Recently, I found myself telling my daughter to respond to a situation “as a human.” As I uttered those words, I wondered if my expectations had sunk so low that I needed to remind her of something so fundamental. However, in a world dominated by social media and the complexities of adolescence, it appears that being authentic and vulnerable needs not only to be expressed but actively taught.
I’ve always been cautious about the role of smartphones in our lives. Having worked as a therapist with adolescents, I’ve seen firsthand the significant impact that social media can have on their emotional well-being. For instance, I’ve noticed when clients voluntarily deleted Snapchat, many reported feeling more prepared to tackle their day without the anxiety of comparing themselves to others on the platform.
The phenomenon of “friend groups” is a common theme among teens. Mention this term, and you’ll see their eyes light up with recognition, often accompanied by feelings of longing. It’s a reminder of how social media can amplify insecurities, especially when teens scroll through pictures of their peers seemingly having the time of their lives.
A recent incident involving two high school girls in a physical altercation brought these issues to the forefront. Although my daughter didn’t witness the fight, she was bombarded with videos circulating on social media. I watched as she shared the first clip, where laughter echoed in the background—a nervous response to an overwhelming situation. Instead of intervening, bystanders recorded the event, holding their phones up like they were at a concert.
As I observed the footage, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of that moment: a mixture of fear and confusion. I empathized with the teens involved, recognizing that they might carry the emotional residue of this experience for years. I reflected on the lessons I share with my clients about how trauma can alter one’s perception of safety and security.
To my relief, when my daughter mentioned she planned to reach out to one of the girls involved to check on her well-being, I felt a surge of pride. It was a small act of kindness in the midst of chaos. I couldn’t help but think about the narrative this girl would construct around the confrontation and hoped she had someone supportive in her corner to help her process it.
The following day, I casually asked if the fight was still a hot topic among students. She responded by showing me a series of videos where her peers had added humorous captions and effects, turning a distressing event into something almost entertaining. While I understood this coping mechanism, I felt compelled to remind her of the importance of truly feeling her emotions. “It’s okay to be scared or sad,” I told her. “Don’t just brush it off with humor.”
We often hear that cellphones can strip away our vulnerability. Faced with uncomfortable emotions, many teens might find it easier to escape into their screens rather than confronting their feelings head-on. Just last month, a segment on The Today Show highlighted the effects of screen time on adolescent brain development and emotional health.
As a therapist, I witness how people often use their phones to numb their feelings, seeking instant gratification through likes and shares. Yet, I also see the strength that comes from authentic vulnerability. When we allow ourselves to feel discomfort fully, we not only survive it but grow stronger as a result. Thus, I will continue to encourage my children to embrace their feelings, no matter how painful, because it’s through these experiences that they will learn resilience.
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In summary, it’s crucial for us to remind our teens of the importance of vulnerability in a world where it’s all too easy to hide behind screens. By fostering environments where they can express their emotions authentically, we are preparing them to face life’s challenges with resilience and empathy.
Keyphrase: Importance of Encouraging Teen Vulnerability
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