What’s happening right now with Gen Z? Well, Gen Z has found its voice in protesting. It’s happening worldwide, from Nepal to the United States, including Heritage High School.
In the week of September 8, 2025, protests erupted around Nepal. The protests were in response to a new law passed by the Nepalese government that banned social media for all citizens. The most impacted people by the new law were Gen Z. In response, Gen Z took to the streets and protested.
Protesters created homemade bombs and weapons and threw them at Nepal’s capital building and the prime minister’s house. When they hit the building, the explosion went everywhere. Nepal’s capital building had been burned, and the prime minister’s house had been damaged. But what would Heritage students do if our government banned social media?
“ I wouldn’t use social media, but it would be sad. I wouldn’t go as far as to riot, maybe protest. It’s something I don’t necessarily think of every day.” Grace Erickson ’27 says.
“[I’d] Be fine, it’s not life or death. I would definitely not Riot around the streets.” Aiden Musselwhite, ‘26 exclaims.
Students at Heritage don’t really care if their social media gets banned. This is odd, considering the 13-hour TikTok ban in January of this year, which had people panicking across social media. It should be noted that there was no rioting or looting when this ban went into effect in the United States. Instead, people called their Senators and representatives to appeal the ban. In the end, President Trump stopped the ban from taking effect when he became president in January of 2025.
Once again, Gen Z protested after the Evergreen shooting. They demand that guns leave our classrooms and that new regulations on firearms be implemented. In the following weeks after the Evergreen shooting, students around the Denver Metro area started protesting and walking out of schools. Walkouts were planned, and one walkout even happened at Heritage. Around 85 students showed up to the walkout outside and gave their thoughts and opinions.
“I don’t support gun violence; it’s not safe, especially after seeing how easy school shootings were brushed off after only a few days, like many others.” Panini ‘27 says.
As teens stand up and challenge government decisions, they are starting to plan more protests. The last major protest was the No Kings Protest. The No Kings protest is a march to challenge the policies and actions of President Donald Trump and his administration. This also includes protests against fascist tendencies, which are often associated with democratic backlash. Students at Heritage High School, like Ethan Urba, attended the No Kings rally on October 18, 2025, in Civic Center Park, downtown Denver.
“I am interested in the no kings protest since I haven’t been able to go to the previous protests in Denver, and I want to feel a part of the movement that is happening right now regarding current political and social events,” states Ethan Urba ‘27.
As time goes on, how will Gen Z respond to global news? Nobody knows, not even Gen Z. Their protests were noted to help guide their actions. It’s safe to say their voices will guide them.