My grandmother, who grew up in the 1930s and 40s, referred once to ‘the invention of the teenager’ which she observed as an adult. When she was high school age they were treated as young adults, capable and ready for responsibility and decision making in their lives. She thought that the shift caused a change in how teens were perceived, and perceived themselves, that had not been positive for the age group. Regardless of the merit of that observation, I’m grateful there are so many people working to figure out the various reasons for the current mental health challenges our teens experience so that we can, as a culture and as individuals, shift our thinking again to help alleviate it.
I'm so glad the Gray, Lancy, Bjorkland article is highlighted here. While there is likely no singular cause of the teen mental health crisis, I wish we (collectively) would take much more seriously the impact of reduced opportunities for free play, independent exploration, and the autonomy of young people in schools, at home, and in the community. There is so much energy poured into trying to improve the mental health of young people as if the problem is the individual, and if our intervention can fix the child then the problem is fixed, and not enough energy directed toward the possibility that the root problem is that young people don't feel they have any control over their lives. And when we feel we don't have any control then that opens the door to suffering. And until the lack of control is addressed there will continue to be more and more kids who suffer.
Christopher - I thought your article provided a great overview of this important topic. As the parent a teen I appreciated your insights and data points. Lots of stuff to consider as we look for the best interests of our kids.
So much goodness here. 🙏🏼 You inspire me to re-engage with youngers, potentially as a Responder. As a former Teen Talking Circle facilitator and Youth Suicide Prevention curriculum developer, Lisa Damour's bit about Agenda-Free adults in a teen's life is so powerful.
What a treasure trove of useful, actionable information! Thank you, Christopher
My grandmother, who grew up in the 1930s and 40s, referred once to ‘the invention of the teenager’ which she observed as an adult. When she was high school age they were treated as young adults, capable and ready for responsibility and decision making in their lives. She thought that the shift caused a change in how teens were perceived, and perceived themselves, that had not been positive for the age group. Regardless of the merit of that observation, I’m grateful there are so many people working to figure out the various reasons for the current mental health challenges our teens experience so that we can, as a culture and as individuals, shift our thinking again to help alleviate it.
I'm so glad the Gray, Lancy, Bjorkland article is highlighted here. While there is likely no singular cause of the teen mental health crisis, I wish we (collectively) would take much more seriously the impact of reduced opportunities for free play, independent exploration, and the autonomy of young people in schools, at home, and in the community. There is so much energy poured into trying to improve the mental health of young people as if the problem is the individual, and if our intervention can fix the child then the problem is fixed, and not enough energy directed toward the possibility that the root problem is that young people don't feel they have any control over their lives. And when we feel we don't have any control then that opens the door to suffering. And until the lack of control is addressed there will continue to be more and more kids who suffer.
This research really struck a cord with me - I'm thinking about it a lot.
Such an important topic to cover and took a lot away from the coverage you have given it. Thank you 🙏🏻
Thanks, Joss.
Christopher - I thought your article provided a great overview of this important topic. As the parent a teen I appreciated your insights and data points. Lots of stuff to consider as we look for the best interests of our kids.
So much goodness here. 🙏🏼 You inspire me to re-engage with youngers, potentially as a Responder. As a former Teen Talking Circle facilitator and Youth Suicide Prevention curriculum developer, Lisa Damour's bit about Agenda-Free adults in a teen's life is so powerful.