Why American teens are so sad - four main takeaways

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Best thing I did was send my daughter to a private school that does not allow cell phones.

They have limited computer time as well


I have heard parents rationalize kids have to have cell phones for school shootings. Just wow

Curious as to how old your daugther is? A boy in my kid's class that did not get a phone until high school is now on every bad site out there.

What does that have to do with anything? You don’t think staring at a screen all day from K-12th has repercussions? So the boy is on all the “bad sites” at age 15 instead of 8? How is that a bad thing? LOL

Not the PP, but my daughter’s school they must be locked in the lockers. If seen (not even being used) they get AM detention, meaning the parents have to drive them in an hour before school starts. It works amazingly well.

I have not idea why phones are not banned in all public schools. There is absolutely no reason for them and they are a huge distraction. I was SHOCKED when our elementary school started to allow them. And why? Because moms wanted a way to reach their kid? Like um no. CALL THE SCHOOL

I am also surprised they are not banned at least during school hours. The only reason you would really need one is to tell a parent a practice was cancelled or something and you could do that after school is over and just wait for them to pick you up.

Cell phones are banned at our school. But kids are on them at home all the time. The issue is all social communication happens through the cell phone. Texting, FaceTime whatever. Friends live some distance from each other…with no way to get to each other..(parents work, or are otherwise busy and can’t drop them off). Also kids are over scheduled with activities, so can’t devote blocks of time to see each other. So they text and play games (apps) with each other.

I’d love my kid to invite friends over I but she doesn’t want to. It’s not what kids do!

Friday nights are friend's night at my house. Cell phones are placed in a bowl and the kids have free range of the entire basement and backyard. Sometimes they watch movies, play board games, just hang out and eat. We have the classic Wii down there and that is used a ton too. They aren't into shuffleboard as much but we have that new trendy hook game and a giant magnetic dark board. Also one small section of wall mirrors and a cheap karaoke machine. One night they learned how to play poker and had my husband teach them and player dealer/cashier. We have a firepit so they do smores a lot too. And my god, all of these 12-13yr olds still love to swing on our swing set. I added solar LED lights to it. Am considering a ping pong table for under the deck or a trampoline for this summer. My daughter has my old Canon digital camera so they take pics and after the night is over she uploads them and sends them out to everyone so they can add them to social media. If anyone needs their phone, they are allowed to come upstairs and use it at anytime. They just can't bring it down the basement. Most come up 1-2 a night for a few minutes each to text a parent or probably check messages. But you would be surprised how little they want it when no one else has it.

They also bike to the pool a lot in the summer. On their own. I haven't been to the pool since she was 9 or 10 years old. Her and her friends go alone.
Our neighborhood started cul de sac nights where kids ages 10 and older meet at certain cul de sacs to play capture the flag, jail break, kick the can, etc... No parents allowed.

So yes PP it absolutely can be what kids do. They want it and they need it. You are doing a disservice otherwise

I was all in until you got to the bolded. Sounds like lots of fun and I commend you for your efforts. But while that is a huge boost to the mental health of those who are invited, as soon as those pics go up on social media, it makes a dent in the mental health of those who weren’t. This is why social media is such a huge part of the picture. Adults can’t handle feelings of being left out, can you imagine being 12 or 13 and having to feel like everyone else is out there having the best time?

And THIS comment. This one right here is EVERYTHING wrong with this generation's parenting. You are blaming teens that spent a night socializing without phones and may or may not repost some digital pictures the next day - as a horrible thing. And you also blamed the mom hosting these events.

And newsflash - I can absolutely handle feeling left out and have parented my kids to understand it happens all of the time too. Stop coddling your kids while judging others. Your kids will grow up to be just like you. Sad, judging, and always the victim. Raise your kids to be resilient and make their own fun, instead of blaming a mom who offers some fun to her daughter and a few friends.

That was my comment. If I’m everything wrong with modern parenting, so be it. My teenage daughter is growing into a confident, independent and mentally healthy young woman nonetheless.

I admit, though, that I really do just hate social media. For everyone, but especially for kids and teens. My daughter is not allowed to have it. I’ve seen it do nothing positive whatsoever for kids in 8th grade (the age of backyard party PP’s kid). If your kids are able to navigate it and interact with it and maintain a healthy sense of self and positive relationships, then that’s great.

[Anonymous]

The negative effects of social media, particularly on teenage girls, are well-documented, and yet people continue to say that girls should “grow a tough skin.” Social media really is addicting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Best thing I did was send my daughter to a private school that does not allow cell phones.

They have limited computer time as well


I have heard parents rationalize kids have to have cell phones for school shootings. Just wow

Curious as to how old your daugther is? A boy in my kid's class that did not get a phone until high school is now on every bad site out there.

What does that have to do with anything? You don’t think staring at a screen all day from K-12th has repercussions? So the boy is on all the “bad sites” at age 15 instead of 8? How is that a bad thing? LOL

Not the PP, but my daughter’s school they must be locked in the lockers. If seen (not even being used) they get AM detention, meaning the parents have to drive them in an hour before school starts. It works amazingly well.

I have not idea why phones are not banned in all public schools. There is absolutely no reason for them and they are a huge distraction. I was SHOCKED when our elementary school started to allow them. And why? Because moms wanted a way to reach their kid? Like um no. CALL THE SCHOOL

I am also surprised they are not banned at least during school hours. The only reason you would really need one is to tell a parent a practice was cancelled or something and you could do that after school is over and just wait for them to pick you up.

Cell phones are banned at our school. But kids are on them at home all the time. The issue is all social communication happens through the cell phone. Texting, FaceTime whatever. Friends live some distance from each other…with no way to get to each other..(parents work, or are otherwise busy and can’t drop them off). Also kids are over scheduled with activities, so can’t devote blocks of time to see each other. So they text and play games (apps) with each other.

I’d love my kid to invite friends over I but she doesn’t want to. It’s not what kids do!

