The advancements of technology are both a curse and a blessing for teens today because they are facing problems that no other generation has ever seen. No doubt, not all problems are new, but some of them are changed or amplified with electronic media. The way teens interact with their friends and romantic interests, the prevalence of digital communication has changed. It is mainly because the majority of the teens lack essential interpersonal communication skills, and their habit of how they consume media is changing the way they communicate, date, learn, sleep, exercise, and other things.
Some of the hardships that teens face today
Acceptance
From time to time, even the most self-assured person struggles with acceptance. But teens struggle with it because they lack maturity and perspective. Parental approval is one of the best things we can do is offer. As per a recent survey, it was concluded that there is a significant link between a teen’s psychological maladjustment and perceived paternal and maternal rejection. No matter what, you need to help your teen feel accepted by assuring them of your unwavering love and guidance.
Stress
Some of the things that can create ongoing tension patterns are the pressures teens face from school, parents, and peers. Things that add to that feeling include being stuck at home and away from regular life. Hence it is crucial that you must help your kids deal with life’s stresses in a few ways, including assisting them in establishing healthy boundaries, teaching them how to prioritize to simplify their life, and Creating a safe atmosphere at home.
Obesity
As per recent research, it was found that at least 20% of 12- to 19-year-olds are obese. Besides that you need to know that bullies target obese children; obese kids also are at a way greater risk of lifelong health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. These kids also struggle with body image issues or develop eating disorders, but parents don’t know about these issues always. You need to inquire about the steps you can take to ensure your teen is healthy by talking to your child’s pediatrician about the weight and body mass that are appropriate for your teen’s height and age.
Academic issues
A high school dropout is likely to earn way less as compared to one who is a graduate, and it surely has a significant impact on a young person’s future. Teens are burning themselves out before they graduate from high school as they feel so much pressure to get into the right college, so it is no longer that only troubled teens” are dropping out of school. So all we say is that you must have some idea about your teen’s education. Lastly, you must always be ready to help your teen whenever he encounters problems.
Peer pressure
Social media comes along with it to a whole new level through peer pressure isn’t a new issue. For instance, sexting, of course, is a significant concern as the majority of the teens don’t learn the lifelong consequences that sharing explicit photos can have on their lives. Being pressured into sharing inappropriate images is not the only thing teens are being pressured as they are also being pressured into having sex, doing drugs, and even bullying other people.
You must talk to teens about what to do if they make a mistake or keep falling victim to peer pressure; instead, give them skills to make healthy choices. Teens are quite afraid to ask for help at times, so they make a mistake. When your teens make a mistake, ensure your kids are not scared to come to you. It would be best if you found healthy ways for them to make amends and move on and show your teens that you can listen without judging or overreacting.
Social media
Some of the best ways for teens to connect with one another including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter but for a plethora of reasons the social media can be problematic. For example, social media can expose your teen to cyberbullying, slut-shaming, and many other things. No doubt there are several benefits of social media, but there are several risks also.
Social media is changing the way teens date as it can have a negative impact on friendships. Besides, their mental health is also impacted, but teens are still likely to be exposed to unknown people, unhealthy images, and sexual content online no matter what precautions you take.
It is essential for parents to get involved even though there are measures being put into place to minimise the risks kids face online. All you need to do is ensure that your teens learn how to navigate social media in a healthy way and keep track of what they do online. Keep yourself updated with the latest apps, websites, and social media pages teens are using, and take steps to keep your teen safe.
Depression
A plethora of experts say that technology is the leading cause for the rise in mental health problems. Spending a lot of time on electronic devices may be preventing young people from in-person activities with their friends, including sports, it can help them prevent depression. It is essential to seek professional help as depression disorders are treatable if you notice some symptoms, including teen seems withdrawn, experiences a change in his sleep patterns, or starts to perform poorly in school.
Alcohol
You must talk to your teens about the risks of underage drinking and help them learn about the dangers, like the fact that alcohol can take a severe toll on the developing brain of a teenager. Also, it would be best if you expressed your disapproval of drinking.
How can you talk to your teen?
Your teen can feel uncomfortable bringing up any difficult subjects because your teen isn’t likely to react well to a lengthy lecture or several direct questions. But you need to know that you are the most influential person in your teen’s life even when it looks like they are not listening. Before the window of opportunity closes, it is vital to lay a strong foundation.
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