Over generations, the way humans live their lives change repeatedly. For example, high schoolers now aren’t experiencing school the same way their parents did years before. The world constantly changes, and with all the new technology upgrades, it seems like children are upgrading their definition of activities. Though, there have been negative effects of the modern day high school experience. Mental health has become a topic more widely spoken about; it turns out more people struggle with mental illnesses than imagined, especially over generations of teenagers. Students’ mental health has diminished over generations because of more anxiety, more social media use, and not enough mental health resources.
Anxiety has been on the rise since the Parkland school shooting in 2018. There have been more than 100 school shootings since, so it’s no surprise students attending schools have anxiety about going. Parents as well have not been quiet about their concerns which as a result can be stressing their kids out. Jen Panos is a mother of three in California. She finds herself noting what her kids are wearing to school. If there is a shooting, she thinks, she needs to be able to identify their bodies. “I walk myself through it: What am I going to do if this comes for us?” she said. Students are going so far as to not wear colorful colors to school so they won’t be an “easy target.” Schools constantly claim they’re upping security and limiting the amount of people entering their schools, but that doesn’t stop the fear students have.
Social media seems to be the biggest pandemic through the past few decades with practically everyone having a hard time getting their eyes away from the screen. There has also been a sudden spike in depression cases linked to social media and the internet. Social media has caused problems in the past for being labeled as “toxic” and “unrealistic,” so it isn’t surprising professionals are linking mental illnesses to social media. Researchers have discovered that some social media companies make their notifications show up in red so more people are likely to click on the notification. This discovery proves that social media is an addiction that some people can’t get out of. Between online bullying, and fake realities, it’s hard to get a grasp on reality. Young children can be easily influenced by social media influencers, and not all people out there are sending the right messages to children.
Since the pandemic schools have been trying to put out more resources at their schools for children who are struggling with mental health. It isn’t the same treatment at other schools though, budgets, and lack of attention from different school’s administrators can affect. A lack of guidance counselors, teachers not listening to children’s needs can all be a factor to another case worsening. Some children don’t feel safe turning to a parent, so it’s essential that schools are prepared to take the correct approach to mental illnesses. It feels like the schools act the same way as the lawmakers, uninterested. It is a problem for a couple days, but it is never followed up with. Schools all over have had shortages with student-support staff such as counselors for years now and it hadn’t been a huge priority until the pandemic.
Overall, students’ mental health has diminished over generations because of more anxiety, more social media use, and not enough mental health resources. Our generation has been through a lot the past few years between quarantine and all the school shootings; it’s finally time to take care of ourselves and if needed, admit we need help. Finding someone to talk to about your issues and concerns should not be embarrassing or scary. Mental health is a serious issue and should be treated like any other illness; with priority and care.
