As new generations grow up and progress through school on their journey into adulthood, there is always a unique set of challenges and issues that each generation must deal with. Some of these problems are caused by a variety of contemporary influencers who find themselves in the faster pace of life in society, while other problems have always been there but have not been adequately addressed.
The great advances in today's social technology have definitely reinforced some common generational struggles, while at the same time creating unique problems that no previous generation has ever had to deal with.
For example, today's teens struggle more with their interpersonal relationships than any previous generation, and many of these dysfunctions may be related to excessive use of technology.
In fact, the average teen spends more than nine hours a day using their electronic devices. Consequently, their social networking habits and media consumption are changing the way they communicate, date, study, sleep, exercise and more. These are the 7 biggest social issues teens wrestle with every day.
Listed below are the top 7 issues facing our youth today. Add your suggestions to the comments. What do you think are the biggest problems facing young people today?
1. Mobbing
Coming from a millennial struggle that most generations can relate to, bullying has always been and will continue to be a problem within school systems. There are many applicants who believe that bullying can be eradicated, and sadly, this is not a realistic stance on the issue.
As long as we have young, insecure, impressionable people placing themselves in a crowd of people experiencing the same fears and anxieties, there will always be cases of bullying floating around. The best countermeasure is to educate young people on the best way to reduce and suppress unwarranted confrontations.
The big change in the bullying landscape today is the subcategory ofcyber bullying. With so much of young people's social lives made up of social media, much of the bullying these days has a broader audience, with acts of cyberbullying becoming almost theatrical displays of humiliation for onlookers. line.
In fact, cyber bullying is becoming the predominant form of bullying these days simply because it is more difficult for authority figures like teachers to intervene and monitor such encounters, and while bullying is not limited to school hours, bullies have the ability to torment. their victims throughout the day.
The fact that bullies can use a tool designed to connect people to increase the scope of the bullying is appalling, but there are ways to counter such attacks online that can beseen here
Also, you are looking for qualified help in this area or if you know someone who is, here are some contacts who can help you:
- Life linesoy 13.11.14
- kids hotlineal 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australiaal 1300 789 978
- suicide callback serviceal 1300 659 467
- beyond the blueal 1300 22 46 36
- Head spaceal 1800 650 890
- Reachinau.reachout.com
2. depression
Depression is an example of a youth problem that has always been around, but has fortunately gained more public attention in recent years. The taboo on admitting mental health problems is becoming a thing of the past.
When it comes to teen depression, there are arguments for both sides, with some arguing that there has not been an increase in the number of cases, but rather more data collection in recent years, while others argue that young people are accessing to social media in their formative years a recipe for disaster as young people are at this point in their lives on a journey of self-discovery. So if these young people are constantly looking at a digital world with unrealistic standards, it will surely hurt their self-esteem.
There are a number of other issues to technology use that researchers have identified as a barrier to youth building mental toughness, such as activities. These problems are piling up, leaving young people with a greater sense ofsoledadand isolation.
Depressive disorders are treatable and can often be cured with a lot ofpractical steps, such as diet, exercise, sleep routine, etc., but it is important to seek professional help. If your teen seems withdrawn, has a disrupted sleep schedule, or is doing poorly in school, make an appointment with your teen's doctor or see a mental health professional. Don't hesitate to seek help for your teen if you notice these symptoms.
3. Sexual activity
According to recent studies, about 40% of high school students are sexually active. While it's still a large percentage, the good news is that sexual activity among high school students has declined in recent decades.
While the decline in the teen birth rate is worth celebrating, it's also worth noting that more than half of all sexually transmitted diseases occur in the 15-24 age group each year.
There's no denying that Generation Z is much more in tune with health-related choices such as drugs, sex and alcohol, but that's certainly not unanimous and it would be ignorant for most parents to simply assume that their children are not sexually active. The best thing you can do is have a conversation that is free of all parental judgment and pressure. This creates an accessible space where your children can be vulnerable when necessary.
4. Drug and alcohol use
Daily marijuana use has increased among high school students in recent years and now exceeds cigarette use. This is the result of updating legalization laws that create a false perception of the harmful nature of drug use.
