The Supreme Court's role in shaping the future of teenagers in the U.S. has become a focal point, with cases involving TikTok, vaping, and transgender care under review. Amid these debates, trust in the Court is waning among young people, with only 44% of Gen Z expressing confidence in the institution.
One major case examines the ban on TikTok, a platform heavily used by teens, over national security concerns. Critics argue that decisions like these overlook the app's impact on youth. Similarly, the Court is addressing issues like age verification for explicit content and vaping regulations, focusing on whether state and federal agencies have overstepped their bounds.
Demonstrators in support of gender-affirming treatment make signs outside the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on December 4, 2024. Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Advocates worry that these cases prioritize politics over youth welfare. Teens like Virginia high schooler Kailey Corum highlight this sentiment, expressing limited trust in the Court’s decisions. “They need to listen to the people a little bit more,” said fellow student Spencer Rahim.
As the Court navigates these high-stakes decisions, the question remains whether it will consider the voices and interests of the nation's younger generation.
