Can we please stop pretending that children are not politically aware? It would also be great to stop the unthinking rhetoric about apathetic young voters. Unhampered by adult inhibitions and free from the “no politics over dinner” convention, teenagers are some of the most dynamic and persuasive public speakers I have encountered.

Last month, greatly saddened by the shootings in Orlando, I was discussing the events with one of my younger classes. Aged 11, you would expect most to be horrified by what had happened and perhaps to be able to express their sorrow for victims, their families and communities.

What I had not predicted was the level of analysis that my class had already conducted in their heads. They explained how they were concerned with already ingrained stereotypes being further entrenched but also of their hope after hearing of how people in Florida had come together in the aftermath.

They spoke of their worries that Donald Trump might use the atrocity as “justification for his most dangerous ideas” and of their prayers that the tragedy could lead to reform of gun laws. They told me their honest, unapologetic thoughts and ideas. It was both impressive and refreshing.