This article is concerned with a dimension of young people's civic education beyond socialisation that is neither confined to the sphere of political decision-making, nor to the achievement of a particular civic identity. The two case studies emphasise the role and importance of significant others and of democratic and non-democratic relationships, engagements and practices in the everyday lives of the young people. Whilst schools have a duty to teach young people how to act and behave in a "responsible" way within a democratic society, they also have a unique opportunity to foster and maintain a "safe" environment where young people can originate action, respond to the actions of others and be citizen-subjects.