We’re losing America’s young people. They may not be physically leaving the U.S., but a new poll shows they’re throwing American ideals overboard.

As The Hill reported Wednesday, only about half of young Americans say democracy is the greatest form of government.

Less than a week after the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, an event that set the nation on its course to independence, and only half of young Americans think democracy is worth achieving? This doesn’t bode well.

The Economist/YouGov’s poll shows that among U.S. adults surveyed, support for democracy is strongest among older Americans, but it declines in every subsequent younger age bracket — with the weakest levels of support among adults younger than 45.

Only 54% of U.S. adults ages 18-29 agree with the statement, “Democracy is the greatest form of government,” including 21% who agree strongly and 34% who agree somewhat. Another 34% say they neither agree nor disagree, and 12%t say they disagree.

That level of support is similar among U.S. adults ages 30-44.

How did this happen?

Do they not know that our democracy is a key reason why so many people immigrate to America? Are they oblivious to the harsh realities of life under non-democratic regimes around the world?

Ignorance plays a large role in this. As we’ve seen from young people declaring Israel a colonizer as they march on college campuses, history remains a mystery for too many. And those who slam America and its policies, from our own politicians to movements abroad, have made good use of the knowledge vacuum rampant among the young.

When you get your news from TikTok and political instruction from the influencers on Insta, it’s no wonder understanding and appreciation for America’s democratic form of government is absent from the chat.

The poll found that support for democracy significantly higher among older demographics — with 70% of U.S. adults ages 45-64 agreeing that democracy is the best form of government, and 86% of adults ages 65 and older saying the same.

What are these young people doing with their blasé attitude about democracy? Nothing.

A recent poll from Harvard University’s Institute of Politics showed young voters were less likely to say they planned to vote in the 2024 election. Among respondents aged 18-29 who said they voted in the 2020 election, only 49% said they would “definitely” vote in the next presidential election; 17% said they would “probably” vote in the 2024 election.

These are alarming numbers going into an election year, and a red flag for those concerned about our country’s future. Civics classes, once a staple in high schools, need to be supercharged for today’s students. You won’t vote if you don’t understand why you should.

Civics classes for adults should be supported by local leaders – both in person and online. Polls and events that illustrate lack of knowledge about history, politics, government and current events are warning signs for the country.

America needs knowledgeable citizens for the nation to thrive. There’s a lot of work to do.

Editorial cartoon by Chip Bok (Creators Syndicate)