Friday nights are friend's night at my house. Cell phones are placed in a bowl and the kids have free range of the entire basement and backyard. Sometimes they watch movies, play board games, just hang out and eat. We have the classic Wii down there and that is used a ton too. They aren't into shuffleboard as much but we have that new trendy hook game and a giant magnetic dark board. Also one small section of wall mirrors and a cheap karaoke machine. One night they learned how to play poker and had my husband teach them and player dealer/cashier. We have a firepit so they do smores a lot too. And my god, all of these 12-13yr olds still love to swing on our swing set. I added solar LED lights to it. Am considering a ping pong table for under the deck or a trampoline for this summer. My daughter has my old Canon digital camera so they take pics and after the night is over she uploads them and sends them out to everyone so they can add them to social media. If anyone needs their phone, they are allowed to come upstairs and use it at anytime. They just can't bring it down the basement. Most come up 1-2 a night for a few minutes each to text a parent or probably check messages. But you would be surprised how little they want it when no one else has it.

They also bike to the pool a lot in the summer. On their own. I haven't been to the pool since she was 9 or 10 years old. Her and her friends go alone.
Our neighborhood started cul de sac nights where kids ages 10 and older meet at certain cul de sacs to play capture the flag, jail break, kick the can, etc... No parents allowed.

So yes PP it absolutely can be what kids do. They want it and they need it. You are doing a disservice otherwise

I was all in until you got to the bolded. Sounds like lots of fun and I commend you for your efforts. But while that is a huge boost to the mental health of those who are invited, as soon as those pics go up on social media, it makes a dent in the mental health of those who weren’t. This is why social media is such a huge part of the picture. Adults can’t handle feelings of being left out, can you imagine being 12 or 13 and having to feel like everyone else is out there having the best time?

Part of growing up is making and keeping your own friends and know that everyone has their own life and may be different than you. People shouldn’t be silent about what they did Friday night or where they went or an award they won because someone else supposedly makes themselves butthurt about it somehow. Wtf.

Yes, but "back in the day" when my friends were doing things I wasn't invited to, I didn't always know. And I certainly wasn't subjected to posts, hashtags, pictures of all the fun they were having without me. Repeatedly. All the time.

It's different.

This is total BS. Everyone talked in school what they did the weekend prior. It felt even worse to think nothing happened and then found out Monday morning, everyone but you was somewhere. It happens. Life moves on. We had land lines and everyone knew what everyone was doing most of the time anyway.

I am honestly shocked how you are all raising snowflakes who can not handle anything. You actually think it is social media causing mental health issues and not your own terrible helicopter parenting. That is the biggest irony in all of this. You are pointing fingers at happy kids posting pics with friends and labeling them as the issue. Do you realize how depressingly toxic that is? Like woah. You are all insane. Just take your kids phones and social media away. Problem solved. They will be happy for life.

First of all, you are an a-hole. You know NOTHING about me or my kid. She's tough as nails, as I've taught her she has to be, dealing with jacka$$e like you who think that can just do whatever they want, regardless of other people's feelings. She's also a straight A, high performing athlete, who handles her business w/o me "helicoptering." And she is cognizant of other peoples' feelings, unlike yourself. Maybe you should focus less on being a judgmental a$$hole and worrying about how other people parent their kids, and more on yourself. I assure you, there is plenty to work on there.

Second of all, I in no way said social media is the ONLY cause of mental issues. People are saying it is ONE of them. And it is. This is well-documented. Since you know everything, I assume you can find that information on your own.

Lastly, I do not care what went on in your HS a million years ago. Surely you know just b/c it was your experience that "Everyone knew everything", it was not everyone's experience? It wasn't mine. Or are you one of those who think there are no starving people in the world because you had a sandwich for lunch? Yes, people talked. But you did not know the blow-by-blow activities of your friends, boyfriend/girlfriends, frenemies, whoever, like you do now. For some kids, it can be crushing. Especially quirky kids, introverts, kids with special needs, etc. No one is saying never post, never share, never be on social media. Well maybe some are, but I'm not. But maybe be aware, thoughtful. It's really not that hard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Best thing I did was send my daughter to a private school that does not allow cell phones.

They have limited computer time as well


I have heard parents rationalize kids have to have cell phones for school shootings. Just wow

Curious as to how old your daugther is? A boy in my kid's class that did not get a phone until high school is now on every bad site out there.

What does that have to do with anything? You don’t think staring at a screen all day from K-12th has repercussions? So the boy is on all the “bad sites” at age 15 instead of 8? How is that a bad thing? LOL

Not the PP, but my daughter’s school they must be locked in the lockers. If seen (not even being used) they get AM detention, meaning the parents have to drive them in an hour before school starts. It works amazingly well.

I have not idea why phones are not banned in all public schools. There is absolutely no reason for them and they are a huge distraction. I was SHOCKED when our elementary school started to allow them. And why? Because moms wanted a way to reach their kid? Like um no. CALL THE SCHOOL

I am also surprised they are not banned at least during school hours. The only reason you would really need one is to tell a parent a practice was cancelled or something and you could do that after school is over and just wait for them to pick you up.

Cell phones are banned at our school. But kids are on them at home all the time. The issue is all social communication happens through the cell phone. Texting, FaceTime whatever. Friends live some distance from each other…with no way to get to each other..(parents work, or are otherwise busy and can’t drop them off). Also kids are over scheduled with activities, so can’t devote blocks of time to see each other. So they text and play games (apps) with each other.

I’d love my kid to invite friends over I but she doesn’t want to. It’s not what kids do!

Friday nights are friend's night at my house. Cell phones are placed in a bowl and the kids have free range of the entire basement and backyard. Sometimes they watch movies, play board games, just hang out and eat. We have the classic Wii down there and that is used a ton too. They aren't into shuffleboard as much but we have that new trendy hook game and a giant magnetic dark board. Also one small section of wall mirrors and a cheap karaoke machine. One night they learned how to play poker and had my husband teach them and player dealer/cashier. We have a firepit so they do smores a lot too. And my god, all of these 12-13yr olds still love to swing on our swing set. I added solar LED lights to it. Am considering a ping pong table for under the deck or a trampoline for this summer. My daughter has my old Canon digital camera so they take pics and after the night is over she uploads them and sends them out to everyone so they can add them to social media. If anyone needs their phone, they are allowed to come upstairs and use it at anytime. They just can't bring it down the basement. Most come up 1-2 a night for a few minutes each to text a parent or probably check messages. But you would be surprised how little they want it when no one else has it.

