Teens Are Under Too Much Pressure Today

Teens Have Too Much Pressure

Teens today have way too much pressure on them compared to how we grew up in the 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s. The world is such a different place than it used to be and sometimes I find myself apologizing to my teen daughters for the pressure that is put on them by society. They have so many heavy things that occupy their minds instead of enjoying a time that should be a rather stress-free, fun phase of their life. It is mind boggling to think about how different growing up is today with all the “new” developments in the world, compared to a simpler time in years past.

One of the biggest problems our teens face is social media. While it can be a great way to connect with people, share your life through pictures, and combat boredom sometimes, we all know it can have serious negative impacts. Teens can no longer unplug from friends and acquaintances when they get home. They are in a constant state of needing to respond, needing to know what everyone is always doing, and making sure their phone is always in their hand. When I was growing up, I remember coming home from school and getting a break, clearing my mind, having time alone or with my family, that was separate from my social life, and it was healthy. There used to be a balance in life between school, friends, home and family. Today, there is no balance, and it keeps teens in an anxious state of mind. Not to mention the pressure teens face with comparing themselves to others on social media, cyberbullying, and less time doing productive healthy activities.  It has taken over, and not in a good way.

“Why didn’t you snap me back? Did you see who was at her house five minutes ago? I can’t believe you posted that! Who is at that party? Did you see what she was wearing? Why wasn’t I invited to that? He left me undelivered! She took me off her private story! He sent me the screenshot of what you said. Why did you post that picture? Wait, are you in the shower?…….”

The pressure of perfect grades and ACT scores has skyrocketed in recent years. Wanting our teens to get good grades and get into college is certainly not a new concept to society, but the pressure that is put on them starting in Junior High has taken this concept to new levels. Teens are now beginning to take college credit courses starting freshman year, which means you are already starting to think about your college path before you’ve even been to your first pep rally. The ACT (American College Testing) is the “end all be all” of getting into college and/or your scholarship eligibility. Everyone knows that this score is HUGE, and the pressure is ON!! It is talked about daily, compared by everyone, and who cares if you are brilliant, but not a good test taker? You better figure it out, take it 12 times (the max), and get that score up! Starting junior year until the last possible second of college application deadlines, teens are trying to squeeze it in one more time. This one test has a big impact on your future, and it is a major source of stress. You can take classes, private tutoring, even attend a workshop in New Orleans to help raise your score, not free of charge, but by golly, get a jump start on this immediately. Start preparing in Kindergarten … it’s never too early.

In today’s society, teens have access to anything and everything before their minds can fully process it. Between drinking, smoking, vaping, vulgar music and movies, etc., these things are abundant and unfortunately can steal the youth of our teens. Kids are now fully engulfed in all the heaviness of these negative influences, and it takes away their innocence a little too soon. “Let Them Be Kids” is impossible in today’s world, with access beyond a parent’s control. I love that I was completely unaware, maybe even a little dingy and naive, as a teenager, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I sometimes wish I didn’t know what I know now….. (Don’t we all?)

Teens have more worries than ever before. School shootings were not even a part of our vocabulary, yet today we prepare and practice for this possibility regularly. My daughter has come home many days telling me how this is something that occupies her mind day and night. Violence in schools is a big concern for most teenagers. It’s a sad fact that our kids are scared to go to school. Our biggest worry in school back in the day was if we would remember our locker combination, but today is a much different world. (3 times to the right, 2 times to the left, half turn right … maybe?)

So when your teen is having a bad day, or has an attitude, or wants to be alone, or seems to be in their own little world that we don’t understand, let’s try to remember that they ARE in a different world. Their world is heavy, it’s different from the teen world that we remember, and they are justified in feeling anxious and out of our reach. Our teens need our grace and understanding more than ever!

Bree Miller
My name is Brianna, but most people call me Bree! I am married to the love of my life, Michael, and we have two teenage daughters named Krista (18) and Marissa (14). I grew up in Metairie, spent my college years trying out the different Universities around New Orleans, and finally graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Elementary Education. I have been teaching kindergarten for nearly 15 years and recently moved to a new 4th grade position. We live in Madisonville and are thrilled to be home after living in Alabama for 10 years. Our family and strong roots brought us back home where we belong. I absolutely love being a mom to my teenage girls, while sometimes a little tricky, being their mom has been the greatest joy of my life. Our family enjoys going to the beach, “grillin and chillin”, going to country concerts, and raising the wildest little fur baby that you’ve ever heard of!

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