Meanwhile, the use of other illicit drugs has hit record lows, with some ongoing studies indicating that youth illicit drug use has been at its lowest level since 2017, as has alcohol use and drinking. binge drinking have seen significant declines. This is yet another testimonial to Gen Z and their health conscious substance choices.
Despite the decline in alcohol consumption, 33.2% of high school seniors report having drunk alcohol in the past month.
While drug and alcohol use is not a widespread problem in the youth community, it is still a problem with dangerous consequences, and the risks associated with drug use and excessive alcohol use are worth talking about. Talk to teens about the risks of underage drinking. Educate them about the dangers, including the fact that alcohol can severely damage a teen's developing brain.
When you talk about drug use, be sure to mention the dangers of prescription drugs, as many teens don't realize the dangers of taking a friend's prescription, taking some pills they weren't prescribed, or even taking their own. become dependent on recipes.
unfortunately,Teens often underestimate how easy it is to develop an addiction. And they don't understand the risks associated with overdosing. Be sure to talk about these risks consistently.
5. Academic problems
In recent years there has been an increase in the number of students dropping out of the last years of secondary school. According to recent studies, high school dropouts are likely to earn $200,000 less over their lifetime than a regular high school graduate, which can obviously have a significant impact on a young person's future.
This increase in early school leaving is not due to an increase in 'problem teens', quite the contrary. Gen Z has been shown to have a more diligent overall approach to their education, however this leads toSome teens feel so pressured to get into a good college that they burn out.before graduating from high school. One of the best ways to counteract this problem is to remain involved in your teen's education. Provide support and guidance where needed, and generally let them know that final exams aren't the be all and end all.
It's hard for young people to put undue pressure on themselves when you continue to support them, demystify the stigma attached to exams, and let them know you love them no matter what results they get.
6. Peer pressure
Like bullying, peer pressure has existed as long as groups of people have come together. However, peer pressure increases when social media amplifies it.
sextearis one of the most extreme examples of the online pressures teens face, as many of them don't understand the lifelong consequences that sharing explicit photos can have on their lives. Don't delete a message, photo or video at the end of your relationship More and more people are holding on to these personal messages and even sharing them with others!
Beyond sexting, online youth are feeling increasing peer pressure to engage in cyberbullying and other destructive behaviors. As with many other online problems, one of the first practical steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your child becoming involved in a peer pressure scenario is simple.reduce your availability to online time. I think we can all agree that the time we now spend online could very well be reduced without real harm.
Make sure your kids aren't afraid to come to you if they make a mistake. Show that you can listen without judging or overreacting, and instead find healthy ways to make amends and move on.
7. Social networks
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be great ways for teens to connect with each other. But social media can be problematic for a number of reasons. For example, social media can expose your teencyber bullying,online predatorsand much more. And though there are someBenefits of social networks, there are also many risks.
While many social media companies are taking steps to reduce online risks for young viewers, it's important for parents to get involved because no one cares about your child's well-being more than you do.
Unfortunately, social media is unavoidable. If you completely prevent your teens from accessing social media, you will put them at a social disadvantage. Regardless of the precautions you take, there is a statistically great chance that your teens will be exposed to unsavory people, unhealthy images, and sexual content online. Considering all the potential risks and downsides that come with social media, the best thing you can do as a parent is to educate your children and enforce usage barriers.
Help your teens learn how to navigate social media in a healthy way. Talk about ways to stay safe online. And most importantly, keep up with what your teen is doing online. Learn about the latest social apps, websites, and media sites teens are using, and be sure to put measures and barriers in place to keep your teens safe online.
How to talk to your teen
Talking about difficult topics with your teen can be uncomfortable. And your teen probably won't respond well to a long lecture or too many direct questions. But talking to your teen about difficult topics is not something to be afraid of.
Even if you don't seem to be listening, you are the most influential person in your teen's life. It is important to lay a solid foundation before the window closes.
A good way to start a conversation about an interesting topic or other awkward situation is to ask a question like "Do you think this is a big problem at your school?"
Listen to what your teen has to say. Try not to judge, but make your expectations and opinions clear. It's important for your teen to understand that you don't approve of certain behaviors and that if they break your rules, you know the consequences.