Children in modern society are dealing with a range of social issues that can potentially hamper their physical, mental, emotional and social development, if not handled well by their caregivers.
Teenagers go through several physical and mental transitions, have a lack of experience, get easily influenced, and are too naive to be able to make informed decisions for themselves.
This article discusses a few of the significant social evils that affect children in the modern world and tips for parents to protect them.
1) Social Media
Obsession with social media has increased the risk of insecurity, isolation, low self-esteem, phone addiction, depression and emotional imbalance in developing children. 95% of 13 to 17-year-old teenagers in the US use social media, 70% acknowledge its negative impact on mental health, while 60% report cyberbullying.
As a guardian, keep a strict check on how children use these channels, educate them on internet safety, and warn them about the potential threats to privacy.
2) Smoking, Alcohol And Drugs
As per teenage drug use statistics, almost 50% of teenagers have used illegal drugs, more than 60% of 12th graders have misused alcohol, and around 16% use tobacco products. Having a parent with substance use disorder substantially increases the chances of children developing an addiction. Other reasons could be peer pressure, anxiety, trauma, etc.
Inform your children about the long-term health hazards associated with drugs, express your concerns clearly and put regulations in place. If you notice that your child is experimenting with drugs, take help from professionals. WhiteSands Tampa, FL rehabs are providing medically supervised drug rehabilitation facilities for deaddiction, and have programs for teenagers as well.
3) Bullying, Fights And Violence At School
1 in every 5 high school students in the US is being bullied, 8% have been involved in physical fights and around 7% have been threatened with weapons like knives, guns, etc. Studies suggest that violent acts on TV, movies and video games also prompt aggressive behaviors in teens.
Prepare your kids on what should be done when they find themselves or anybody else getting victimized by bullying. Encourage them to have an open dialogue with you about issues at school and keep them away from disturbing content.
4) Youth Risks
Reckless sexual behavior is another serious issue that affects teens and kids putting them at risk of STDs, unintended teen pregnancy, depression, runaways, suicide, etc.
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to impart sex education to maturing kids, communicate about appropriate behaviors, support open discussion on sensitive topics like depression and suicide and seek professional counseling if necessary.
5) Inactivity And Obesity
1 in 5 adolescents in the US is affected by obesity, an alarming cause of serious health issues like cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart diseases.
Plus, overweight children are more likely to have confidence issues becoming easy targets for bullies, which prompts them to adopt harmful ways in pursuit of appearing better.
You should make them understand the importance of self-acceptance, personally check their nutritional intake and ask them to engage in productive outdoor activities.
6) Peer Pressure
Constantly trying to fit in among their peers, seeking validation, and fear of rejection usually drive teens in the wrong direction. This results in impulsive conduct, depression, and depleted self-confidence. Kids might give in and turn to destructive habits like drugs, alcohol, bullying, etc.
Make them feel safe enough so that they can talk to you about anything and everything, don’t be judgmental, and teach them relevant skills to cope with stressful situations.
7) Child Abuse And Neglect
Physical violence, sexual abuse, racial persecution, discrimination, online harassment, and child labor comes under the bracket of child abuse.
Due to parental ignorance, stressful home environments, family separations, and divorces, children fail to find the essential care and support that roots behavioral and emotional inconsistencies in them.
Provide emotional support to your children, keep observant, encourage them to speak up, teach them about their rights, and ask for support when needed.
Conclusion
Creating and maintaining a channel for healthy communication between you and your children on delicate issues that affect them directly or indirectly is imperative for their overall well-being.
Invest time in their upbringing, administer discipline and essential values, treat them with patience, and become an irreplaceable part of their lives.
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