The Truth About Kids These Days (Written By a Kid)

Growing up in a world where information is at our fingertips isn’t as easy as many adults may think. Gen Z is often perceived to be lazy and ungrateful, yet when it come to things like the Black Lives Matter Movement we’re in the front lines. The generation that’s too afraid to tell the waiter they got their order wrong, can’t possibly be the same generation that threw the police force’s tear gas canisters right back at them…Or can they?

Gen Z is the first generation that has grown up with social media platforms, highspeed internet, and forms of communication that other generations didn’t have access to. Many kids and teens struggle with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. It seems as though many parents connect the use of technology and mental health problems together, but here I ask the real question. Is technology really the foundation of Gen Z’s rebellious behaviors and mental health issues?

In short answer, no. I along with many other kids and teens know that technology is not the problem. If you ask any kid what they believe is negatively effecting their mental health, they will likely say something along the lines of “the expectations of everyone around me”. The fact of the matter is, kids need to be kids. Do they also need to try their best in school? Yes, but school isn’t everything. Failing one or two tests is not going to be the end of the world. Feeling stuck and as though you cannot live the life that you want, because of the pressure that's being put on you, just might be. These are supposed to be the greatest years of our lives! Its a shame to spend them stuck inside studying every Friday night. Set boundaries for you kids, but let them make mistakes. As human beings, we learn from experience, so let your kids get that experience. Kids these days don’t want to disappoint you in anyway, but they do want to have fun once in a while. Life is far too important to take every moment seriously.

Before you think of saying, “Well kids already have things way too easy.”, remember all the problems that we are now responsible for solving. The climate crisis is real. And we don’t have all that long to act. If other generations don’t start acting now, Gen Z is going to be left with a huge mess to clean up.

The truth about kids these days is that although we grew up with information at our fingertips, life is still hard. Life is hard for everyone, regardless of what generation you come from. So, next time your kid gets a bad grade or fails a test, remember that we’re all trying our best.