Political unrest is an umbrella term for a wide spectrum of social and political phenomena, from non-violent protests to violent rioting. It can be triggered by a number of factors including climate change, economic inequality and identity politics, with the latter often sparked through high-profile incidents of violence or discrimination and fuelled by social media and false narratives.
Increasingly, citizens feel disengaged from government and feel they are not representing their interests. This can be a result of poor governance, economic disparity or corruption, and lack of accountability, as well as a feeling that the government isn’t responding to their needs. The most common reason for civil unrest is a sense of injustice, whether it’s economic or racial, and people will rise up to defend their rights.
For city residents, it can be disruptive to daily life, and there may be security concerns. Staying updated on events in your area can help you to avoid impacted areas.
This is particularly important for families with children, as the impact of societal conflict can be especially harmful to their development and mental health. As a parent, you can support your child’s resilience by encouraging them to participate in social activism and helping them develop their own civic engagement. Educating yourself on the facts about civil unrest can help you have a more informed conversation with your child about these events. You can also make a difference by taking action yourself to reduce the effects of these events, such as signing up for local alerts or calling your council to find out more about how they’re planning to respond.