Youth Challenges: Navigating Adolescence in Today's World.
By Anonymous | 16 | NSW
Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experience a mental health disorder, myself being one of them. Mental health disorders in adolescents have been increasing ever since the first case of coronavirus. Most states of Australia experienced severe lockdown laws, forcing children to stay away from school, social experiences, and even just regular trips to the shops for milk (if any was even available). I have spoken with individuals at my high school, and almost all of them have a specific experience in mind that they missed out on due to COVID-19.
The average screen time of a 16-year-old today is 7 hours and 22 minutes. That's longer than our days at school.
An extreme use of social media every day can lead to anxiety, depression, a distorted idea of the human body, and a fear of missing out. My parents have always been strict with my screen usage, and deep down, I am very grateful for that. However, I watch people around me get completely caught up in difficult circumstances every single day. Cyberbullying has increased alongside the rise of phone usage, with many social media platform hosting fight and hate pages targeting individuals. No matter how often I report these accounts, it never seems to stop.
Teenage substance use has seen a concerning rise, notably driven by the widespread use of E-cigarettes, which contain nicotine, an incredibly addictive substance. These vapes are marketed with attractive packaging, candy-like flavours, and discreet designs, which highlight these products are specifically engineered to entice young people.
My generation was born into a dying planet, with the weight of the world on our shoulders to save it.
To fix the wrongs and mistakes of our ancestors who had no care for our environment. To be the ones to watch half a paper straw as it disintegrates in our drink is a symbolic reminder that it’s on us to right the wrongs of people's pasts, even when they are not our own.
Teenagers all around Australia, and the world, are suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. My disorder is being treated; however, there are teens with far worse situations than me, who do not have the resources that I do. There are so many factors that contribute to adolescent mental health issues, I’m only listing a few here.
I am very grateful for this opportunity to have my voice heard, even if it is a very small voice…
…but maybe if everyone tried to have a very small voice, together we could create something really, really loud.
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/screen-time-for-teens
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-he
The views expressed in AYAC’S youth blog are personal and and not an endorsement of AYAC; we value and encourage the diverse perspectives of young people.