They also bike to the pool a lot in the summer. On their own. I haven't been to the pool since she was 9 or 10 years old. Her and her friends go alone.
Our neighborhood started cul de sac nights where kids ages 10 and older meet at certain cul de sacs to play capture the flag, jail break, kick the can, etc... No parents allowed.

So yes PP it absolutely can be what kids do. They want it and they need it. You are doing a disservice otherwise

I was all in until you got to the bolded. Sounds like lots of fun and I commend you for your efforts. But while that is a huge boost to the mental health of those who are invited, as soon as those pics go up on social media, it makes a dent in the mental health of those who weren’t. This is why social media is such a huge part of the picture. Adults can’t handle feelings of being left out, can you imagine being 12 or 13 and having to feel like everyone else is out there having the best time?

And THIS comment. This one right here is EVERYTHING wrong with this generation's parenting. You are blaming teens that spent a night socializing without phones and may or may not repost some digital pictures the next day - as a horrible thing. And you also blamed the mom hosting these events.

And newsflash - I can absolutely handle feeling left out and have parented my kids to understand it happens all of the time too. Stop coddling your kids while judging others. Your kids will grow up to be just like you. Sad, judging, and always the victim. Raise your kids to be resilient and make their own fun, instead of blaming a mom who offers some fun to her daughter and a few friends.

That was my comment. If I’m everything wrong with modern parenting, so be it. My teenage daughter is growing into a confident, independent and mentally healthy young woman nonetheless.

I admit, though, that I really do just hate social media. For everyone, but especially for kids and teens. My daughter is not allowed to have it. I’ve seen it do nothing positive whatsoever for kids in 8th grade (the age of backyard party PP’s kid). If your kids are able to navigate it and interact with it and maintain a healthy sense of self and positive relationships, then that’s great.

Wait, you commented that the poster who has girls over without using phones is wrong to let the girls take some pics on a digital camera because if they get on social media eventually will make everyone who wasn't there sad and that is so so so so wrong. But yet your teen is fine because you don't allow social media?

So it is indeed parenting and not social media that is the issue. If your child can't handle social media, they don't have it and if they can and do it responsibly, then it is fine.

So what am I missing? Why aren't kids allowed to post pictures? I am lost. You make literally no sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The negative effects of social media, particularly on teenage girls, are well-documented, and yet people continue to say that girls should “grow a tough skin.” Social media really is addicting.

But it falls back on parenting on when to allow it and when not to. Know your kids.

Parenting 101

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Best thing I did was send my daughter to a private school that does not allow cell phones.

They have limited computer time as well


I have heard parents rationalize kids have to have cell phones for school shootings. Just wow

Curious as to how old your daugther is? A boy in my kid's class that did not get a phone until high school is now on every bad site out there.

What does that have to do with anything? You don’t think staring at a screen all day from K-12th has repercussions? So the boy is on all the “bad sites” at age 15 instead of 8? How is that a bad thing? LOL

Not the PP, but my daughter’s school they must be locked in the lockers. If seen (not even being used) they get AM detention, meaning the parents have to drive them in an hour before school starts. It works amazingly well.

I have not idea why phones are not banned in all public schools. There is absolutely no reason for them and they are a huge distraction. I was SHOCKED when our elementary school started to allow them. And why? Because moms wanted a way to reach their kid? Like um no. CALL THE SCHOOL

I am also surprised they are not banned at least during school hours. The only reason you would really need one is to tell a parent a practice was cancelled or something and you could do that after school is over and just wait for them to pick you up.

Cell phones are banned at our school. But kids are on them at home all the time. The issue is all social communication happens through the cell phone. Texting, FaceTime whatever. Friends live some distance from each other…with no way to get to each other..(parents work, or are otherwise busy and can’t drop them off). Also kids are over scheduled with activities, so can’t devote blocks of time to see each other. So they text and play games (apps) with each other.

I’d love my kid to invite friends over I but she doesn’t want to. It’s not what kids do!

Friday nights are friend's night at my house. Cell phones are placed in a bowl and the kids have free range of the entire basement and backyard. Sometimes they watch movies, play board games, just hang out and eat. We have the classic Wii down there and that is used a ton too. They aren't into shuffleboard as much but we have that new trendy hook game and a giant magnetic dark board. Also one small section of wall mirrors and a cheap karaoke machine. One night they learned how to play poker and had my husband teach them and player dealer/cashier. We have a firepit so they do smores a lot too. And my god, all of these 12-13yr olds still love to swing on our swing set. I added solar LED lights to it. Am considering a ping pong table for under the deck or a trampoline for this summer. My daughter has my old Canon digital camera so they take pics and after the night is over she uploads them and sends them out to everyone so they can add them to social media. If anyone needs their phone, they are allowed to come upstairs and use it at anytime. They just can't bring it down the basement. Most come up 1-2 a night for a few minutes each to text a parent or probably check messages. But you would be surprised how little they want it when no one else has it.

They also bike to the pool a lot in the summer. On their own. I haven't been to the pool since she was 9 or 10 years old. Her and her friends go alone.
Our neighborhood started cul de sac nights where kids ages 10 and older meet at certain cul de sacs to play capture the flag, jail break, kick the can, etc... No parents allowed.

So yes PP it absolutely can be what kids do. They want it and they need it. You are doing a disservice otherwise

I was all in until you got to the bolded. Sounds like lots of fun and I commend you for your efforts. But while that is a huge boost to the mental health of those who are invited, as soon as those pics go up on social media, it makes a dent in the mental health of those who weren’t. This is why social media is such a huge part of the picture. Adults can’t handle feelings of being left out, can you imagine being 12 or 13 and having to feel like everyone else is out there having the best time?

Part of growing up is making and keeping your own friends and know that everyone has their own life and may be different than you. People shouldn’t be silent about what they did Friday night or where they went or an award they won because someone else supposedly makes themselves butthurt about it somehow. Wtf.

