In the age of rapidly advancing technology, the amount of information being sent your teens’ way is larger than was ever the case in history. As a result, new issues are emerging that are affecting the lives of our youth, whether or not we as parents are aware. Here are some social issues that your teens may be facing that you should be aware of.
Social Media
From Instagram to Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok, teens are connecting in more ways than ever before. While it has its perks, social media also comes with its dangers such as cyberbullying. What’s more, it’s changing the way that people date, as online dating heads to the forefront of the dating scene. Make sure to educate your kids on the dangers of social media and make sure to teach yourself more about the apps that your teens are using so that you remain up to date.
On-Screen Violence
With the sprawling selection of TV shows and movies available for consumption, there is a lot of content that can prove to be violent and disturbing. In fact, much of what we consume can dictate our behavior, with teens being highly impressionable due to their developing minds. Pay close attention to age restrictions and make sure they understand what sort of behavior of characters on screen is inappropriate or downright unacceptable.
Dating
A survey from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) found that 21% of high schoolers are sexually active. While you cannot control your teens’ behavior, make sure to educate them on the dangers and risks that could await them. Also, make sure to remain receptive to any questions they may have, assuring them that there is nothing to be ashamed of asking.