Shocking Increased Risks for Adolescents in the United States: A Multifaceted Perspective

Our kids are dying.

The transition from childhood to adulthood has always been a challenging period. However, the urgency of the current situation cannot be overstated. In the United States, adolescence is currently a time of increasing difficulty, with a worrying rise in problems like depression and suicide. This complex phenomenon results from a confluence of social, economic, and technological factors that have significantly altered the experiences of young people.

Over the past decade, the number of American children and teenagers admitted to children's hospitals for reporting suicidal thoughts has more than doubled. 

Teen depression and suicide are critical public health issues in the United States, driven by a multitude of factors. Among these, the influence of social media and the increasing prevalence of isolation stand out as significant contributors. These elements interact in complex ways, profoundly affecting the mental health of adolescents.

Social media has become integral to teenagers' lives, shaping their interactions, self-perception, and mental health. While these platforms offer opportunities for connection and self-expression, they also pose serious risks. One of the most insidious aspects of social media is the pressure it creates to conform to idealized standards.

Teenagers are constantly exposed to curated images and experiences that often portray unrealistic and unattainable lifestyles. This exposure can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and body image issues as teens compare themselves unfavorably to their peers and influencers.

Moreover, social media can exacerbate feelings of exclusion and loneliness. While online interactions are plentiful, they often lack face-to-face relationships' depth and emotional connection. Teens may have hundreds of friends or followers online but still feel isolated and unsupported in their real lives. This discrepancy can be particularly damaging, reinforcing misunderstandings in authentic human relationships.

Isolation, both social and emotional, is another critical factor in teen depression and suicide. Adolescents are naturally at a stage where peer relationships and social belonging are paramount. When they experience isolation, the impact is profound.

When I was growing up, we played together after school. During high school, most of us returned to the schoolyard after returning home to change our clothes and play basketball. Until all of this digital technology, kids lived in groups and formed lifelong friendships.

The prevalence of cyberbullying and the amplification of social exclusion through online platforms have also caused increased rates of depression and suicide among young people. There have been many instances reported in the media of cyberbullies telling kids to commit suicide. These bullies are fellow high school students. That causes the bullying to have an increased impact. It is often not a single bully but a group of former friends encouraging suicide.

The economic challenges many families face in the United States, including rising living costs, job insecurity, and wealth inequality, have significantly affected adolescents' well-being. The stress and anxiety associated with financial instability, the need to support or contribute to household expenses, and limited access to mental health resources can compound the existing difficulties experienced by young people.

It is a conundrum that economic challenges have not affected the ability of everyone, including teenagers, to have cell phones. The same can be said for home computers, laptops, and iPads. Thankfully, many states have banned the use of cell phones in classrooms.

The nation's ongoing social and political divisions have added to the complexity of navigating adolescence. The disruption to routine, social connections, and educational experiences, combined with the uncertainty and isolation brought about by the pandemic, have exacerbated mental health challenges among young people.

In my personal opinion, the negatives of cell phones outweigh the benefits.

Finally, I want to say that this issue is near and dear to me. I have a close family member who is a teen and unfortunately, this is an example of what is happening in terms of cyberbullying. The family is extremely worried.

Please send your comments.