Introduction:
In our society, unfortunately, there are many young people who cannot even afford to go to school. They remain illiterate and are shamefully and mercilessly forced into child labour when they ought to be learning and enjoying life like the rest of their age group. Advances in technology mean today’s teens are facing issues that no previous generation has ever seen. While some issues are not exactly new, electronic media has changed or amplified some of the struggles young people face. Teens’ social media and texting habits as well as how they consume media is changing the way they communicate, date, learn, sleep, exercise, and more. In fact, the average teen spends over nine hours each day using their electronic devices.
8 Main Problem of the Youth Today:
In many parts of the world, young people are still suffering from hunger, lack of access to education, health services and job opportunities, and are exposed to insecurity and violence. Following are the main problems of youth today;
1. Unemployment:
Being unemployed for a long period of time in youth has been correlated to decreased happiness, job satisfaction and other mental health issues. Unemployed youth also report more isolation from their community. Youth who are neither working nor studying do not have the opportunity to learn and improve their skills. Unemployment is a real problem among the youths. Lack of employment opportunities has been a challenges faced by youth today. When the youths come out of schools and colleges, there is no guarantee for a job or career. They seem to have no goal to work to in life, many turn to drinking, gambling, substance abuse, partying, prostitution and other ungodly acts. In many parts of the world, young people are still suffering from hunger, lack of access to education, health services and job opportunities, and are exposed to insecurity and violence.
2. Communication Gap:
Another main problem is the communication gap between youth and the elders.The youth believing themselves to be old enough for taking their own decisions for matters personal or social while the elders just refuse to hand over this responsibility to them. This leads to personality trait rising high more often. Living in an enviroment where they live very well and completely enjoying the comfort which parents have provided can steal motivation and leads into laziness. The most common problem a youth faces at this phase of life is peer pressure. Many hesitate in taking their parents’ advice in different matters, particularly in issues which according to them are very modest and thus they land up in taking up the wrong decision.
Generation gap is a serious problem observed in youth and their elder generations due to various factors. It is observed that it is more between children and parents, the gap however is expected to be wider in case of grandparents and grandchildren.
3. Racisms:
Sometimes, racism and/or discrimination against people of opposite gender, caste, creed or religion makes them a victim of emotional disorder. They have low self-esteem and can easily be overridden by views of other people.
This is in special reference to the general concept of male domination over women who are taken for granted in respect to their specialisation at house chores.
4. Costly Education:
Children living in poverty face many barriers to accessing an education. Some are obvious like not having a school to go to while others are more subtle, like the teacher at the school not having had the training needed to help children learn effectively. Increasing access to education can improve the overall health and longevity of a society, grow economies, and even combat climate change. Yet in many developing countries, children’s access to education can be limited by numerous factors. Language barriers, gender roles, and reliance on child labor can all stall progress to provide quality education. The world’s most vulnerable children from disadvantaged communities, including young girls and children with disabilities, are more likely to miss out on school.
5. Health Problems:
There are many health problems, which affects teenagers mentality, so here are the top 10 social problems teens struggle with every day.
- Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
- Depression.
- Bullying.
- Sexual Activity.
- Drug Use.
- Alcohol Use.
- Obesity.
- Academic Problems.
- Peer Pressure.
6. High Risk of Sexual Behavior:
Adolescent sexual activity is increasing globally. Abstinence and a delay in the start of sexual intercourse may be the most effective methods in preventing the consequences of teenage sexual activity. However, these goals are seldom met. With the change in social norms, peer pressure and media influences; teenagers are engaging in premarital sex earlier.
The childs behavior should not be isolated, but considered in the context of his family, his peers, and his own growth and development. Often, it is more useful to advise the family than to work with a young child. Adolescents present particular problems because of their conflicts over sexual identity, their reluctance to admit to problems, and frequently a mistrust of adults. They often feel a need for a trusting relationship with an adult, however, and are able to relate to a sensitive, non-judgmental professional.
7. Early Pregnancies Child Birth:
Teens are at a higher risk for pregnancy-related high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and its complications than average age mothers. Risks for the baby include premature birth and low birth weight. Preeclampsia can also harm the kidneys or even be fatal for mother or baby.
What are risks of early pregnancy?
Life as a young pregnant teen;
- Low birth weight/premature birth.
- Anemia (low iron levels)
- High blood pressure/pregnancy-induced hypertension, PIH (can lead to preeclampsia)
- A higher rate of infant mortality (death)
- Possible greater risk of cephalopelvic disproportion (the baby’s head is wider than the pelvic opening).
8. Mental Health:
Environmental causes of mental illness in adolescents are typically, at their core, a result of stress. Common sources of stress in adolescence are social stress, isolation, or substance abuse. Other common sources of stress include: Trauma – emotional, sexual, or physical abuse.
Here are five warning signs of mental illness to watch for, especially when you have two or more of these symptoms.
- Long-lasting sadness or irritability.
- Extremely high and low moods.
- Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety.
- Social withdrawal.
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.