Debunking Myths About Kids' Issues

When it comes to the issues that affect children and families in the U.S., there are plenty of persistent myths and misconceptions about how to address them. But if we listen to young people and families themselves, we can challenge these myths with data and facts.

In January, Common Sense Media released the results of two new surveys in partnership with Lake Research Partners and Echelon Insights: one survey of likely voters and, uniquely, another of kids and teenagers age 12–17. These surveys explored voters' and young people's current concerns, their hopes for the future, and the solutions that they believe can make real change.

Our survey results actually go a long way toward busting some common myths about policy when it comes to kids and families—and more importantly, they highlight the very real opportunities we have as a country to put children and families first in policymaking, this year and beyond.

Myth #1: Older voters don't care about investing in children.
Fact: Senior voters care deeply about children and support investments in them. According to the survey, 59% of voters age 65 and over believe that the government spends too little on programs that benefit children and youth, while 62% think the same about investments in children. Moreover, 78% of seniors are concerned about children's future economic opportunities, and 82% agree that being a parent today is financially harder than ever before.

Myth #2: Nonparents aren't concerned about children's futures and don't want to invest in them.
Fact: People do not have to be parents themselves to care about children and support investments in them. The survey found that 60% of nonparents believe the federal government spends too little on programs for children and youth, while 65% think the same about investments in children. Additionally, 77% of nonparents are concerned about children's economic futures, and they're even more likely than parents to reject the idea that poverty is a personal failure of parents.

Myth #3: The topic of mental health is taboo, and that keeps people from wanting to invest in support for children's mental health.
Fact: Voters see youth mental health as a pressing and high-priority issue, and they believe urgent action is needed to address this crisis. The survey revealed that children struggling with mental health is seen as one of the most important issues in children's health and well-being, with 68% of voters believing that schools should provide access to mental health care.

Myth #4: Children's issues don't matter much in the face of other, more hot-button topics.
Fact: Children's issues are actually intrinsically linked to Americans' concerns about the economy and the cost of living. The survey found that 84% of parents agree that "being a parent today is financially harder than ever before," and over two-thirds of parents say it is difficult to afford things they need to buy for their children. Additionally, 81% of voters are concerned about children's future economic opportunities.

Myth #5: Voters won't hold elected officials accountable because politicians can get away with just saying platitudes about kids and families.
Fact: Elected officials must deliver for children and families. The surveys found that 78% of voters and 60% of kids and teens think that politicians and elected officials are not doing well in reflecting the needs, desires, and experiences of younger people in this country.

While there are plenty of partisan differences in the U.S., Republican and Democratic voters are remarkably aligned on a children and family agenda. The survey showed broad and deep bipartisan support for the Child Tax Credit, a national 12-week paid family and medical leave program, as well as solutions to the child care crisis and child poverty.

Sometimes what we assume is conventional wisdom is actually a set of myths we need to challenge. It is clear that voters, regardless of age or parental status, care deeply about issues affecting kids and families and expect elected officials to take meaningful action to improve the state of kids and families in America.