a student. Rather than responding to my perspective, they referenced their expertise and years of experience. 

It made me wonder if credentials deepen dialogue, or if it’s used to unintentionally sidestep it?

We’re often told we don’t understand the world. And yes, we haven’t done taxes, raised kids, or worked full-time jobs. Our brains are still developing.


But development isn’t exclusive to us.


Even among older voices, growth is still ongoing, whether it’s in listening, empathy, or simply giving space to perspectives different from their own. No one reaches an age where they have learned everything. Just as younger people learn from those with more experience, older generations can also learn from us. 

In many global conversations today, there is increasing recognition that decision-making improves when more perspectives are included. Whether it is women, marginalised communities, or other historically excluded voices, the logic is simple, people experience the world differently, and those experiences shape valuable insight. If we recognise the importance of including diverse voices based on gender, ethnicity, or identity, the same principle should apply to age.

We are growing up in a world that is changing rapidly, and we often see parts of it in ways they do not. Yet our perspectives are often dismissed before they are even considered.

We live in this world too. We experience grief, heartbreak, conflict. We see injustice and inequality. We don’t just see it, we process it.

We analyse. We question. We reflect.

If those shaping decisions around us could truly see how we experience life, how deeply we feel and how seriously we think, they wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss us.

Our thoughts are not shallow. Our emotions are not trivial.

Our experiences may be fewer in years, but they are not lesser in value.

When our opinions are labelled as “immature” or “naive”, it doesn’t just silence us, it dismisses everything we’ve lived through before we’re even heard.

Students aren’t asking to be blindly agreed with. We’re asking to be taken seriously.

At a time when our school is changing, that matters more than ever. Decisions that affect students should not be made without genuinely listening to them.

We are not outside this system, we live in it every single day.

This isn’t written in defiance, but as a reminder:

Our voices are valid. And they deserve to be heard.

The question is whether the people making decisions are willing to hear them.

Written by Trishana P. Journalist at The Woodstocker