Is Being a Teenager Harder Today?
According to a new report by the Pew Research Center, 69% of parents and 44% of teenagers believe that being a teen today is more difficult compared to 20 years ago. The primary reason for this difficulty is attributed to technology and social media. 41% of parents state that social media creates pressure on teenagers, and 25% of teenagers agree with this view. Social media exerts intense pressure on teens concerning physical appearance, behavior, and social interactions. Additionally, 16% of parents and 31% of teenagers express that increased expectations and the challenges of today’s world make adolescence harder. Some participants also mention that the deterioration of political and moral conditions in the country or the world is a contributing factor to this increased difficulty.
On the other hand, some parents and teenagers believe that the opportunities provided by technology have made teenagers’ lives easier. The internet, smartphones, and various digital tools offer young people more resources, information, and opportunities to express their creativity. Furthermore, some parents and teenagers think that the pressure and expectations on young people have decreased compared to the past, which in turn makes adolescence easier.
These findings highlight the growing societal awareness of the challenges faced by today’s youth and emphasize the need to address these difficulties. Educators, parents, and policymakers are now faced with the necessity of developing new strategies to cope with these challenges.