Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Valuable docu about civics competition excels in diversity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Citizen Nation
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In CITIZEN NATION, an elite East Coast school, a gritty Rocky Mountain school, and an up-and-coming Western school join other U.S. high schools in competing in the annual We the People civics competition. Teachers guide kids in preparation for major debates about topics that shape government. Teens share their goals, their fears, their dreams. But which school's team will have enough knowledge, skill, and determination to win the coveted prize?
Is It Any Good?
Powerful, engaging, and significant, this docuseries is a must-see for teens and families interested in the democratic process of the United States. The process, as illustrated in Citizen Nation, starts in the classroom and is fostered by passionate teachers and students.
Citizen Nation doesn't shy away from examining political orientation, especially as it emerges from teens' diverse social and class experiences. An excellent choice for upper-grade classroom viewing, this documentary slices through pretense to get to the core values of a generation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage it takes to compete in a national competition like the one featured in Citizen Nation. What's the payoff for teens who take these kinds of risks?
Students and teachers worry about the lack of communication between people with opposing political ideologies. Is there a respectful way to share differing points of view?
Students learn to hone arguments that welcome opposing points of view. How can teamwork be strengthened by opposition?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 8, 2024
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Activism , School ( High School ) , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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