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Who are our youth and what do they face? Here is some insight into what middle and high school youth are experiencing in 2024.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha - They are visual learners, flexible, participative, learners, and co-creators. They value collaboration and contribution versus command and control. They want to be a part of leadership WITH others. They're focused on their family and their future. They spend lots of time online. They're passionate about inclusivity. They value authenticity. They're really funny.
Mental Health -
Nationally, 40% of high schoolers report persistent feelings of sadness. (CDC 2024)
Nationally, 29% of high schoolers report experiencing poor mental health. (CDC 2024)
Nationally, 20% of high schoolers report seriously considering attempting suicide in the last year. (CDC 2024)
In North Carolina, over 7% of youth (ages 12-17) report having a substance use disorder in the past year, making us the state with the 4th highest rate in the country. (Mental Health America 2023)
Mental health disorders have surpassed physical conditions as the main source of impairment and limitations amoung young people. (Professional Association of Pediatrics 2020)
From Sardis Youth -
We (Sardis Youth Ministry) asked our youth what struggles teens face on a day-to-day basis, and this is what they said:
stress
isolation
school
being unorganized
anxiety
expectations from parents
feeling overworked
eating disorders
dealing with death and suicides
insecurity
peer pressure
body image
feeling not good enough
toxic relationships (romantic, family, AND friendships)
drugs, alcohol, addiction, and partying
social media and cyberbullying
feeling excluded
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