Yes, but "back in the day" when my friends were doing things I wasn't invited to, I didn't always know. And I certainly wasn't subjected to posts, hashtags, pictures of all the fun they were having without me. Repeatedly. All the time.

It's different.

This is total BS. Everyone talked in school what they did the weekend prior. It felt even worse to think nothing happened and then found out Monday morning, everyone but you was somewhere. It happens. Life moves on. We had land lines and everyone knew what everyone was doing most of the time anyway.

I am honestly shocked how you are all raising snowflakes who can not handle anything. You actually think it is social media causing mental health issues and not your own terrible helicopter parenting. That is the biggest irony in all of this. You are pointing fingers at happy kids posting pics with friends and labeling them as the issue. Do you realize how depressingly toxic that is? Like woah. You are all insane. Just take your kids phones and social media away. Problem solved. They will be happy for life.

First of all, you are an a-hole. You know NOTHING about me or my kid. She's tough as nails, as I've taught her she has to be, dealing with jacka$$e like you who think that can just do whatever they want, regardless of other people's feelings. She's also a straight A, high performing athlete, who handles her business w/o me "helicoptering." And she is cognizant of other peoples' feelings, unlike yourself. Maybe you should focus less on being a judgmental a$$hole and worrying about how other people parent their kids, and more on yourself. I assure you, there is plenty to work on there.

Second of all, I in no way said social media is the ONLY cause of mental issues. People are saying it is ONE of them. And it is. This is well-documented. Since you know everything, I assume you can find that information on your own.

Lastly, I do not care what went on in your HS a million years ago. Surely you know just b/c it was your experience that "Everyone knew everything", it was not everyone's experience? It wasn't mine. Or are you one of those who think there are no starving people in the world because you had a sandwich for lunch? Yes, people talked. But you did not know the blow-by-blow activities of your friends, boyfriend/girlfriends, frenemies, whoever, like you do now. For some kids, it can be crushing. Especially quirky kids, introverts, kids with special needs, etc. No one is saying never post, never share, never be on social media. Well maybe some are, but I'm not. But maybe be aware, thoughtful. It's really not that hard.

Looks like someone hit a nerve. Not the PP but you literally just reiterated everything that person mentioned. You were judging innocent teens using social media, now judging the mothers, and now even name calling, acting like you know them and even cursing. Something about world hunger and sandwiches too. Yikes. If your kid is so perfect what is your issue? Be happy of your perfect kid and don't worry about what others do. But your hatred and anger is telling a very different story. Might need to talk to someone about that. Doesn't seem healthy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Best thing I did was send my daughter to a private school that does not allow cell phones.

They have limited computer time as well


I have heard parents rationalize kids have to have cell phones for school shootings. Just wow

Curious as to how old your daugther is? A boy in my kid's class that did not get a phone until high school is now on every bad site out there.

What does that have to do with anything? You don’t think staring at a screen all day from K-12th has repercussions? So the boy is on all the “bad sites” at age 15 instead of 8? How is that a bad thing? LOL

Not the PP, but my daughter’s school they must be locked in the lockers. If seen (not even being used) they get AM detention, meaning the parents have to drive them in an hour before school starts. It works amazingly well.

I have not idea why phones are not banned in all public schools. There is absolutely no reason for them and they are a huge distraction. I was SHOCKED when our elementary school started to allow them. And why? Because moms wanted a way to reach their kid? Like um no. CALL THE SCHOOL

I am also surprised they are not banned at least during school hours. The only reason you would really need one is to tell a parent a practice was cancelled or something and you could do that after school is over and just wait for them to pick you up.

Cell phones are banned at our school. But kids are on them at home all the time. The issue is all social communication happens through the cell phone. Texting, FaceTime whatever. Friends live some distance from each other…with no way to get to each other..(parents work, or are otherwise busy and can’t drop them off). Also kids are over scheduled with activities, so can’t devote blocks of time to see each other. So they text and play games (apps) with each other.

I’d love my kid to invite friends over I but she doesn’t want to. It’s not what kids do!

Friday nights are friend's night at my house. Cell phones are placed in a bowl and the kids have free range of the entire basement and backyard. Sometimes they watch movies, play board games, just hang out and eat. We have the classic Wii down there and that is used a ton too. They aren't into shuffleboard as much but we have that new trendy hook game and a giant magnetic dark board. Also one small section of wall mirrors and a cheap karaoke machine. One night they learned how to play poker and had my husband teach them and player dealer/cashier. We have a firepit so they do smores a lot too. And my god, all of these 12-13yr olds still love to swing on our swing set. I added solar LED lights to it. Am considering a ping pong table for under the deck or a trampoline for this summer. My daughter has my old Canon digital camera so they take pics and after the night is over she uploads them and sends them out to everyone so they can add them to social media. If anyone needs their phone, they are allowed to come upstairs and use it at anytime. They just can't bring it down the basement. Most come up 1-2 a night for a few minutes each to text a parent or probably check messages. But you would be surprised how little they want it when no one else has it.

They also bike to the pool a lot in the summer. On their own. I haven't been to the pool since she was 9 or 10 years old. Her and her friends go alone.
Our neighborhood started cul de sac nights where kids ages 10 and older meet at certain cul de sacs to play capture the flag, jail break, kick the can, etc... No parents allowed.

So yes PP it absolutely can be what kids do. They want it and they need it. You are doing a disservice otherwise

I was all in until you got to the bolded. Sounds like lots of fun and I commend you for your efforts. But while that is a huge boost to the mental health of those who are invited, as soon as those pics go up on social media, it makes a dent in the mental health of those who weren’t. This is why social media is such a huge part of the picture. Adults can’t handle feelings of being left out, can you imagine being 12 or 13 and having to feel like everyone else is out there having the best time?

And THIS comment. This one right here is EVERYTHING wrong with this generation's parenting. You are blaming teens that spent a night socializing without phones and may or may not repost some digital pictures the next day - as a horrible thing. And you also blamed the mom hosting these events.

