There is a belief that there is a crisis of struggling teens in modern culture. However, perspective would have to be taken into consideration. We all have gone through adolescence, so we do know that it is not without its challenges and stressors. But is it enough to say that they are experiencing some sort of crisis?
As a society, we tend to sensationalize the tragic and the misfortunes of others. The more dramatic and horrific, the more it is splashed on our LCD screens and news sources. It is the gunfight that occurred on the schoolyard that makes the headlines. Not who came in the top slots at the Science Fair.
This is not an attempt to ignore those struggling teens that are out there. There are some that deal with possible homelessness, drug addicted parents or just totally absent parents. These issues do not only face struggling teens but teens that are perceived as well adjusted and successful. Most of these issues are issues that everybody faces throughout their lives.
Certain issues will originate based on where someone calls home. Gang violence and open drug sales are not likely to be present in the wealthy suburbs. However, regardless of the issues they are apparent in the adult lives, as well. It really is not accurate to say that this is proof of struggling teens.
As result, parents perceive their children as out of control and come up with solutions like institutions and other clever ways to pass on their problems to someone else. Children will learn from examples. If a teenager is struggling with a particular issue, consider if this issue has ever been dealt with in their past.
However, children learn the quickest through example. Maybe the parents never have dealt with the issue of drug use before but if it presents itself within the schools and neighborhoods, then children will be forced to face the issue. So they need to have the tools to handle situations properly.
We tend to see what we are familiar with. We also tend to treat people in the reflection of what we think of them. Guiding a teen is positive while condemning and belittling a teen is just disgraceful.
The federal government sets up many programs to help those deemed to be struggling teens. Those programs are invaluable to most but they do not reach everyone in every situation. It may be more beneficial to find out what is working for those there are not struggling.
If one becomes consumed by one perspective of life, that is what they will see around every corner. It is time we really look at what works and what doesn’t for each individual child.
To monitor every child may seem like a huge undertaking, but that is why it needs to start at home. Obesity, the desperate need to fit in, gang violence, and drugs remain in our society and therefore will continue to affect our teens. It might be easier to see them as individuals before we start lumping them into one category of struggling teens.
Struggling teens are dealing with increasing pressure all around the world. Troubled teens Utah and in other areas may have more stressors than have been seen in the past, but there are also more ways to cope with problems.
