In the News: “Is it Harder Being a Teen Today?”
September 24, 2024
The Pew Research Center conducted a survey asking 1,453 U.S. parents and teens: “Compared with 20 years ago, do you think being a teenager today is harder, easier or about the same?” We reviewed the findings with the GoodforMEdia leaders and asked for their thoughts. Here’s what they have to say…
What you need to know:
Of the 1,453 surveyed, 69% of parents and 44% of youth think it’s harder to be a teen now.
Social media is the top reason parents give; Teens say increased pressures and expectations is the top reason with social media second.
Our gut reactions:
It’s refreshing to see parents think it’s harder for teens because as youth we often hear “we have it so much easier” than they did.
When it comes to college, we agree and think there is a lot more pressure to get in and it’s a lot harder today.
Everything is relative to the particular time period, so it's difficult to say if it’s harder. Tech overall is a net positive so without social media there would still be other potential struggles related to not having that connection (like isolation, a way to communicate in a crisis, etc.)
We think it’s headed in the…
Right direction
Wrong direction
Too soon to tell…Although the right direction to look at a wide variety of reasons for why it might be harder today, including social media.
What to look out for:
General tech use is separated from social media in these responses, which is interesting…
Parents point to technology as a top reason it’s both harder and easier to be a teen today. This supports the view of social media as a double-edged sword for many teens.
We want to hear from you!
Do you think it is harder, easier, or about the same being a teen today than 20 years ago? Comment our Instagram posting.
References
Why Many Parents and Teens Think It’s Harder Being a Teen Today Pew Research Center