I think that will return. Disengaged generation Teenagers' interest in politics has been declining steadily since the late 1960s, according to researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles. In their nationwide study of first-year college students, they found that 25.9 percent think it is very important or essential to keep up with political affairs, down from a peak of 57.8 percent in 1966. Only 14 percent say they frequently discuss politics. Still, the steady drumbeat of scandal that has pounded America since Watergate has turned off many people when it comes to politics, says Curtis Gans, director of the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate in Washington.
Teenagers say no to the top job for a variety of reasons.
Soccer and skateboarding, not politics, are the main interests for this ninth grader. Andres Olaya, another young teen, says he wouldn't want to have to make so many decisions that would disappoint people or invite criticism. And, not surprisingly, maintaining individuality is a big concern. But Katie and two friends browsing with her at Newbury Comics in Boston's Back Bay didn't see that possibility for themselves. Not enough money, not the right set of leadership skills, they said.