Is your teen struggling with social issues? Tips to boost your teenager’s mental well-being |

Social issuesencompass the complex challenges that impact large segments of society, ultimately influencing the overall functioning of a community. It’s important to recognize that teenagers, just like adults, grapple with these social issues. In fact, adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to these difficulties due to their ongoing brain development and rapid physical changes.The ramifications of these social problems, often labelled as “teenage woos,” extend to emotional and physical well-being.
A study conducted by the Pew Research Center, focusing on youths aged 13 to 17, identified anxiety and depression, bullying, as well as drug and alcohol use (and misuse), as major concerns. Notably, teenagers today encounter more profound complexities in their interpersonal relationships, than most adults.
The ubiquity of digital communication has fundamentally altered the dynamics of how adolescents engage with people. Consequently, many teenagers now find themselves deficient in critical interpersonal communication skills, such as the ability to decipher social cues effectively. This deficiency can be largely attributed to the excessive reliance on technology. Astonishingly, the average teenager devotes more than nine hours daily to their electronic devices. Their patterns of social media engagement and media consumption have not only reshaped their modes of communication but also affected the way they approach social connections, academia, wellness, physical activity, amongst other aspects of their lives.
The top social problems that teens seem to struggle every day are:

• Depression & Anxiety – Research suggests a striking seventy percent of teens acknowledged anxiety and depression as significant concerns within their peer group. Comprehensive data on the exact prevalence of anxiety disorders among teenagers remains somewhat elusive. Depression stands as a notable example of an issue affecting adolescents throughout history, albeit now receiving a welcome surge of public awareness in recent years.
• Bullying – Concerns related to personal safety weigh heavily on the minds of American teenagers. A notable 55% of teenagers identified bullying as a significant issue within their peer circles. Despite the implementation of anti-bullying initiatives, this problem endures. The persistence of this issue can be attributed to the coexistence of young, vulnerable, and easily influenced individuals within a social environment where shared fears and anxieties prevail, creating a breeding ground for instances of bullying.
• Drug & Alcohol Use – In recent years, there has been a notable surge in daily marijuana consumption among senior high school students, surpassing the rates of cigarette usage. Concurrently, the use of other illegal drugs has reached unprecedented lows, with ongoing studies indicating that since 2017, teenage engagement in illicit drug activities has reached an all-time nadir. Additionally, the consumption of alcohol and instances of binge drinking have both displayed a significant decline.

• Obesity – In line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has been determined that approximately 20% of individuals between the ages of 12 and 19 are grappling with obesity. Beyond the distressing reality that overweight children are frequently subjected to bullying, it is essential to recognize that obese youngsters confront a significantly elevated risk of enduring lifelong health complications. These complications encompass a spectrum of conditions, including but not limited to diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease.
Tips to boost your teen’s mental wellbeing

● The adolescent phase is a pivotal period for a child’s acquisition of independence. It’s essential to ensure that your teenager is afforded the appropriate autonomy, allowing them the necessary time and personal space for self-discovery and growth. This process is a fundamental and natural component of their maturation journey.
● Engage in the practice of mindfulness alongside your teenager. This approach serves to realign your attention with the present moment and equips both of you with enhanced stress-coping capabilities.
● Assist your teenager in cultivating the practice of journaling their thoughts and emotions. This valuable habit facilitates the management of intense feelings and the disentanglement of thoughts from emotions. By journaling, individuals gain improved insight into their thoughts and emotions, ultimately enhancing their capacity to navigate and cope effectively with life’s challenges.
● Set a positive example by embodying the behaviours you wish your teenager to embrace. Strive to be a role model for them, recognizing that children primarily derive their behavioural cues from their parents.

● Make a conscious effort to observe and commend your teenager for their achievements, no matter how minor, such as tidying up after themselves. This practice serves to reinforce positive behavior patterns.
● Regularly engage in meaningful conversations with your teenager, encouraging them to openly communicate their emotions and thoughts.
● Allocate quality time to bond with your teenager through shared activities that you both find enjoyable, such as preparing a meal, gardening, or engaging in a painting session.
● Social media has entrenched itself as a significant component of every teenager’s existence. It’s imperative to advocate for its judicious use and remain vigilant, assessing whether prolonged exposure is contributing to your teenager’s stress or affecting their mental well-being.
Written by Prakriti Poddar, Global Head, Mental Health & Wellbeing, RoundGlass Living app. Prakriti is also a certified counsellor.