And newsflash - I can absolutely handle feeling left out and have parented my kids to understand it happens all of the time too. Stop coddling your kids while judging others. Your kids will grow up to be just like you. Sad, judging, and always the victim. Raise your kids to be resilient and make their own fun, instead of blaming a mom who offers some fun to her daughter and a few friends.

That was my comment. If I’m everything wrong with modern parenting, so be it. My teenage daughter is growing into a confident, independent and mentally healthy young woman nonetheless.

I admit, though, that I really do just hate social media. For everyone, but especially for kids and teens. My daughter is not allowed to have it. I’ve seen it do nothing positive whatsoever for kids in 8th grade (the age of backyard party PP’s kid). If your kids are able to navigate it and interact with it and maintain a healthy sense of self and positive relationships, then that’s great.

Wait, you commented that the poster who has girls over without using phones is wrong to let the girls take some pics on a digital camera because if they get on social media eventually will make everyone who wasn't there sad and that is so so so so wrong. But yet your teen is fine because you don't allow social media?

So it is indeed parenting and not social media that is the issue. If your child can't handle social media, they don't have it and if they can and do it responsibly, then it is fine.

So what am I missing? Why aren't kids allowed to post pictures? I am lost. You make literally no sense.

Is it really so hard for you to imagine that some people are concerned for kids in general, not just their own? No, my kid is not on social media, but I am seeing so many of her friends and peers struggle right now. I think the more we can keep 8th graders off social media, the better. How is this even remotely controversial?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The negative effects of social media, particularly on teenage girls, are well-documented, and yet people continue to say that girls should “grow a tough skin.” Social media really is addicting.

But it falls back on parenting on when to allow it and when not to. Know your kids.

Parenting 101

This is way beyond parenting 101. Social Media has rewritten the rules for parenting in a lot of ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Best thing I did was send my daughter to a private school that does not allow cell phones.

They have limited computer time as well


I have heard parents rationalize kids have to have cell phones for school shootings. Just wow

Curious as to how old your daugther is? A boy in my kid's class that did not get a phone until high school is now on every bad site out there.

What does that have to do with anything? You don’t think staring at a screen all day from K-12th has repercussions? So the boy is on all the “bad sites” at age 15 instead of 8? How is that a bad thing? LOL

Not the PP, but my daughter’s school they must be locked in the lockers. If seen (not even being used) they get AM detention, meaning the parents have to drive them in an hour before school starts. It works amazingly well.

I have not idea why phones are not banned in all public schools. There is absolutely no reason for them and they are a huge distraction. I was SHOCKED when our elementary school started to allow them. And why? Because moms wanted a way to reach their kid? Like um no. CALL THE SCHOOL

I am also surprised they are not banned at least during school hours. The only reason you would really need one is to tell a parent a practice was cancelled or something and you could do that after school is over and just wait for them to pick you up.

Cell phones are banned at our school. But kids are on them at home all the time. The issue is all social communication happens through the cell phone. Texting, FaceTime whatever. Friends live some distance from each other…with no way to get to each other..(parents work, or are otherwise busy and can’t drop them off). Also kids are over scheduled with activities, so can’t devote blocks of time to see each other. So they text and play games (apps) with each other.

I’d love my kid to invite friends over I but she doesn’t want to. It’s not what kids do!

Friday nights are friend's night at my house. Cell phones are placed in a bowl and the kids have free range of the entire basement and backyard. Sometimes they watch movies, play board games, just hang out and eat. We have the classic Wii down there and that is used a ton too. They aren't into shuffleboard as much but we have that new trendy hook game and a giant magnetic dark board. Also one small section of wall mirrors and a cheap karaoke machine. One night they learned how to play poker and had my husband teach them and player dealer/cashier. We have a firepit so they do smores a lot too. And my god, all of these 12-13yr olds still love to swing on our swing set. I added solar LED lights to it. Am considering a ping pong table for under the deck or a trampoline for this summer. My daughter has my old Canon digital camera so they take pics and after the night is over she uploads them and sends them out to everyone so they can add them to social media. If anyone needs their phone, they are allowed to come upstairs and use it at anytime. They just can't bring it down the basement. Most come up 1-2 a night for a few minutes each to text a parent or probably check messages. But you would be surprised how little they want it when no one else has it.

They also bike to the pool a lot in the summer. On their own. I haven't been to the pool since she was 9 or 10 years old. Her and her friends go alone.
Our neighborhood started cul de sac nights where kids ages 10 and older meet at certain cul de sacs to play capture the flag, jail break, kick the can, etc... No parents allowed.

So yes PP it absolutely can be what kids do. They want it and they need it. You are doing a disservice otherwise

I was all in until you got to the bolded. Sounds like lots of fun and I commend you for your efforts. But while that is a huge boost to the mental health of those who are invited, as soon as those pics go up on social media, it makes a dent in the mental health of those who weren’t. This is why social media is such a huge part of the picture. Adults can’t handle feelings of being left out, can you imagine being 12 or 13 and having to feel like everyone else is out there having the best time?

Part of growing up is making and keeping your own friends and know that everyone has their own life and may be different than you. People shouldn’t be silent about what they did Friday night or where they went or an award they won because someone else supposedly makes themselves butthurt about it somehow. Wtf.

Yes, but "back in the day" when my friends were doing things I wasn't invited to, I didn't always know. And I certainly wasn't subjected to posts, hashtags, pictures of all the fun they were having without me. Repeatedly. All the time.

It's different.

This is total BS. Everyone talked in school what they did the weekend prior. It felt even worse to think nothing happened and then found out Monday morning, everyone but you was somewhere. It happens. Life moves on. We had land lines and everyone knew what everyone was doing most of the time anyway.

I am honestly shocked how you are all raising snowflakes who can not handle anything. You actually think it is social media causing mental health issues and not your own terrible helicopter parenting. That is the biggest irony in all of this. You are pointing fingers at happy kids posting pics with friends and labeling them as the issue. Do you realize how depressingly toxic that is? Like woah. You are all insane. Just take your kids phones and social media away. Problem solved. They will be happy for life.

