Towards a Healthy Future: Navigating Teenage Dilemmas in the Digital Age

 

The COVID-19 pandemic found Earth and its inhabitants grappling with the incomprehensible struggles created by the fundamental disruptions in the rhythms of everyday life, adversely affecting people’s sense of purpose and motivation. The confines of the four walls of one’s house were daunting to people regardless of their age group. However, teenagers, who spent every day navigating the spaces around them in the most dynamic way possible, faced the challenges of limiting themselves in a cocoon. This cocoon wasn’t as limited as one would imagine it to be — thanks to the endless possibilities of the digital era, the cocoon was limitless. Despite the rupture and adversities, teenagers were able to keep in touch and explore the world around them through diverse digital resources, and one such indispensable digital avenue was the numerous social media platforms available today. 

There is no doubt that social media is an undeniably big part of teenage lives and the teenage experience in today’s world. According to a survey by the Pew Research Centre in 2018 conducted with 750 seventeen-year-olds, it was found that that 45% are online constantly and about 97% of the teenagers surveyed used a social media platform from Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or Snapchat. With an exponential rise in digital avenues in the form of social media spaces today, the possibilities that accompany this proliferation are also many. Social media is extremely resourceful in helping teenagers create online identities, enabling effective communication with people from around the world, and building social networks. These networks, be it during the turbulent teenage years or times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are incredibly helpful to support teenagers and create safe spaces for them.

With a dynamic nature that constantly incorporates new features to find innovative and creative ways of expression, social media can also be useful in entertainment and self-expression. Social media platforms can help teenagers express themselves and find a creative space, whilst exploring current events from all corners of the world. As much as the benefits of social media are many and promising, it is imperative to consider its adverse effects on teenagers as well. These online platforms can negatively affect the physical and mental health of young people by distracting and disturbing them, disrupting healthy sleep patterns, and exposing them to bullying, unhealthy and unrealistic living standards, and peer pressure.

In an article by Rachel Ehmke for the Child Mind Institute, the author expresses her discomfort with the adverse effects of social media, drawing from experts’ findings regarding the role of social media and text messages in promoting anxiety and lowering self-esteem. The unfortunate prevalence of cyberbullying and the creation of a toxic online space under the masks of anonymous identities constantly lead to being a deterrent to the mental health of young people, affecting them in different ways such as in developing imposter syndrome. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge how social media is a double-edged sword and navigate it efficiently to make the best out of it. Through ample awareness and interventions from elders such as parents and teachers, it is possible to cultivate safe spaces online and offline, helping teenagers be the best versions of themselves.  

Sources: 

- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437

- https://childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/

- https://www.qustodio.com/en/blog/use-social-media-in-a-healthy-way/

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“It Takes a Village to Raise a Child”: Fostering Safe Spaces as Teenagers

 

The idea of “it takes a village to raise a child” is a saying most people are familiar with. As different individuals interpret the same idea differently, this saying is no exception to the heterogeneous possibilities of interpretation. However, at the heart of it, it affirms the fact that every individual is shaped and reshaped by not one but many contextual factors, and to foster a healthy and safe life for an individual — be it any age group, it takes the meaningful contributions of and interactions with several other fellow human beings. The period from childhood through adolescence before embarking on adulthood can often be a tumultuous one — the memories of alienation or disconcerting experiences such as bullying will remain deeply etched in one’s psyche as they progress into adulthood. Thus, teenagers should work together to build safe spaces, creating a safer and healthier present and future. 

In an article exploring the necessity of creating safe spaces for youth, Ashley Krombach discusses how safe and supportive learning environments that foster inclusion and belonging are core to developing a strong sense of self for young people. Safe spaces wherein one can unapologetically be oneself can not only help an individual tap into their potential, it can also promote self-discovery and exploration. A survey by the International Youth Foundation in 2018 with youth and young adults to understand what safe spaces meant to them testified that deep down, everyone’s idea of safe spaces included meeting places where one can have a healthy dialogue with others, including those with opposing views, and gain confidence to openly express their views. 

