“Children’s rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, including in peaceful protest, are enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world.”[1] It’s no surprise then, that families with children are increasingly joining the ranks of activists, attending protests, rallies, and sit-ins to voice their concerns and stand in solidarity with various causes. This trend is evident in the results of our Family Activism Survey focused on families, especially those with young children, participating in protests for Palestine in Sydney (Australia). Personal anecdotes highlighted the sense of community, the resilience of children, and the positive impact the activism has on children’s social awareness. As Monica Robinson, author of Let the Children March, said: “It’s essential to bring your children with you to protests because this is how democracy works, and it’s important for kids to see that. Raising [civic-minded] children who aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in is how we create a future of engaged citizens.”[2] Many of our survey respondents, however, indicated a lack of accessible resources on this topic. As such, with this blog post we aim to provide a useful guide for families navigating activism with kids.

The survey encompassed a diverse range of families with children across various age groups, though the majority (68%) of participating families had young children between the ages of 0 and 5. Family sizes varied, though there was a notable number of families with two children. Ninety percent of families have been participating in the protests or rallies, demonstrating the active role participants are taking in including their whole family in advocating for justice and solidarity with Palestine. The survey reflects a vibrant and engaged community eager to involve their children in an important social cause.

I believe the revolution starts at home and children learn to stand in solidarity and on the right side of history by example.

Families were motivated by a variety of factors, including education, solidarity, and the desire to teach their children about human rights and justice, while others had deeply personal reasons for involving their whole families in the protests. Many parents also expressed the importance of being role models and demonstrating to their children the value of standing up for justice. Overall, these motivations underscore a collective desire among parents to instil values of empathy, awareness, and social responsibility in their children through first-hand experiences of activism.

Want to explore more about family activism motivations? Check out our Family Activism Guide for insights and strategies.

I want to role model collective community and standing up for what’s right, and remove the stigma that activism is just a bunch of angry people yelling. It’s people coming together for the collective good.

When asked how they talked about the protests and Palestine with their kids, parents said they used analogies and comparisons to familiar concepts in order to make the information more accessible to young minds. Parents focused nearly equally on the reasons behind protests, emphasising the importance of peace, freedom, and support for those in need, as they did on the suffering of children and families in Palestine.

I talk to my children in simple terms: ‘children and families are sad and hurting. We use our voices to help people.’

Despite the thoughtful and age-appropriate ways parents have been choosing to involve their families, a third of them have faced criticism for bringing their children to the protests. Responses varied, with some disregarding criticism, while others explained that they bring their kids to demonstrate that even children can stand up for moral causes. Responses indicated a steadfast commitment to their choices, with parents valuing the importance of teaching their children about justice and empathy, even in the face of differing opinions.

I to respond to criticism by saying that I bring my children with me to show them that you don’t have to be an adult to stand up for what’s right!

Ensuring their kid’s safety is a key priority for all families attending protests. Many parents seek to make sure their kids are aware of their surroundings and stay close to them and other families, while also implementing fail safety measures, such as writing contact information on their children’s arms in case they got lost. Other parents also sought to make sure the kids themselves felt safe by bringing noise cancelling headphones, and checking in with them throughout the event. These safety measures reflect a keen awareness of potential challenges, demonstrating a commitment to creating a secure environment for children while engaging in activism.

Discover more safety tips and strategies in our downloadable guide for
family activism.

Parents offered valuable strategies for making protest outings enjoyable and educational for children, underscoring the importance of thoughtful planning, as well as involving children in preparations, offering rewards, and creating a sense of agency. Within this, parents suggested two key strategies. One was incorporating activities into the event, such as crafting signs, face painting, and bubble blowing to make the experience enjoyable. Many parents also mentioned how much their kids enjoyed being involved in the chanting. Two, was a focus on comfort, so snacks, water, and comfort items were essential, with some parents bringing toys and blankets as well. Additionally, many parents emphasised the importance of planning for the heat and sun, as such recommending sunscreen, a hat, a spray bottle or mister, and a pram fan.

Kids love shouting and making noise. I always tell mine that this is their chance!

Ultimately, the survey responses collectively paint a rich picture of family activism for Palestine, showcasing the diversity, commitment, and resilience of participating families. It shows that navigating protests with kids is a unique journey that involves careful planning, open communication, and adaptability. The experiences and advice shared by these families offer valuable insights for those considering or currently engaging in family activism. From demographics, to motivations, strategies, and safety measures, these families and their insights form a valuable guide for those considering or currently engaging in family activism with their children. Families for Palestine extends a heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this survey and all the families protesting for Palestine and committed to raising socially conscious and empathetic individuals.

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[1] https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/waves-protests-around-world-are-reminder-voices-children-and-adolescents-must-be

[2] https://washingtonparent.com/attending-protests-with-kids/