First of all, you are an a-hole. You know NOTHING about me or my kid. She's tough as nails, as I've taught her she has to be, dealing with jacka$$e like you who think that can just do whatever they want, regardless of other people's feelings. She's also a straight A, high performing athlete, who handles her business w/o me "helicoptering." And she is cognizant of other peoples' feelings, unlike yourself. Maybe you should focus less on being a judgmental a$$hole and worrying about how other people parent their kids, and more on yourself. I assure you, there is plenty to work on there.

Second of all, I in no way said social media is the ONLY cause of mental issues. People are saying it is ONE of them. And it is. This is well-documented. Since you know everything, I assume you can find that information on your own.

Lastly, I do not care what went on in your HS a million years ago. Surely you know just b/c it was your experience that "Everyone knew everything", it was not everyone's experience? It wasn't mine. Or are you one of those who think there are no starving people in the world because you had a sandwich for lunch? Yes, people talked. But you did not know the blow-by-blow activities of your friends, boyfriend/girlfriends, frenemies, whoever, like you do now. For some kids, it can be crushing. Especially quirky kids, introverts, kids with special needs, etc. No one is saying never post, never share, never be on social media. Well maybe some are, but I'm not. But maybe be aware, thoughtful. It's really not that hard.

Looks like someone hit a nerve. Not the PP but you literally just reiterated everything that person mentioned. You were judging innocent teens using social media, now judging the mothers, and now even name calling, acting like you know them and even cursing. Something about world hunger and sandwiches too. Yikes. If your kid is so perfect what is your issue? Be happy of your perfect kid and don't worry about what others do. But your hatred and anger is telling a very different story. Might need to talk to someone about that. Doesn't seem healthy.

+1

Just reading through this thread it is very apparent that it is not social media, but the parents.

You all starting attacking one mom for having her 12yr old have friends over and slinging nasty shots at her and the 12-13 year olds for using a digital camera. Why? She is the only one that had a nice long post about how she tries to help limit screens and increase socialization, but you moms were not having it. Guilting her and judging her.

I think it is an excellent idea and will be starting that at my house as well. Maybe if more parents took initiative instead of whining about social media, we wouldn't be in this predicament.

You wonder why teen girls may beat each other down instead of lifting each other up? Just look at this entire thread as Exhibit A. They learn how to behave from their parents.

And like another poster said. Parents pay for phones and control social media. So it indeed falls back on parents. Stop pointing fingers at other minors or electronics, or anything else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, the teen birth rate is at a record low, re: teens moving in a positive direction.

Hmm also likely means less sex and relationships which may be contributing to sadness

By relationships do you only mean dating? I personally prefer that my child not date or be sexually active as a teen. I can’t prevent it of course, but I would prefer that.

No dating at all?

I said “prefer.” Of course they will likely date and I won’t be a roadblock to that. But I’d still prefer if they didn’t in high school.

Why? High school is the perfect time to date and “learn the ropes” of being in a relationship while still living under your influence and guidance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The negative effects of social media, particularly on teenage girls, are well-documented, and yet people continue to say that girls should “grow a tough skin.” Social media really is addicting.

Addictive. Not “addicting.” Please use words correctly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The negative effects of social media, particularly on teenage girls, are well-documented, and yet people continue to say that girls should “grow a tough skin.” Social media really is addicting.

Addictive. Not “addicting.” Please use words correctly.

Go away grammar police

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, the teen birth rate is at a record low, re: teens moving in a positive direction.

Hmm also likely means less sex and relationships which may be contributing to sadness

By relationships do you only mean dating? I personally prefer that my child not date or be sexually active as a teen. I can’t prevent it of course, but I would prefer that.

No dating at all?

I said “prefer.” Of course they will likely date and I won’t be a roadblock to that. But I’d still prefer if they didn’t in high school.

Why? High school is the perfect time to date and “learn the ropes” of being in a relationship while still living under your influence and guidance.

There’s no time for dating in high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Best thing I did was send my daughter to a private school that does not allow cell phones.

They have limited computer time as well


I have heard parents rationalize kids have to have cell phones for school shootings. Just wow

Curious as to how old your daugther is? A boy in my kid's class that did not get a phone until high school is now on every bad site out there.

What does that have to do with anything? You don’t think staring at a screen all day from K-12th has repercussions? So the boy is on all the “bad sites” at age 15 instead of 8? How is that a bad thing? LOL

Not the PP, but my daughter’s school they must be locked in the lockers. If seen (not even being used) they get AM detention, meaning the parents have to drive them in an hour before school starts. It works amazingly well.

I have not idea why phones are not banned in all public schools. There is absolutely no reason for them and they are a huge distraction. I was SHOCKED when our elementary school started to allow them. And why? Because moms wanted a way to reach their kid? Like um no. CALL THE SCHOOL

I am also surprised they are not banned at least during school hours. The only reason you would really need one is to tell a parent a practice was cancelled or something and you could do that after school is over and just wait for them to pick you up.

Cell phones are banned at our school. But kids are on them at home all the time. The issue is all social communication happens through the cell phone. Texting, FaceTime whatever. Friends live some distance from each other…with no way to get to each other..(parents work, or are otherwise busy and can’t drop them off). Also kids are over scheduled with activities, so can’t devote blocks of time to see each other. So they text and play games (apps) with each other.

I’d love my kid to invite friends over I but she doesn’t want to. It’s not what kids do!

Friday nights are friend's night at my house. Cell phones are placed in a bowl and the kids have free range of the entire basement and backyard. Sometimes they watch movies, play board games, just hang out and eat. We have the classic Wii down there and that is used a ton too. They aren't into shuffleboard as much but we have that new trendy hook game and a giant magnetic dark board. Also one small section of wall mirrors and a cheap karaoke machine. One night they learned how to play poker and had my husband teach them and player dealer/cashier. We have a firepit so they do smores a lot too. And my god, all of these 12-13yr olds still love to swing on our swing set. I added solar LED lights to it. Am considering a ping pong table for under the deck or a trampoline for this summer. My daughter has my old Canon digital camera so they take pics and after the night is over she uploads them and sends them out to everyone so they can add them to social media. If anyone needs their phone, they are allowed to come upstairs and use it at anytime. They just can't bring it down the basement. Most come up 1-2 a night for a few minutes each to text a parent or probably check messages. But you would be surprised how little they want it when no one else has it.

