Young people care hugely about political issues, not political parties. The many thousands of school students who took to the streets across the land on Friday to implore our politicians to act on climate change is striking evidence of their engagement.

They have been criticised at the highest levels. Prime Minister Scott Morrison was scathing in Parliament as the community became aware of the students’ civil disobedience intentions: ‘‘We do not support our schools being turned into parliaments ...What we want is more learning in schools and less activism in schools.’’

As it became clear just how many young people were democratically defying the nation’s leader, Resources Minister Matt Canavan said he wants children learning how to build mines, do geology and drill for oil and gas. ‘‘These are the type of things that excite young children ...The best thing you’ll learn about going to a protest is how to join the dole queue.’’

The protest in Spring Street. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

Rather than berate the students, the Coalition would be better to take note of why they are protesting.