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Happy Teens: Not A Myth
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Humanities › Issues
Happy Teens: Not A Myth
What Makes Adolescents Truly Happy
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by Blythe Grossberg
Blythe Grossberg is a professional learning specialist and the author
of "Making ADD Work."
Updated August 16, 2017
The angsty persona has long been the stereotype for teenagers, but
research has proven that the mental health of teenagers is an important
topic today. According to the Parent Resources site, an average of more
than 5,000 US students in grades 7-12 attempt to take their lives each
day. The site goes on to say, "More teenagers and young adults die from
suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke,
pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, COMBINED."
The importance of ensuring that teenagers are happy is greater than
ever, especially as we see rising rates of bullying, increased pressure
from society to fit impossible ideals thanks to photoshop and filters,
and a world that seems to place greater value on reputation and fitting
in than personal satisfaction and individuality. However, not all is
lost. studies suggest that teenagers can be happy—in the right
situations.
Although the popular conception of the teenager is of a stormy
adolescent in constant conflict with his or her elders, such an image
may be more of a myth than a reality. As reported in Psychology Today,
a study of 2,700 middle and high school students conducted by SADD
(Students Against Destructive Decisions) showed that the majority of
teenagers report being happy every day. In addition, the SADD study
showed that the majority of respondents reported that they had positive
relationships with their parents, and teens’ positive relationships
with their parents mean that overall, they are less likely to drink or
use drugs. So, while conventional wisdom holds that teens are
disruptive and show risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, many
teens are acting in positive, connected ways.
What are some factors that foster happy teens, and how can parents
raise happy teenagers?
Unplugging & Avoiding Social Media
Studies have shown that even an hour on social media can negatively
impact a teenager's mood, so imagine what an entire day of social media
exposure can do. This doesn't mean ban social media completely, but it
does mean having conversations with your child about how much time
should be spent on social media, and finding ways to get teens to
unplug completely and live in the moment, IRL (in real life). Even
though they might initially resist, your happy teens may thank you for
it in the future.
Reflecting on what we're grateful for
Grateful teens are happy teens. According to research conducted by
Giacomo Bono, Ph.D., a professor at California State University, being
grateful reaps many mental health benefits for teens. The most grateful
20% of the teens in Dr. Bono’s study of 700 people were 15% more likely
than the least grateful 20% to have a sense of meaning in their lives
and had a 15% lower likelihood of having depressive symptoms. The study
concluded that parents and teachers should help teens cultivate
gratitude, which may bring with it vital skills such as cooperation and
perseverance. Teens who are able to develop gratitude tend to feel
better about their lives, and grateful teens are more connected to
others.
Live a Healthy Life: Eat Right and Exercise
This should seem like a no-brainer to most of us, as this is important
for humans of any age, but helping teens discover the joys of living
healthy is an important lesson early in life. As reported in Science
Daily, teens who cultivate healthy habits tend to be happier. According
to Understanding Society, a study of by the Economic and Social
Research Council (ESRC) that looked at 5,000 young people in the United
Kingdom between the ages of 10-15, teens who had never tried alcohol
were four to six times as likely to report high levels of happiness
than those who had tried alcohol. Teens who smoked were five times less
likely to be happy. In addition, higher consumption of fruits and
vegetables and participation in sports were associated with higher
levels of happiness. Therefore, raising happy teens means keeping them
healthy and active.
According to another study reported in U.S. News, teens who
participated in moderate to vigorous outdoor activities were happier
than their peers who spent time in front of computer and video screens.
While many teens enjoy playing video games and many schools are using
iPads in class, parents who are raising teens should take steps to
reduce their teenagers’ screen time and get them active outdoors. Happy
teenagers tend to spend more time with others and spend more time
outside than their less happy, sedentary peers. So, make sure your
child joins a sports team, club or other group that gets him or her to
unplug and engage with other youth of the same age with similar
interests.
The Importance of Happiness in Adolescence
The benefits of a happy adolescence transcend the teenage years. As
reported in many recent news articles, studies, such as one conducted
by University College London and the University of Warwick that looked
at a survey of 10,000 Americans, have found that happy teens reported
higher incomes by the time they reached age 29. In fact, very happy
teens earned 30% more than their less happy peers, even considering
other variables such as IQ and levels of education.
While there is no doubt that adolescence can at times be difficult,
there is also ample data that it can be a time of creativity,
compassion, and connection to adults and peers. And studies also show
that it is vital for teens to experience happiness for their future
well-being. Interestingly, income had little effect on teens’
happiness. While extreme poverty can affect children’s happiness,
teenagers do not need to be wealthy to feel happy. Teens tend to value
the increased social activities that increased income can afford them,
rather than valuing the increased income for its own sake. Teens are
happiest when connecting to others, not necessarily when purchasing
goods.
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