They also bike to the pool a lot in the summer. On their own. I haven't been to the pool since she was 9 or 10 years old. Her and her friends go alone.
Our neighborhood started cul de sac nights where kids ages 10 and older meet at certain cul de sacs to play capture the flag, jail break, kick the can, etc... No parents allowed.

So yes PP it absolutely can be what kids do. They want it and they need it. You are doing a disservice otherwise

I was all in until you got to the bolded. Sounds like lots of fun and I commend you for your efforts. But while that is a huge boost to the mental health of those who are invited, as soon as those pics go up on social media, it makes a dent in the mental health of those who weren’t. This is why social media is such a huge part of the picture. Adults can’t handle feelings of being left out, can you imagine being 12 or 13 and having to feel like everyone else is out there having the best time?

Part of growing up is making and keeping your own friends and know that everyone has their own life and may be different than you. People shouldn’t be silent about what they did Friday night or where they went or an award they won because someone else supposedly makes themselves butthurt about it somehow. Wtf.

Yes, but "back in the day" when my friends were doing things I wasn't invited to, I didn't always know. And I certainly wasn't subjected to posts, hashtags, pictures of all the fun they were having without me. Repeatedly. All the time.

It's different.

This is total BS. Everyone talked in school what they did the weekend prior. It felt even worse to think nothing happened and then found out Monday morning, everyone but you was somewhere. It happens. Life moves on. We had land lines and everyone knew what everyone was doing most of the time anyway.

I am honestly shocked how you are all raising snowflakes who can not handle anything. You actually think it is social media causing mental health issues and not your own terrible helicopter parenting. That is the biggest irony in all of this. You are pointing fingers at happy kids posting pics with friends and labeling them as the issue. Do you realize how depressingly toxic that is? Like woah. You are all insane. Just take your kids phones and social media away. Problem solved. They will be happy for life.

First of all, you are an a-hole. You know NOTHING about me or my kid. She's tough as nails, as I've taught her she has to be, dealing with jacka$$e like you who think that can just do whatever they want, regardless of other people's feelings. She's also a straight A, high performing athlete, who handles her business w/o me "helicoptering." And she is cognizant of other peoples' feelings, unlike yourself. Maybe you should focus less on being a judgmental a$$hole and worrying about how other people parent their kids, and more on yourself. I assure you, there is plenty to work on there.

Second of all, I in no way said social media is the ONLY cause of mental issues. People are saying it is ONE of them. And it is. This is well-documented. Since you know everything, I assume you can find that information on your own.

Lastly, I do not care what went on in your HS a million years ago. Surely you know just b/c it was your experience that "Everyone knew everything", it was not everyone's experience? It wasn't mine. Or are you one of those who think there are no starving people in the world because you had a sandwich for lunch? Yes, people talked. But you did not know the blow-by-blow activities of your friends, boyfriend/girlfriends, frenemies, whoever, like you do now. For some kids, it can be crushing. Especially quirky kids, introverts, kids with special needs, etc. No one is saying never post, never share, never be on social media. Well maybe some are, but I'm not. But maybe be aware, thoughtful. It's really not that hard.

Looks like someone hit a nerve. Not the PP but you literally just reiterated everything that person mentioned. You were judging innocent teens using social media, now judging the mothers, and now even name calling, acting like you know them and even cursing. Something about world hunger and sandwiches too. Yikes. If your kid is so perfect what is your issue? Be happy of your perfect kid and don't worry about what others do. But your hatred and anger is telling a very different story. Might need to talk to someone about that. Doesn't seem healthy.

+1

Just reading through this thread it is very apparent that it is not social media, but the parents.

You all starting attacking one mom for having her 12yr old have friends over and slinging nasty shots at her and the 12-13 year olds for using a digital camera. Why? She is the only one that had a nice long post about how she tries to help limit screens and increase socialization, but you moms were not having it. Guilting her and judging her.

I think it is an excellent idea and will be starting that at my house as well. Maybe if more parents took initiative instead of whining about social media, we wouldn't be in this predicament.

You wonder why teen girls may beat each other down instead of lifting each other up? Just look at this entire thread as Exhibit A. They learn how to behave from their parents.

And like another poster said. Parents pay for phones and control social media. So it indeed falls back on parents. Stop pointing fingers at other minors or electronics, or anything else.

Yup so far we have heard...

Not allowed to date or no time to date in high school
Blames other minors for social media issues
Pushes academics, GPA, tutors for classes to achieve all A’s, retakes on SAT, etc...
Forces activities to make a college resume
Barely have jobs, let alone chores or any real responsibilities.

Teens are suffocating and have no self worth or confidence. No time to enjoy love or friendships. No time to make mistakes and learn from them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Best thing I did was send my daughter to a private school that does not allow cell phones.

They have limited computer time as well


I have heard parents rationalize kids have to have cell phones for school shootings. Just wow

Curious as to how old your daugther is? A boy in my kid's class that did not get a phone until high school is now on every bad site out there.

What does that have to do with anything? You don’t think staring at a screen all day from K-12th has repercussions? So the boy is on all the “bad sites” at age 15 instead of 8? How is that a bad thing? LOL

Not the PP, but my daughter’s school they must be locked in the lockers. If seen (not even being used) they get AM detention, meaning the parents have to drive them in an hour before school starts. It works amazingly well.

I have not idea why phones are not banned in all public schools. There is absolutely no reason for them and they are a huge distraction. I was SHOCKED when our elementary school started to allow them. And why? Because moms wanted a way to reach their kid? Like um no. CALL THE SCHOOL

I am also surprised they are not banned at least during school hours. The only reason you would really need one is to tell a parent a practice was cancelled or something and you could do that after school is over and just wait for them to pick you up.

