Challenges Of Teenagers In 21st Century
Being a teenager today is so different than when I was one, which wasn’t so long ago, since I am only in my 30s (Plus 14). The world has changed so much in the last few decades, and it seems like being a teen now is an extreme sport. In my time, the most we were worried about was when we go outside to play, and we were forced to come inside; now it is in reverse.
The challenges of teenagers in the 21st century are a lot more complex, it can be tough trying to navigate through technology, mental health and social pressure. Despite all the issues, there’s nothing quite like experiencing teenage years for the first time. So, if you’re a parent of a teenager (like me) or a teen yourself, hang in there!
Problems Faced By Teenagers
Dealing with raging hormones to trying to fit in at school, there’s a lot to manage, trust me, I was one too, so I speak from experience. One of the biggest challenges is learning to deal with your emotions. For many teens, this is the first time in their lives when they start to feel so much more. EVERYTHING feels like a ‘life or death’ situation or like the world is literally ending.
You feel super sensitive and emotional (sadly, not much changes here when you move to full maturity), leading to arguments with friends and family members. Breathe, you’re ok…It is all going to be okay. Yes, it may not always be okay, but remember: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A.A. Milne
Another big challenge is body image and social media’s effects on teenagers. Technology uses these platforms to portray unrealistic standards of beauty and masculinity; it’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough.
This can lead to mental health problems, which sometimes translates to dieting and over-exercising, i.e., ie. low self-esteem and negative body image. If this is your struggle, then I wish to share my bible verse with you: “For we are God’s masterpiece…” Ephesians 2:10
You’re not alone with the challenges that teenagers face today; there are plenty of resources out there to help during this tough time in your life. Examples of such resources are talking to your parents, a trusted teacher, or a school counselor (or DM me). I know you’re struggling, but remember that this phase of your life is only temporary.
Challenges Of Adolescence Today
While every generation faces its own share of challenges, youth today are contending with more than normal; in fact, one can say it is the new normal. In an increasingly fast-paced as well as competitive world, they are bombarded with messages telling them that they need to have the perfect body, the perfect job, and the perfect life.
The emotional challenges teenagers face today can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. It’s how social media affects teenagers’ mental health as they grow up in a time of great political turmoil. They are witnesses to mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and racial tensions.
The 24-hour news cycle ensures that they are constantly bombarded with images of violence and tragedy. As a result, the effects of technology on teenage behavior make for scared teens uncertain about the future. To make matters worse, the Covid pandemic era happened, and it has been a tough time for everyone, but especially for youth.
COVID made challenges faced by high school students today even more traumatic, with Zoom fatigue and masked social isolation. Some lost loved ones to the virus too, which have all contributed to teenage anxiety and depression.
The good news is that youth are resilient and adaptable. This generation has shown great creativity in finding ways to connect with each other online. Even though offline is a tad bit unpracticed, which is what should be worked on…human connection. There has never been a more of an opportune time to connect in person.
This should be encouraged above all else: put down the phone and go to the mall, park, or church, just get out. Get out of your head and your own company, connect with humanity…with nature. Lockdown is over, live a little…
Social Media Effects On Teenagers
As a parent of teenagers, I have seen firsthand the social problems that can plague teens. It breaks my heart that my daughter and son seem ill-equipped with emotional intelligence in certain situations and areas, as they prefer online as opposed to human connections.
At times this drives a wedge between us as they rely more on the influence of social media instead of my guidance. However, even though I become their least favourite person, I force their social battery whenever possible (Or at least until these ‘tech zombie’ becomes my ‘babies’ ones again).
Social media has become so impactful. I know it is a way to connect with friends, share experiences and interests, and express opinions. However, social media can also have a negative impact for example, it can lead to cyberbullying, a culture of comparison, and screen addiction. This in turn disrupts their sleep, creates body image issues, and last but not least, social anxiety.
