The Stress Levels of Teenagers: Then and Now
In contemporary society, the level of stress among teenagers has become a significant concern. Those who were teenagers during relatively stable and affluent times may not fully comprehend the stressors of today's youth. However, it is important to recognize that the stress teenagers experience now is, in a way, a luxury in comparison to the conditions experienced by their predecessors.
Historical Perspective on Teenage Stress
Historically, the concept of 'teenage' has only emerged due to an end in child labor in Western societies, largely as a result of liberal political thinking. Prior to the 19th century, children as young as 9 worked in factories, and 3-year-olds were used as chimney sweeps. In many parts of the world, child labor remains a norm. For instance, my mother left school at 15 to work full-time in a bank, while her father left at 14 to work on buses.
Moreover, the idea of a teenager as we know it only began to take hold in the 1920s, starting first with girls who suddenly had the freedom to enjoy extended leisure time and education. The term 'teenage' didn't become mainstream until the 1940s. Therefore, comparing the stress levels of teens today to those of before is not only instructive but also enlightening.
A Closer Look at Contemporary Teenager Stressors
Among the stressors affecting teenagers today, one of the most significant is social media. Participation in social media is virtually mandatory for young people, and the nastiness found online can be particularly harmful. Adults may sometimes behave poorly, but we rarely have to confront our critics in person as frequently as teenagers do. For example, teens face online hate often and repeatedly, which can be traumatic.
Other factors contributing to teenager stress include:
1. Single Parent Households
Increasing single parent households due to divorce lead to less time and money being available, making life more difficult for teens. In contrast, my mother was always home after school, and my parents remained happily married for 60 years before my father's unexpected death.
2. Pressure to Keep Up with the Joneses
The pressure to maintain a certain social status through consumerism is more intense today. In my younger days, brands were not as important, and teenagers had fewer status symbols to worry about. Gator skirts in junior high and incorrect laced shoes with steel arch support came to mind. Furthermore, personal social media accounts were not as prevalent, and celebrities did not often showcase the latest trends through their social media.
3. College Enrollments and Affordability
A significant pressure on today's teens is the expectation to attend college. This is particularly concerning as getting into competitive state universities, which were once easy to access, is now extremely expensive. This financial burden disproportionately affects teens and their families.
Conclusion
While the stress of being a teenager today is certainly real and painful, it remains relatively less severe compared to the conditions faced by their predecessors. Therefore, it is essential to recognize and address the unique challenges today's teenagers face. Stress reduction and management skills should be taught starting from middle school, as these skills could contribute significantly to a happier and healthier life.
It's also vital to acknowledge that, overall, the trend over time is for it to be a better experience to be between 13 and 19 today than it was in the recent past. This perspective can help provide a balanced view and support for today's teenagers.