Thousands of Australian students downed their books on Friday and
SBS News spoke to children across the country to find out why they took part and what their message was for grown-ups.
Sydney's Domain was packed with thousands of students. Source: Abbie O'Brien
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In Sydney, 12-year-old Sasha Dryza said, "I don't see any future for us and generations to come because the government doesn't care".
Her friend Claudia Cox, 11 agreed.
"The government is not doing anything about climate change. I'm worried about my future. There might not even be a future."
Eden talks to SBS News. Source: SBS News
Fellow Sydney participant Eden said, "the government is, in a way, taking away our future".
"We don't want our future to be full of pollution and horrible things. We want it to be beautiful and green."
"Climate striking is an amazing way to make a difference because of all the people marching together, as one unit, I think that says a lot."
Oliver at the Sydney event. Source: SBS News
Nine-year-old Oliver said, "I really want to change the future".
"I want to grow up in a good place," he said.
Maddie in the Domain on Friday. Source: SBS News
And Maddie told SBS News she was excited to take part in a series of global protests.
"We are one of the first countries [to hold the protests] and then the rest of the world is also going to do it. It's really exciting that this is happening and hopefully it makes a difference."
At the Canberra event, year six student Ava told SBS News, "our planet is important, and if we think our planet is important then we should save it".
Ava at the Canberra protest. Source: Tom Stayner
"One person can change a lot of things, as we know from Greta Thunberg," she said.
Year nine student Nuthpravee Khaenram said, "it's our future and I want to have a good future for my kids".
Nuthpravee Khaenram talks to SBS News. Source: Tom Stayner
And year eight student Finlay Rochford said, "we're coming together to solve this - and really change the world".
"When we come out here ... We really show the world what's actually happening."
Ruby at the Brisbane protest. Source: SBS News
Meanwhile in Brisbane, 13-year-old Ruby said, "I think saving the planet is far better than learning".
"Learning's important, but I would say that there is no point in learning if we don't have a place to learn on."
"Maybe people will understand things need to change."
And in Adelaide, year nine student Jay Kollarackal said the future of the planet rests with young people.
"I came down today because my belief is we can change this if our parents and the generations that came before us can't do it."
