Things are much different nowadays! I tell friends, family, and audiences all the time that I am thankful my generation did not have to deal with social media when I was going through middle and high school. It just seems to add another significant layer to the pressure and anxiety on our children.
Starting out, our kids have to deal with a much more hyper-focused society on achievement. The Higher Education Research group asked incoming college freshmen if they feel overwhelmed by all they have to do. Nearly 41% of respondents said ‘Yes’ compared to 18% in 1985. In our current time, students have to deal with a world that can feel threatening and scary at times. Sure, every generation may lay a claim to this statement especially prior to 1985, but we are talking about here and now. With an increase in school and public shootings, in suburban and rural areas too, it is hard to feel safe anywhere we go. No doubt this breeds anxiety especially in the minds of our society’s youngest.
Additionally, the social media element is something that significantly stands out. Cyber bullying, image issues, and incompatible beliefs about what is right and what is wrong stand out as just a few issues that can plague our children. It may impact them so much that they don’t quite know how to express inner strive or who to express it with. Our childrens’ self-image may get lost in a very noisy world which is why we need to be encouraging them to explore all of their issues, talk them out, and be more connected to how they feel. There is a domino effect here and think about how powerful it is to have our kids be more connected to who they are and not to who their friends, society, or social media says they should be.
Parents need to be present, open, genuine, and ready to create to best atmosphere possible for healthy communication.
