Unfortunately in the world full of adultism and protectoinism there is a lot of loaded language. We, as youth-righters should try to avoid these terms, as they normalize these viewpoints. Of course, if the term isn't loaded by itself, but by its cultural context, using it in positive light to reclaim it may be a good idea.

Terms we don't need to avoid

  • the youth or young person/people/persons
This term is neutral. While it is used in negative connotations, it is also used in positive ones.
  • to be kidding
This term's meaning got disconnected from its perceived etymology. Its use isn't either negative or positive of the youth.

Terms that are culturally biased against the youth

  • kid/kids - when used to imply somebody is immature
It implies that kids are immature.
See also: to be kidding
  • juvenile - in relation to people
This word has negative connotations.
See also: juvenile delinquency
  • juvenile delinquency?
See also: juvenile

Terms that are loaded by itself

  • friends - when used to mean peers when misused to communicate with young children.
This leads to making it hard for young children to distinguish between people they like to spend time with and people they spend time with.

Terms that are harmfully biased, but the bias isn't against the youth

Terms that are biased, but put youth in good light

See also