What is Cyber bullying? It is a type of bullying that takes place online [1]. It can include sending mean messages or spreading rumors about someone. In the past, when we had bad days or dealt with unpleasant people, we left them there and went home. The problem in today’s world is that it follows our teens’ home. They get bombarded with the unpleasantness of the day, sometimes through videos, having to relive the moment over and over again.
I have to admit I would struggle too, and it is okay to say you are struggling. It’s okay to ask for help…I would be screaming from the rooftops for help if I had to deal with half of what our teens have to deal with these days!
Why is teenage mental health worse in the 21st century? Well, apart from the cyberbullying issues, it’s the body image issues that can arise when teenagers compare themselves to the “perfect” bodies they see on social media.
This can lead to unhealthy dieting or even eating disorders. Social anxiety is another potential problem. When teenagers are constantly exposed to the “perfect” lives of others, they may start to feel like they don’t measure up. This can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.
While social media can be a great way to connect with friends and the world (as someone who is on all social platforms, I get it), it is, however, important to be aware of the potential risks. Both parents and kids need to be fully aware of the dangers and try their best to keep the lines of communication open between each other.
Academic Pressure On Teenagers
My eldest teen makes me question my life choices often, and apparently, according to her, back in high school ‘I was the worst mom ever!’ Hence, we can all agree that teen years can be hell-a taxing (Oh, FYI, my youngest teen, presently in high school, says ‘I’m so not cool’ so yippee more drama on the way #rollingeyes).
Look I get it; our teens are dealing with hormonal changes, peer pressure, and the pressure to succeed. As a result, it’s not uncommon for those problems to bleed into the school environment.
These problems can manifest in a number of ways, including poor grades for exams, disciplinary issues, and social problems. While some teenage problems/ teenage stress are simply a normal part of growing up, others can be more serious and require professional help.
If you’re concerned about a teen’s academic or social performance, it’s important to talk to their teachers or guidance counselor or if you belong to a church, speak to your Pastor. I found these to be worth pursuing because by working together, we can help overcome (somewhat) the challenges teenagers face at school and home.
My daughter had quite a traumatic time in her school life with a diagnosis, and as expected, it negatively impacted her hormones. She suffered greatly, and then, to make matters worse, the kids were cruel. It was a dark time for her, then came a tumour scare, a major operation, and missing school because she was hospitalised.
Helping my daughter with the aid of her empathetic teachers, as well as our church family (also our family standing as a family) made her feel surer of herself and her environment. I have seen big changes, especially with her grades; my teen is now 18 and will start college next week 🙂 Parents get involved; it is the ONLY way to help our kids.
What Are The Difficulties Of Being A teenager?
The difficulties of being a teenager are simply the fact that you are no longer a child, but not yet an adult, this causes anxiety and depression. You are expected to take on more responsibility, but may not always be ready or able to do so, this may cause stress and burnout. You may feel like you have to grow up too fast, or like you’re being left behind. Our poor babies no wonder you’re overwhelmed…
My daughter often tells me that we coddle her too much and she longs for freedom. In this day and age of human trafficking, kidnapping and the very real danger as well as threats out there, we can’t afford to give her that much freedom.
In my day we could play alone and wander out to our hearts content. Not a care in the world. Now, the times have changed. People have changed. Darkness has infiltrated the world on every level and trust is a rare commodity. I know with these unique challenges especially with social media addiction in teens and FOMO (fear of missing out), the dangers of the online world are also very real.
Wrapping up
If you’re a parent struggling to keep up with your teenager, just remember that you were once in their shoes. Yes, I know the struggle is real, for me and my anxiety levels too (Mayday mayday I’m going down!).
My daughter has just turned 18, and my son is 15, so I have some years under my belt with teens. I try to engage in their world, rather than expecting them to always conform to mine – it seems to make life a lot easier for all of us. Give it a try (have a glass of wine or chamomile tea handy), and please feel free to message me or click on the links sprinkled in my blog for extra assistance.