As a parent, you worry about your children. Childhood has always had its struggles, regardless of the generation, Today’s kids have issues that previous generations may not have had to worry about. Here are the struggles many youth today are dealing with.
Obesity
Overweight people are nothing new. However, childhood obesity is more of a problem today than it was in previous generations. Childhood obesity is also spearheading other diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Considering the vast amount of food constantly available, whether it’s fast food delivery or junk food, it’s no surprise that more children have access to snacks between meals.
Even if a child isn’t obese, they may mistakenly think they’re overweight due to peer pressure, especially online. NEDA reference studies that show that 40 to 60% of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are worried about their weight. The pressure may come from the nonstop advertising coming at them through smartphones, TVs, movie screens, and social media.
Social Media Competition
As mentioned, children have more access to media than ever before. Social media has carved a path for adults to be hyper-competitive with each other and compare their lives to someone else. Unfortunately, this issue has not been something children have been able to avoid. As a result, you may have children comparing their lives to other kids and other people. They may feel they don’t have the best look, hairstyle, or clothing because of what they see on someone else’s social media profile. Plus, it doesn’t help when a particular child is being harassed online by other schoolmates based on their weight, looks, or lack of popularity.
Cyberbullying
Children have always teased other children and had their little cliques. Before the dawn of Facebook and Instagram, such bullying would often be relegated to the playground. However, children are now experiencing non-stop bullying at school and online. According to Stop Bullying, about 20% of students ages 12-18 experienced bullying nationwide. Such bullying has affected the mental health of many kids and teenagers. Things have gotten so bad that suicide has become a leading cause of death among this age group.
Gambling
You may not associate a gambling addiction with a teenager, however, it’s becoming more of a problem in this age group. According to Yale Medicine, 2 to 7% of youths develop a gambling disorder, and many gambling disorders begin in adolescence. Since this generation has more access to computers and other tools where they can access money apps and gambling apps, it’s easier than ever for them to acquire such an addiction without parents becoming aware of it. Plus, teenagers may have added pressure to get more money, especially if they are having a hard time finding an after-school job or if they see other kids their age making money as social media stars.
Uncertain Future
Like many adults, many kids are uncertain about the future of the planet and what they plan to do with their lives. Many people have openly expressed that they don’t plan on having kids of their own because they’re not sure how this world will turn out. Children are having more anxiety and stress than ever, especially since they have been exposed to some of the daunting news cycles without a break. College is more expensive than ever, and many kids wonder how they would pay for higher education even if they got accepted into the school of their dreams.
Every generation may have dealt with childhood issues. However, remember that today’s children have more exposure to childhood obesity, social media issues, and the constant barrage of media that their parents and grandparents may not have experienced. If you’re a parent or guardian, do what you can to protect your children and teenagers and help them with any issues they have.