Teen Vogue’s 10 Best Op-eds of 2024
In 2024, Teen Vogue continued its tradition of serving as a platform for vibrant, enlightening, and thought-provoking opinion pieces written by teens, for teens. Throughout the year, young voices took to the pages of Teen Vogue to share their insights on a range of topics, from pressing political issues to cultural phenomena and personal reflections. Here we take a look back at the 10 best op-eds that captured our readers’ attention and sparked meaningful conversations across the globe.
1.”The Climate Crusade: Our Generation’s Call to Arms” – An impassioned plea for climate action penned by a high-school climate activist who organized one of the largest climate strikes in New York City.
2.”Reclaiming My Identity: The Power of Pronouns in High School Hallways” – A heartfelt narrative about the struggles and victories of navigating gender identity in the modern high school experience.
3.”Democracy in Digital Times: How Social Media Shapes Our Politics” – A critical analysis of social media’s impact on political campaigns and young voters’ engagement by a teen political scientist.
4.”Fast Fashion’s Hidden Costs: A Teen’s Perspective on Consumerism” – An insightful look into the ethical and environmental repercussions of fast fashion through the eyes of a young sustainable style advocate.
5.”Mental Health Matters: Breaking The Silence in Minority Communities” – A powerful commentary on the stigma surrounding mental health within communities of color, offering hopeful solutions for change.
6.”From TikTok to Change Maker: How Gen Z is Rewriting Activism”– An examination of how social media platforms like TikTok are being used as tools for social and political activism among teens.
7.”The Art of Balancing Academics and Activism”– A personal account detailing how one teen manages academic pursuits while leading a national campaign for education reform.
8.”Our Bodies, Our Rights: The Fight for Reproductive Justice Continues”– An op-ed that delves into ongoing struggles for reproductive rights and autonomy, along with a rallying cry for youth advocacy.
9.The Intersectionality of Fashion: Dressing Beyond Gender Norms”– A cultural critique that explores how fashion can challenge traditional gender norms and express multifaceted identities.
10.”Speaking Up About Gun Violence: It’s Personal”– An emotional piece by a survivor of gun violence who has since become an outspoken advocate for gun control legislation, focusing on personal stories to drive change.
These op-eds not only demonstrate the breadth and diversity of what concerns young people today but also underscore Teen Vogue’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. As we look forward, it is clear that the passion, intelligence, and tenacity of these young writers will continue to shape our conversations and possibly our future policies as well.