In a world full of noise, it’s easy for teens to feel powerless—like their voice doesn’t matter. As parents, we see them scroll through content, question their place in the world, and wonder: “What could I even do that would make a difference?”
The truth? They don’t have to wait to grow up to have an impact. Young people across the globe are speaking up, standing tall, and changing the world—and they’re doing it before they can even vote.
This post is here to show your teen (and remind you) that small voices can carry huge power. These six young activists—each under 18 when they made their mark—prove that real change can start with just one person who cares enough to act.
So grab a quiet moment, maybe with your teen beside you, and get ready to meet some of the most inspiring teens shaping the future—through courage, compassion, and big ideas.
1. Education & Representation
Malala Yousafzai – A Voice for Girls’ Education
Age at start: 11
From: Pakistan
You likely know Malala’s name—but do your kids know why she matters?
At just 11 years old, Malala began writing anonymously for the BBC about life under the Taliban, who had banned girls from attending school. A few years later, she survived a targeted attack—and rather than retreat in fear, she doubled down.
She became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize at age 17. Her story is one of unshakable bravery and belief in the power of education.
Takeaway for teens: Your voice matters. And using it to stand up for others can change the world.
Marley Dias – Founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks
Age at start: 11
From: New Jersey, USA
When Marley realized that none of the books she read at school featured Black girls like her, she decided to change that.
She launched #1000BlackGirlBooks, a campaign that collected and donated over 13,000 books featuring Black girls as main characters. She also wrote her own book and became a powerful voice for representation in education and media.
Takeaway for teens: If something doesn’t feel fair—do something about it. Speak up, create change, and share stories that need to be heard.
2. Social Justice & Advocacy
Naomi Wadler – Speaking Up Against Gun Violence
Age at speech: 11
From: Virginia, USA
At just 11, Naomi gave a viral speech at the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., highlighting how Black girls affected by gun violence were often overlooked by the media and public.
She used her voice to advocate for justice, visibility, and change. Since then, she’s spoken on international stages, always reminding the world that no one is too young to lead.
Takeaway for teens: You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make people listen. Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes.
Xiye Bastida – Climate Justice for All
Age at start: 15
From: New York, USA (by way of Mexico and Chile)
Xiye is a proud Mexican-Indigenous climate activist who began speaking at UN climate events as a teen. She co-founded the Re-Earth Initiative, a youth-led group advocating for climate justice that includes marginalized voices.
She brings her heritage and personal experience of climate displacement into her activism, reminding us that climate justice must include Indigenous and global communities.
Takeaway for teens: Use what makes you unique as your strength. Your identity is not just part of the story—it is the story.
3. Environmental Action
Greta Thunberg – A Climate Strike Heard Around the World
Age at start: 15
From: Sweden
What began as one lone girl skipping school to hold a protest sign outside the Swedish Parliament became a global movement.
Greta sparked Fridays for Future, inspiring millions of teens worldwide to demand action on climate change. She’s addressed world leaders, called out governments, and reminded everyone that the time for change is now.
Takeaway for teens: You’re never too small to make a big statement. And your passion can inspire a global movement.
Boyan Slat – Cleaning the Ocean at 16
Age at start: 16
From: The Netherlands
While most teens were worried about exams, Boyan was thinking about how to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
At 16, he developed a system to remove plastic waste from oceans—and by his early 20s, founded The Ocean Cleanup, which has already removed millions of pounds of plastic from our seas.
Takeaway for teens: Big problems need bold ideas—and sometimes, they start in your notebook or garage.
Final Thoughts: From Watching to Doing
As parents, we all want to see our kids grow into thoughtful, confident, purposeful adults. But sometimes, they need a spark—a story, a moment, a “Wow, they’re just like me” moment—to get moving.
These young activists don’t just make headlines—they make great conversation starters. Share their stories over dinner. Ask your teen what cause they care about. And most importantly—help them act on it.
This isn’t about pushing them to change the world overnight. It’s about showing them that their voice, energy, and creativity already matter.
Simple Ways to Inspire Action in Your Own Teen
1. Explore together:
Watch TED Talks or documentaries about these teens. Ask your child what stood out to them and why.
2. Volunteer or give back:
Encourage your teen to donate time, not just things. Local food banks, libraries, or climate groups always need help.
3. Research local issues:
Pick a problem in your own community and brainstorm ways your family could help. Could you write to a local rep? Organize a clean-up? Raise awareness?
4. Start small:
Encourage them to journal their ideas, start a club at school, or simply share a cause on social media. Small ripples grow into waves.
5. Remind them of this truth:
They don’t have to wait to be great. They already have everything they need to take the first step.
And if you’re raising a girl who’s full of fire and curiosity—check out the Hey Smart Girl book series. We created it to help girls dream big, dig into science, and believe in their power to lead, explore, and make an impact. Find out more here.
For more teenspiration check out my blog post on: 5 Teens changing the world through science.
