Understanding the Greta Effect

In light of the above, generically speaking, this generation has been slow to exhibit any interest in national politics. In the UK, their interest has been piqued by Brexit, but that is an issue-based interest.

They are becoming aware of global politics, based on specific concerns, such as climate change.

Until recently, Edgers have shown little tendency to engage with large-scale collective demonstrations, which owes something to their age.

For some time, though, they have been urging and pursuing reform via the digital space. Digital technology provides them with platforms for righting wrongs.

Generation Edgers feel they have a responsibility to change things. Where once whistle-blowers might have been the villains in any story, this generation sees them as role models who encourage others to fix broken systems.

The message for political, business and community leaders of all stripes is this: you can no longer expect loyalty to institutions as a given.

Neither can you expect young people to sound off in the digital arena, but otherwise stay out of sight. If nothing else, the climate strikes have put paid to that notion.

Leaders must learn to engage with the criticism of young people in constructive ways. This does not mean simply cow-towing to demands or currying favour through photo opportunities with social media 'influencers' - or climate activists.

At times, leadership will need to patiently - but not patronisingly - challenge the thinking of Edgers, or correct misconceptions where they exist.

Generation Edge will not be pacified by false expressions of agreement. They have grown up with the most sophisticated special effects in movie history; they know better than most the difference between a deep fake and the real article.

Parents, too, need to front up, taking responsibility for providing proactive guidance, rather than attempting to become peers to their teenage children.

A recent report suggested that parents are seeking the help of professional coaches because their children are 'triple screening' - that is, watching laptops, tablets and phones at the same time.