Questão 17 - UPF Verão 2025

Social Issues and Problems That Trouble Today's Teens

Technology and social media can amplify the struggles teens face, but they aren't the only issues they encounter.

 

By Amy Morin, LCSW

 

[1] Teens today face unique social challenges due to rapid physical and brain development, compounded by technological 
advancements. Digital communication and social media have transformed peer and romantic interactions, potentially impairing 
interpersonal skills, such as recognizing social cues. The extensive use of electronic devices, averaging over eight hours daily, 
contributes to this issue. Nonetheless, not all teen social problems are technology-related. Teens also grapple with risks such as 
[5] drug overdose, unsafe sexual practices, and heightened academic pressures. These combined factors create a complex social 
landscape that differs significantly from that of previous generations. Some other social issues involved in this process affecting 
teens today include peer pressure and depression. 

Peer Pressure and wrong options: While peer pressure has affected teens for generations, social media brings it to a 
whole new level. Sexting, for example, is a major cause for concern. Many teens don't understand the lifelong consequences that 
[10] sharing explicit photos can have. But sending inappropriate photos isn't the only thing kids are coerced into doing. Teens face 
pressure to have sex, use drugs or alcohol, and even bully others. […] 

Depression:  According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 5 million adolescents in the U.S. have 
had at least one major depressive episode. That means 20% of American teenagers may experience depression before reaching 
adulthood. […] 
[15] Spending too much time on electronic devices may be preventing young people from in-person activities with their peers, such 
as sports or other physical activities, that can help ward off depression. They're also experiencing new conditions like "fear of 
missing out", which further leads to feelings of loneliness and isolation.  

How to Talk to them 
Bringing up any difficult subjects with a teen can feel uncomfortable. A teen isn't likely to respond well to a lengthy lecture or too 
[20] many direct questions. However, having a conversation about these troubles isn't something to shy away from. Even when it 
seems like they're not listening, parents are the most influential people in a teen's life. It's important to lay a strong foundation 
before the window of opportunity closes. A good way to strike up a conversation about drugs, sex, vaping, or other uncomfortable 
situations is to ask a question like, "Do you think this is a big issue at your school?" It's necessary to listen to what the teen has 
to say. Not to be judgmental, but to make expectations and opinions clear. The teen must understand that certain behaviors are 
[25] not condoned and that there are consequences for breaking the rules. That said, it is also important to communicate that if they 
do make a poor choice, it is not the end of the world and that conversation is always the best option. 

Retrieved and adapted from https://www.parents.com/problems-for-teens-today-8575462. Access on September 19th, 2024

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