Back to Advocacy

STUDENT VOICES

Op-eds written by YPA members shaping the conversation on technology, housing, and the future of young people in America.

8 op-eds from YPA members

The FulcrumMay 20, 2026

Gen Z Begs Legislators: Make Social Media Social Again

Sparkle Rainey calls on legislators to hold Big Tech accountable with design-based regulations to combat algorithmic feeds, infinite scroll, and addictive platform features that are driving young people apart.

By Sparkle Rainey

Read article
Cap TimesJanuary 30, 2026

Tech giants must protect vulnerable youth from predators

Mansi Peters calls on tech companies to implement stronger protections against fraudulent accounts and sextortion schemes targeting minors, following the tragic death of a Wisconsin teen.

By Mansi Peters

Read article
Santa Cruz SentinelSeptember 25, 2025

How AI companions are putting young people at risk and what can be done about it

Joshua Brons from UC Santa Cruz explores the dangers of AI companion apps and advocates for stronger protections for young users.

By Joshua Brons

Read article
Indy WeekJuly 25, 2025

The hidden hunger crisis on UNC campus

Sarah Maness from UNC Chapel Hill sheds light on the often-overlooked food insecurity affecting college students.

By Sarah Maness

Read article
Richmond Times DispatchOctober 9, 2025

Chatbots are harming our children. What can be done?

Atiksh Bhan examines how AI chatbots are negatively impacting young people and proposes solutions to address the issue.

By Atiksh Bhan

Read article
Washington ExaminerOctober 17, 2025

California fails to protect families from AI exploitation

Sparkle Rainey argues that California's regulatory approach leaves families vulnerable to AI chatbot manipulation.

By Sparkle Rainey

Read article
Carolina JournalNovember 4, 2025

How housing policy is failing NC's young people

Mick Tobin and Iha Pemmaraju examine how current housing policies are leaving young North Carolinians behind and what can be done to fix it.

By Mick Tobin & Iha Pemmaraju

Read article
Institute for Family StudiesNovember 17, 2025

AI protections for minors will help us beat China

Sam Hiner argues that protecting young Americans from harmful AI is both a moral imperative and strategic necessity.

By Sam Hiner

Read article