Further drawing from Krombach’s exploration of creating safe environments, one must also realize as an individual they can contribute towards building safe spaces. A few important suggestions include practicing empathy and cultivating sensitivity — through these values, one will find it easy to listen closely and be patient. Remember, all human beings are unique, and it is important to celebrate our differences. However, the journey towards celebrating differences is a tumultuous one as even to date, many teenagers are alienated and bullied in the classroom space based on lines of gender, caste, class, sexual orientation, disability, etc. As teenagers, one way to help fellow teenagers is by making sure that everyone is heard. Practicing active listening can be exhausting at times, but there lies immense power when one’s feelings are validated and lived experiences listened to. 

While fostering a sense of community, it is also important to establish healthy boundaries — after all, self-care is an integral step in the journey towards building secure futures. In her article on the strategies to build safe spaces, Gina McGovern some of the central characteristics that safe spaces must be founded upon. These include the cultivation of a culture in which people actively care for each other, the formulation of ground rules for group processes (listening, decision-making, sharing of emotions, etc.), and the promotion of equity and inclusion along with an avowal of the principle that all youth are different, equal and important. As teenagers, it could be easy to undermine the potential of every teenage voice in cultivating safe ecosystems around them. However, every voice has a transformative potential lying deep within, and with that, the world can be made a better place, both in the immediate present and in the future ahead.

Sources: 

1. https://www.mygoodbrain.org/blog/creating-safe-spaces-for-youth

2. https://youthtoday.org/2015/07/how-to-build-safe-spaces-define-then-deliver/ 

Watch out, for yourself: Tips to cut down on that negative self talk

 

Historically, the teenage years are characterized by incessant bouts of moodiness and irritability, particularly when it comes to social settings and social relationships. Among adolescents, a very prominent behaviour pattern also includes self-talk, which in most basic terminology can be defined as one’s ‘inner voice.’ While the arduous research on the benefits of self-talk such as boosts in self-esteem and improvements in depression and anxiety have been proven to have exponential advantages, there is equal but often unnoticed literature on negative self-talk. Negative self-talk is known to have detrimental effects on one’s everyday well-being, making it incessantly difficult to deal with chronic pain, and having a grave impact on individual sexual confidence and body-image standards. 

As with positive self-talk, negative self-talk are psychological formations that can be reversed with correct applied techniques. It is important to remember that the first step to avoid any negative self-talk is to gain awareness of it, and to understand when your inner voice is going down a dark road. While this may take some time, if you feel like you are your own worst enemy, and the voice inside your head always tells you that “you can’t do it,” try some of the tips listed below to have more meaningful conversations with yourself: 

Focus on the present

If you find yourself getting caught up in a web of fatalism, feeling like nothing in the future could ever work out for you or being haunted by the losses of your past, try to bring your focus back to the here and now. Research finds that reframing your negative cognitions and drawing attention to the current moment can help reduce angst about the future and past, making it an effective self-talk habit. 

Ditch the black & white 

Looking at the world around us from a black and white lens yields no positive outcomes, and often adds the stress of trying to locate ourselves in a binary. Therefore, cognitive reframing that allows one to see surrounding happenings as gray can help recognize the complex structure of the social world, making it easier to navigate situations without negative thoughts. 

Squish the talk (literally): 

Creative visualization techniques such as kicking the negative thought away, or by picking it up and throwing it have long-standing effects in preventing harmful self talk. Verbal techniques such as saying ‘stop!’ everytime you encounter a negative thought, though dramatic, can lead to vast improvements in cognitive functioning. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/reframing-negative-thoughts/

2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201909/keep-your-self-talk-positive-focusing-the-here-and-now

3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278026499_Awareness_and_Motivation_to_Change_Negative_Self-Talk

Hot and Cold: The oscillating crisis of teenage temperament

 

As a teenager, it can feel like the world is constantly shifting beneath your feet. One moment, everything is going great and you feel like you're on top of the world. Next, you're dealing with a crisis that seems insurmountable. This constant state of flux is a normal part of adolescence, but it can be difficult to navigate. 

The teenage years are a time of tremendous growth and change, both physically and emotionally. Hormones are raging, and the brain is undergoing significant changes. This can lead to mood swings and erratic behavior, which can be confusing and frustrating for both teenagers and the adults in their lives. 

But the "oscillating crisis" of teenage temperament goes beyond just mood swings. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that can be difficult to predict or control. One moment, a teenager might be feeling confident and in control, and the next, they might be dealing with feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.

