Samantha De Waal is a 12-year-old lifetime Bitcoiner. In this interview, we discuss her experiences as a Bitcoiner, including her challenges in being taken seriously as a young advocate. We also talk about the importance of considering children’s needs and perspectives in the Bitcoin community and more generally in society.
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According to the United Nations, in 2023, there are approximately 2.4 billion people aged 0-18 years worldwide. This represents around 30% of the total global population. As they represent a substantial proportion of humanity, it is imperative to consider their perspectives. And yet, children and young adults find it hard to be heard in any of the debates on the major issues the world currently faces; these issues we are expecting them to handle in the near future.
Too often we all belittle the views of those under 18. Anyone who has forthright opinions is deemed to be parroting a mentor’s opinions rather than their own. Whilst it is true that life experience counts for a lot in terms of developing wisdom, those younger than ourselves have significantly important views and ideas born of experiences unique to those older than themselves.
Generation Z, or Zoomers, are digital natives. Being born into a society rooted in the advances of the internet means that they are incredibly more comfortable with the digital revolution than previous generations. Such confidence only improves over time: the current generation, Generation Alpha, will exceed the abilities of Zoomers. And each generation is less encumbered with the traditions of the past and more open to change.
It is from such young people that the solutions to the coming crises will emerge, including the impending economic crisis. It is therefore imperative that they are included in the important conversations that are taking place, and that they are given time to express themselves. For the Bitcoin community, this means giving space for discussion in podcasts, conferences and articles. It also means accounting for their specific needs to help them embrace Bitcoin.
