The Pressures of This Generation and How You Can Help
The last few years have been particularly hard for young people. This generation has been expected to navigate things that they are not equipped to handle, and it is only getting worse. Since the pandemic specifically, there has been an increase in mental health issues for school age children. A large number of them are struggling with mental health issues of anxiety, panic, depression and suicide.
Studies across the country highlight suicide as the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in the U.S. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives.”
Thoughts of suicide arise because of pressures that young people view as too difficult to deal with. These burdens can begin as struggles to fit in, body image, self esteem, success, or concerns about the future. Many of these things are compounded by what they see on the internet, or tv or among their peers. This month we take a look at how social media is targeting school aged children and causing this uptick in suicide and other mental health consequences.
Studies across the country highlight suicide as the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in the U.S. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives.”
Thoughts of suicide arise because of pressures that young people view as too difficult to deal with. These burdens can begin as struggles to fit in, body image, self esteem, success, or concerns about the future. Many of these things are compounded by what they see on the internet, or tv or among their peers. This month we take a look at how social media is targeting school aged children and causing this uptick in suicide and other mental health consequences.
The list of phone apps that many young people have on their phone changes all of the time. However, no app is more detrimental to young minds than Tik Tok. This short video app attracts young people for its fast paced, engaging content that captivates them for long periods of time. “GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher, the incoming chairman of a new House select committee on China, recently called TikTok “digital fentanyl” for allegedly having a “corrosive impact of constant social media use, particularly on young men and women here in America.” These videos are addictive because of how long a person uses it, but also the type of content that they are viewing. Check out why teens say they are so drawn to the app. In an interview with CNN, psychologist, Dr. Jean Twenge, says “A lot of teens describe the experience of going on TikTok and intending to spend 15 minutes and then they spend two hours and or more. That’s problematic because the more time a teen spends on social media, the more likely he or she is to be depressed.” They are being messaged to by people in another country who don’t care about whether or not kids are developing complexes about their body image, their social status, or their likability. If these developers are truly getting their orders to infiltrate the minds of our youth, then they are succeeding. Many politicians believe the Chinese Community Party itself is pushing this agenda to pressure kids into suicide or harming themselves. They argue that China doesn’t need to attack us with bombs and soldiers, all they need to do is change the minds of an entire generation through suggestion and manipulation. |
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Regardless of their age, young people’s minds are in the stages of development. Depending on their age, they may need help limiting their time on social media, or screen time on their phone or device as a whole. Whether they are viewing content from Tik Tok, or other social media apps, they are being suggested to by mainstream media, or by people their age. They need help filtering through all of that content, possibly in the form of parental controls. The best thing any parent can do is communicate with their children about the things they are watching, listening to, or talking about. Without that, children are in danger of forming harmful thoughts and opinions about their lives, their bodies, or their identity as a whole. The influx of topics that are flooding the youth of this nation include things that children should not have to deal with. If your child is displaying any of the behaviors below, then the time to act is now. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
Issues with mental health in young people may include (but are not limited to):
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Where to begin to help them:
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If you find that any of these actions or conversations bring up any negative emotions or thoughts for your kids, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Times have changed. The issues we dealt with are much different than this generation. The technology that gives us all the answers can also hinder our children’s mental stability, their self image, or even worse, make them see themselves in a negative life that can lead to suicidal tendencies.
Resources for suicide prevention: Colorado Department of Health Mental Health Resources for K-12 Schools The Top Mental Health Challenges Facing Students (for college ages) Programs for Individuals Needing Behavioral Health Services Arapahoe County Services An exhaustive list of many other services Next month: What can I do if my child is being bullied? |
The Pressures of This Generation and How You Can Help
The last few years have been particularly hard for young people. This generation has been expected to navigate things that they are not equipped to handle, and it is only getting worse. Since the pandemic specifically, there has been an increase in mental health issues for school age children. A large number of them are struggling with mental health issues of anxiety, panic, depression and suicide.
Studies across the country highlight suicide as the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in the U.S. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives.”
Thoughts of suicide arise because of pressures that young people view as too difficult to deal with. These burdens can begin as struggles to fit in, body image, self esteem, success, or concerns about the future. Many of these things are compounded by what they see on the internet, or tv or among their peers. This month we take a look at how social media is targeting school aged children and causing this uptick in suicide and other mental health consequences.
Studies across the country highlight suicide as the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in the U.S. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives.”
Thoughts of suicide arise because of pressures that young people view as too difficult to deal with. These burdens can begin as struggles to fit in, body image, self esteem, success, or concerns about the future. Many of these things are compounded by what they see on the internet, or tv or among their peers. This month we take a look at how social media is targeting school aged children and causing this uptick in suicide and other mental health consequences.
The list of phone apps that many young people have on their phone changes all of the time. However, no app is more detrimental to young minds than Tik Tok. This short video app attracts young people for its fast paced, engaging content that captivates them for long periods of time. “GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher, the incoming chairman of a new House select committee on China, recently called TikTok “digital fentanyl” for allegedly having a “corrosive impact of constant social media use, particularly on young men and women here in America.” These videos are addictive because of how long a person uses it, but also the type of content that they are viewing. Check out why teens say they are so drawn to the app. In an interview with CNN, psychologist, Dr. Jean Twenge, says “A lot of teens describe the experience of going on TikTok and intending to spend 15 minutes and then they spend two hours and or more. That’s problematic because the more time a teen spends on social media, the more likely he or she is to be depressed.” They are being messaged to by people in another country who don’t care about whether or not kids are developing complexes about their body image, their social status, or their likability. If these developers are truly getting their orders to infiltrate the minds of our youth, then they are succeeding. Many politicians believe the Chinese Community Party itself is pushing this agenda to pressure kids into suicide or harming themselves. They argue that China doesn’t need to attack us with bombs and soldiers, all they need to do is change the minds of an entire generation through suggestion and manipulation. |
|
Regardless of their age, young people’s minds are in the stages of development. Depending on their age, they may need help limiting their time on social media, or screen time on their phone or device as a whole. Whether they are viewing content from Tik Tok, or other social media apps, they are being suggested to by mainstream media, or by people their age. They need help filtering through all of that content, possibly in the form of parental controls. The best thing any parent can do is communicate with their children about the things they are watching, listening to, or talking about. Without that, children are in danger of forming harmful thoughts and opinions about their lives, their bodies, or their identity as a whole. The influx of topics that are flooding the youth of this nation include things that children should not have to deal with. If your child is displaying any of the behaviors below, then the time to act is now. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
Issues with mental health in young people may include (but are not limited to):
|
Where to begin to help them:
|
If you find that any of these actions or conversations bring up any negative emotions or thoughts for your kids, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Times have changed. The issues we dealt with are much different than this generation. The technology that gives us all the answers can also hinder our children’s mental stability, their self image, or even worse, make them see themselves in a negative life that can lead to suicidal tendencies.
Resources for suicide prevention: Colorado Department of Health Mental Health Resources for K-12 Schools The Top Mental Health Challenges Facing Students (for college ages) Programs for Individuals Needing Behavioral Health Services Arapahoe County Services An exhaustive list of many other services Next month: What can I do if my child is being bullied? |
Getting involved locally:
There are many different ways that citizens can get involved in the educational process. Schools are asking for participation in many different ways. The schools along the corridor have made school board meetings readily available for the public to watch and participate in. Together, we can contribute time and attention to our young people. Below is a list of opportunities:
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
- Bennett * Mrs. Robin Purdy
- Strasburg * Mr. Dan Hoff
- Byers * Mr. Tom Turrell
- Deer Trail * Mr. BJ Buchmann