This emotional volatility can be challenging for teenagers to manage on their own, and it can also be difficult for parents and other adults to understand. It's important for adults to remember that this type of behavior is normal for teenagers and to provide support and guidance during this difficult time.

One of the biggest challenges of the teenage years is the need to fit in and be accepted by one's peers. This can lead to a lot of pressure to conform and can cause teenagers to make decisions that they might not otherwise make. It's important for adults to remind teenagers that it's okay to be themselves and that they don't need to fit into a particular mold in order to be accepted.

Another common challenge for teenagers is the pressure to succeed. In today's world, there is a lot of emphasis on getting good grades, getting into a good college, and having a successful career. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety for teenagers, who may feel like they have to live up to impossible standards. It's important for adults to help teenagers find a healthy balance between their academic and personal lives and to remind them that success is not measured solely by grades or achievements.

Overall, the teenage years can be a tumultuous time, but with the right support and guidance, teenagers can learn to navigate the oscillating crisis of their emotions and emerge as confident, capable adults. It's important for adults to be patient, understanding, and supportive during this difficult time, and to remember that the teenage years are a crucial part of personal growth and development.

The clock is not ticking: How to not panic about the future

 

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is one riddled with angst and anxiety, particularly with regard to the future and all that it may bring. This uncertainty about the course that one’s life may take, stressors about important life events such as university, love, loss, and family can cause significant distress and hamper everyday functioning and well-being. As a young and evolving individual, the ability to adopt a long-term perspective may still be developing, thereby impacting skills of decision-making and leading to self-doubt when faced with crucial decisions. Coupled with the increasing pressure from educational institutions, family, and peers, can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and self-doubt in teenagers and early adults alike. Thus, a looming sense of panic is a common stress-based response and not an additional burden. 

As any adult around you may be able to tell you, absolutely no one is prepared when the floodgates of responsibility and reality are opened in adulthood. While panicking about the future is a fairly common cognitive and emotional response, there are various mechanisms that adolescents can adopt to taper anxiety-inducing responses triggered by negative anticipation of the future. Try out these simple steps to help foster a smooth journey out of your panicky teens into a not-so stressful adulthood: 

Voice your anxiety

Speaking to your peers, relatives, and parents can prove to have beneficial effects in maintaining your well-being and reducing feelings of dread about the future. You may often find that you are not alone in this journey, which can help provide a sense of comfort and also help resolve certain issues you may be facing. If you feel your anxiety about the future rising to debilitating heights, speak to a certified counselor. 

Set achievable goals

Setting small but easy to achieve targets can go a long way in helping teens gain confidence in their own abilities. Try breaking up long-term goals into more manageable and specific ones, and remember to pat yourself on the back as you go! This can help boost feelings of self-worth and make you feel like the star you are. 

Get out of your head (and out of bed)!

In the formative years of adolescence, teenagers are often overcome with negative cognitions and emotions, which can come in the way of their physical health. Healthy patterns of sleep, nutrition, and exercise are critical to overall functioning. Furthermore, a healthy body is a healthy mind, and thus physical fitness and well-being can aid teenagers in making more informed life choices. 

However, it is important to remember that what may work for one person may not work for another, therefore feel free to take things slow and experiment with different stress-reduction techniques along the way. With the right guidance, peer support, and keeping your head held high, heading towards a bright future will be smooth sailing. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201008/adolescence-and-fear-the-future

2. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/motivation.html

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8808202/#:~:text=Regular%20physical%20exercise%20can%20release,the%20level%20of%20mental%20health.

They’re just different, good different: Embracing the diversity in peers

 

One of the prime aspects of the adolescent years is enhanced social interaction, particularly in educational settings such as schools and universities. According to psychological research, social development in the teenage years is characterized by an increased focus on seeking out peer relationships outside the family structure, with peers becoming a stimulus for social interaction. However, it is not fairly uncommon for young adults to seek out friendships with individuals similar to them across a spectrum of social factors, such as race, gender, ethnicity and so forth. Furthermore, individual differences and socialization contexts play a large role in determining adolescents' openness to diversity, or an acceptance and awareness of the differences and similarities between individuals. 

