Parents, children and politics

Using underage children in political campaigns is undoubtedly not a new phenomenon. Some child psychologists argue that there is no such thing as too young to get engaged politically.  Even children too young to vote are affected by politics every day. So it is best to get involved.

Others disagree with this line of thought and believe that children should not be forced to get engaged in politics until they are old enough to understand the political process.

The campaign for the European Parliament election has seen the main political parties using children in the public relations material. Candidates generally use photos and video clips of their children on social media to project themselves in a favourable light with voters.

The Commissioner for Children Pauline Miceli has made her views clear on this issue: “Babies and young children should not be involved in campaigns by political parties.” It seems that the main political parties have ignored the Commissioner’s advice.

What is perhaps more worrying is that it is usually the parents themselves who push their children to appear in political adverts.

Using underage children in political campaigns may help to humanise a candidate.