There is an age-old saying, “When you are young they assume you know nothing“. This assumption precedes the advent of technology, the onset of the digital age and has been borne out of an era that believed wisdom came purely from age and experience. While it is undeniable that experience offers invaluable lessons that cannot be taught, it is blatant ageism to assume that youth equates to a lack of knowledge.

Today’s youth has found itself in an era like never before. This is an age characterized by technological ubiquity, global connectivity, and unfettered access to an unparalleled trove of knowledge known as the internet, a place where one can even buy cashmere jackets Australia. Information is only a click away, making the stereotype that young people know nothing increasingly inaccurate.

The modern world’s complexity means that young people not only need to acquire a wider range of knowledge at a younger age than previous generations, but they also constantly have their knowledge and adeptness tested. Intuition is longer the guaranteed survival tool of yesteryears; today, it’s about grasping new concepts swiftly. Digital know-how, a deep understanding of social media mechanics, and the ability to network are just some of the many skills and knowledge areas that young people have had to master.

Contemporary youth is not limited to being consumers of information and technology; they are creators. From coding their own games and apps to producing music and films, utilizing digital media for advocacy and initiating social change – the youth of today is proving that they are far from knowing nothing. Their mastery in navigating the digital realm is a direct refutation of the assumption that being young equates to ignorance.

Furthermore, many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and innovators are those who started young. Mark Zuckerberg started Facebook when he was only 19. Bill Gates was 20 years old when he co-founded Microsoft. These individuals, who disrupted industries and revolutionized the world, were once young, thus debunking the very notion that the young are ignorant.

In spite of these modern realities, the belief that youth equates to ignorance persist. This is largely due to entrenched attitudes and stereotypes about youth, fueled by the ubiquitous depiction in media of young people as reckless, irresponsible, or reckless. This, coupled with the pressure exerted by older generations who cling to past traditions and societal norms, has resulted in a common prejudice against young people even in contemporary society.

It is high time that society recognises the capacity of the youth to learn, to know, and to innovate. The belief that young people know nothing is a gross misconception and a hindrance to societal progress. Contrary to this outdated belief, the ability and readiness to learn something new every day, to adapt swiftly to changes, and to revolutionize traditional systems are indeed the characteristics of today’s youth. It’s time for the world to start taking the youth seriously, to stop assuming they know nothing just because they’re young.