Cell phones are banned at our school. But kids are on them at home all the time. The issue is all social communication happens through the cell phone. Texting, FaceTime whatever. Friends live some distance from each other…with no way to get to each other..(parents work, or are otherwise busy and can’t drop them off). Also kids are over scheduled with activities, so can’t devote blocks of time to see each other. So they text and play games (apps) with each other.

I’d love my kid to invite friends over I but she doesn’t want to. It’s not what kids do!

Friday nights are friend's night at my house. Cell phones are placed in a bowl and the kids have free range of the entire basement and backyard. Sometimes they watch movies, play board games, just hang out and eat. We have the classic Wii down there and that is used a ton too. They aren't into shuffleboard as much but we have that new trendy hook game and a giant magnetic dark board. Also one small section of wall mirrors and a cheap karaoke machine. One night they learned how to play poker and had my husband teach them and player dealer/cashier. We have a firepit so they do smores a lot too. And my god, all of these 12-13yr olds still love to swing on our swing set. I added solar LED lights to it. Am considering a ping pong table for under the deck or a trampoline for this summer. My daughter has my old Canon digital camera so they take pics and after the night is over she uploads them and sends them out to everyone so they can add them to social media. If anyone needs their phone, they are allowed to come upstairs and use it at anytime. They just can't bring it down the basement. Most come up 1-2 a night for a few minutes each to text a parent or probably check messages. But you would be surprised how little they want it when no one else has it.

They also bike to the pool a lot in the summer. On their own. I haven't been to the pool since she was 9 or 10 years old. Her and her friends go alone.
Our neighborhood started cul de sac nights where kids ages 10 and older meet at certain cul de sacs to play capture the flag, jail break, kick the can, etc... No parents allowed.

So yes PP it absolutely can be what kids do. They want it and they need it. You are doing a disservice otherwise

I was all in until you got to the bolded. Sounds like lots of fun and I commend you for your efforts. But while that is a huge boost to the mental health of those who are invited, as soon as those pics go up on social media, it makes a dent in the mental health of those who weren’t. This is why social media is such a huge part of the picture. Adults can’t handle feelings of being left out, can you imagine being 12 or 13 and having to feel like everyone else is out there having the best time?

Part of growing up is making and keeping your own friends and know that everyone has their own life and may be different than you. People shouldn’t be silent about what they did Friday night or where they went or an award they won because someone else supposedly makes themselves butthurt about it somehow. Wtf.

Yes, but "back in the day" when my friends were doing things I wasn't invited to, I didn't always know. And I certainly wasn't subjected to posts, hashtags, pictures of all the fun they were having without me. Repeatedly. All the time.

It's different.

This is total BS. Everyone talked in school what they did the weekend prior. It felt even worse to think nothing happened and then found out Monday morning, everyone but you was somewhere. It happens. Life moves on. We had land lines and everyone knew what everyone was doing most of the time anyway.

I am honestly shocked how you are all raising snowflakes who can not handle anything. You actually think it is social media causing mental health issues and not your own terrible helicopter parenting. That is the biggest irony in all of this. You are pointing fingers at happy kids posting pics with friends and labeling them as the issue. Do you realize how depressingly toxic that is? Like woah. You are all insane. Just take your kids phones and social media away. Problem solved. They will be happy for life.

First of all, you are an a-hole. You know NOTHING about me or my kid. She's tough as nails, as I've taught her she has to be, dealing with jacka$$e like you who think that can just do whatever they want, regardless of other people's feelings. She's also a straight A, high performing athlete, who handles her business w/o me "helicoptering." And she is cognizant of other peoples' feelings, unlike yourself. Maybe you should focus less on being a judgmental a$$hole and worrying about how other people parent their kids, and more on yourself. I assure you, there is plenty to work on there.

Second of all, I in no way said social media is the ONLY cause of mental issues. People are saying it is ONE of them. And it is. This is well-documented. Since you know everything, I assume you can find that information on your own.

Lastly, I do not care what went on in your HS a million years ago. Surely you know just b/c it was your experience that "Everyone knew everything", it was not everyone's experience? It wasn't mine. Or are you one of those who think there are no starving people in the world because you had a sandwich for lunch? Yes, people talked. But you did not know the blow-by-blow activities of your friends, boyfriend/girlfriends, frenemies, whoever, like you do now. For some kids, it can be crushing. Especially quirky kids, introverts, kids with special needs, etc. No one is saying never post, never share, never be on social media. Well maybe some are, but I'm not. But maybe be aware, thoughtful. It's really not that hard.

Looks like someone hit a nerve. Not the PP but you literally just reiterated everything that person mentioned. You were judging innocent teens using social media, now judging the mothers, and now even name calling, acting like you know them and even cursing. Something about world hunger and sandwiches too. Yikes. If your kid is so perfect what is your issue? Be happy of your perfect kid and don't worry about what others do. But your hatred and anger is telling a very different story. Might need to talk to someone about that. Doesn't seem healthy.

+1

Just reading through this thread it is very apparent that it is not social media, but the parents.

You all starting attacking one mom for having her 12yr old have friends over and slinging nasty shots at her and the 12-13 year olds for using a digital camera. Why? She is the only one that had a nice long post about how she tries to help limit screens and increase socialization, but you moms were not having it. Guilting her and judging her.

I think it is an excellent idea and will be starting that at my house as well. Maybe if more parents took initiative instead of whining about social media, we wouldn't be in this predicament.

You wonder why teen girls may beat each other down instead of lifting each other up? Just look at this entire thread as Exhibit A. They learn how to behave from their parents.

And like another poster said. Parents pay for phones and control social media. So it indeed falls back on parents. Stop pointing fingers at other minors or electronics, or anything else.

Yup so far we have heard...

Not allowed to date or no time to date in high school
Blames other minors for social media issues
Pushes academics, GPA, tutors for classes to achieve all A’s, retakes on SAT, etc...
Forces activities to make a college resume
Barely have jobs, let alone chores or any real responsibilities.

Teens are suffocating and have no self worth or confidence. No time to enjoy love or friendships. No time to make mistakes and learn from them.

I know but DCUM parents won’t admit to that bc it’s their parenting style.