Teens Took Over “Q&A” Last Night to Talk Marriage Equality, “13 Reasons Why”

Trigger Warning: This article discusses suicide.

Last month, the ABC called for high schoolers to join their Q&A panel and face off against notable politicians and commentators on the issues of the day.

And on Monday night, that meeting of the various-aged-minds was realised, with several teens joining host Tony Jones, Environment and Energy minister Josh Frydenberg and opposition Health minister Catherine King on the panel.

They also faced a series of questions from the high school-aged audience, including on the topic of marriage equality.

One student asked why the “Conservative government [was] trying to keep Australia from same-sex marriage.”

Kaniva College’s Jock Maddern, a self-described “country kid”, said “it shouldn’t matter who you love”, but endorsed a plebiscite. MacRobertson Girls’ High’s Jacinta Speer disputed the need for a plebiscite or Peter Dutton’s proposed postal vote.

“The country is clear,” she said. “We want marriage equality and to try and engage in this plebiscite or postal vote which would only stir up so much hateful rhetoric and angry rhetoric, I think would be detrimental to all of us.”

Minister Frydenberg, having heard the students’ opinions, pledged his support to gay marriage, but reiterated that the reason same-sex marriage wasn’t yet legal was due to the lack of a plebiscite.

The teens also spoke about 13 Reasons Why and the media influence on mental health problems. Williamstown High’s Aretha Brown noted “Indigenous people are... more likely to commit suicide, especially in remote communities."

"It’s programs like [13 Reason Why] that, not necessarily endorse it, but it does romanticise it," she added.

Parade College’s Pinidu Chandrasekera defended the Government’s PaTH internship program, calling it “a way to get in the door”.

“Experience is a very vital thing in the labour industry,” he added.

Jacinta Smith, however, argued that PaTH was only going to contribute to “youth underemployment”.

You can rewatch even more highlights from the episode here. Feel free to share your thoughts on the students’ performances below.

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Photo: ABC