Teen Walrus: Young People on What Matters Now

Young writers and artists from across Canada share the conversations, problems, and ideas that are critical to them


There’s an absence of stories for teens by teens, exploring how young people themselves see the world. In this new digital series, The Walrus has brought together young writers and artists from across Canada, ages thirteen through nineteen, and asked them to share the conversations, problems, and ideas that are critical to them—from politics to food, cancel culture to education.





by Ava Furfaro
Illustration by Emily Verscheure

The sheer volume of super cheap clothes being advertised to young people is alarming—and terrible for the environment





by Zarmminaa Rehman
Illustration by momo adorjany

K-pop got me through my teen years, but celebrity obsessions have a dark side





by Thivya Jeyapalan
Illustration by Chloe Fuerte

Demanding accountability is important. But growing up with the phenomenon may be making us miss out on meaningful conversations





by Aymaan Abid
Illustration by Théo Lambert

The time to address climate change and inequality is running out. Young people deserve to have our say—while we still can





by Trudeau Gulati
Illustration by Anaïs-Aimée Rafaelsen

Students everywhere sat through months of experimental learning plans, and we’re only just starting to see the unintended consequences





by Avery Parkinson

It might sound weird, but growing meat from cells could take a bite out of emissions and help with the climate crisis





Fiction by Yan Xi Li
Illustration by Tasnia Tiasha

I hoped my aunt had found peace, even if the revolution hadn’t


More on Teens and Youth


Credits

Series Editor: Daniel Viola
Editors: Carine Abouseif, Jonah Brunet, Nicole Schmidt, Monika Warzecha
Art Direction: Celina Gallardo, Meredith Holigroski
Producer: Celina Gallardo
Head of Research: Allison Baker
Copy Editors: Siddhesh Inamdar, Erin Sylvester
Fact Checkers: Neve Dickson, Leila El Shennawy, Jess Mackie, Sharon Nadeem, Emma Wilkie, Hannah Ziegler

The Walrus thanks The Rossy Foundation for generously supporting Teen Walrus: Young People on What Matters Now and stories by youth.

The Walrus Staff