For students in non-diverse friend groups, social development can be significantly hindered as they may struggle to develop expansive worldviews and other perspectives, which can limit their interactions in the future years. Furthermore, interacting with a diverse set of peers can also help adolescents foster greater personal growth, and enhance life skills such as empathy, tolerance, and greater cultural awareness. Exposure to a diversified group can also aid students in gaining an in-depth understanding of problem-solving and critical thinking, as adolescents are consequently exposed to different strategies of approaching challenges and opportunities. The question then arises, how does one step out of their comfort zone to engage with diverse sets of people? Here are some tips on how to make new friends from different friend groups: 

Educate Yourself! 

The first step towards embracing diversity is learning more about different cultures and backgrounds. This can be highly beneficial in not making any assumptions or inappropriate remarks, which may start off a friendship on the wrong foot. This also helps to be respectful of diversity among your peers, and actively work towards creating a more inclusive environment. 

Listen Closely 

It is important to listen actively and engage when interacting with diverse peers, and absorb what they have to say about their backgrounds and experiences, particularly those that may be different from yours.

Push yourself 

After feeling a bit more comfortable in your interactions, try and seek out extracurricular activities that may strengthen your newfound relationships, such as participating in  different language clubs at school or working on events such as international fairs or a gender-diversity workshop. Furthermore, it is critical to educate others who may be unwilling or hesitant to seek out new sets of friends, the same way that you may have once been!

Sources: 

1. https://opa.hhs.gov/adolescent-health/adolescent-development-explained/social-development#:~:text=General%20Social%20Changes%20Adolescents%20Experience&text=As%20their%20social%20circles%20expand,who%20may%20function%20as%20mentors.

2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10964-020-01329-4

A walk around your mind: A beginner’s guide to meditation

 

Over the course of the adolescent years, it is normal for teenagers to experience significant forms of stress that can hamper their everyday functioning and well-being. Furthermore, with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, teenagers around the world faced significant obstacles to their socio-emotional development, especially as a result of frequent lockdowns and lack of social interaction. In today’s fast-paced world, increasing challenges such as soaring academic standards, social media presence, and increased consumption of toxic substances exacerbate the distress in overall well-being. According to recent research in the field, more than 37% of high-school students in America faced poor mental health after Covid-19. Interestingly, a solution presents itself in the form of a nearly 3000-year-old practice- meditation. 

By practising mindfulness and bringing the mind’s awareness onto a particular thought, object, or activity, meditation helps to bring the body to equilibrium and achieve a focused mental and physical state. Scientifically, studies have proven meditation to be particularly beneficial for teenagers dealing with anxiety. Given the deficiency in neural communications between the amygdala and frontal lobe of the brain in young adulthood, teenagers often end up making irrational or erratic decisions. However, regular meditation for 15 minutes for 3-weeks can greatly enhance the decision-making process in teenagers. Furthermore, practising mindfulness can also help increase the levels of life satisfaction for students transitioning to university, a critical stage that can affect students’ self-esteem and social behaviours in college. Additionally, practising meditation can also help reduce symptoms of disorders such as depression and ADHD, and can help boost immune functioning and improve levels of concentration.  

Thus, it is recommended that teenagers engage in regular meditation in order to improve their quality of life in these formative years of development. Here are some highly achievable methods to initiate your mindfulness journey: 

• Start by finding a quiet, comfortable place for you to connect with your mind. Common spaces such as a living room or garden may not be ideal. However, your bedroom can be a suitable option! 

• Remember, you cannot become a meditation guru instantly. Set a short timer for yourself (5-20 minutes), and pick a focus for your meditation. This could include your breath or an object in clear sight. 

• Once seated in a comfortable position, start by closing your eyes, breathing deeply, and clearing your mind. 

• Try focusing on your chosen target. If you feel your mind drifting away towards irrelevant thoughts, try to redirect your attention back to the object. 

• Feel your chest expand and contract, and be kind to your own body and thoughts. Once the timer goes off, recognize any thoughts, feelings, or sensations you may be experiencing and open your eyes slowly. 

• Try setting daily reminders and alarms for practising meditation for around 10-15 minutes a day. This can help make meditation a daily habit and an automatic response in stressful situations. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0331-youth-mental-health-covid-19.html

2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07448481.2017.1278605

3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-use-meditation-for-teen-stress-and-anxiety/#:~:text=The%20practice%20of%20mindfulness%20exercises,help%20balance%20the%20immune%20system.

4. https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/