Teen Survey Results

I didn't get very many responses to my survey on deterrents to teen happiness (below). Our Internet service went out at a critical time--Saturday afternoon through Monday noon of the first weekend. I'm sure that contributed to the poor showing, but the responses I did get, plus a little contemplation, quickly showed me that my question was far too simplistic. There is no single factor that deters teen happiness. The teen experience, in life and school, is a challenge, full of ups and downs. It was that way for me, a number of years ago, and it is even more so nowadays. I did gain some insights to share, however, as follows:

One factor that showed up in every response was the need to fit in, the desire to be accepted by peers. Obviously for most if not all students, this is a serious concern. My high school had two social circles: "the wealthy sophisticates" who were exclusive, and a clan of good students with leadership interests and potential that was somewhat open. Always on the edge of friendly with the latter, I shared with one of them one day during my junior year an idea to improve the workings of our student body. When the senior class committee was formed early the next year, I was asked to join them on the basis of my suggestion and was invited to a few of their parties. On the other hand my future husband, who I began dating that year, was part of a foursome in another high school that was active in school activities from their freshman year on and that remained friends for a lifetime. Though the social leader groups of both high schools planned "mixers" where all school students were invited, many students didn't attend and most never felt they were part of a school-based social group. From what I've heard, I'm sure that things are as difficult in today's student life, if not more so. I have no answers as to how one could better meet that need. If you have any ideas to share, please let me know and I will share them with our readers.

Another critical need that is poorly met these days is the need for a faith life. Most parents today are not members of a church and do not see the need to build in their children's life a faith in God that will be a source of strength and courage when life's problems come along, which they do to everyone, sooner or later. Nature shows us that there is a divine Creator, and He wants to be recognized, honored, and praised by His creation. Furthermore, sin and error are present in everyone's life, including teens, and along with that comes the need for a Savior who will forgive them and reconcile them with that Creator, whose rules for living we all have broken. My husband and I were both active in our respective church youth groups, and this was no small contributor to our social life during our teen years. In fact, it was on a church youth group hayride that I met my future husband. Youths also have many questions about what life is all about, what is the purpose of it, and why and for what reason were they born. The answers to these questions come only through faith and an understanding of the Bible, God's guidebook for the human race. In addition to all these benefits, many churches today offer youths the opportunity annually to take part in youth mission trips to help impoverished people paint their homes, fix up their playgrounds, and the like, as well as bring them the gospel message.

A few other responses bear special mentioning. Certainly current cultural influences set up unreasonable expectations of teens, regarding how they should look and act. Also the effects of divorce on a household where there are teens creates great difficulties for them in many areas, since next to death, divorce is the most stressful of all human behavioral experiences.

One responder had an insightful recipe for navigating successfully through the teen years---having one adult who will steadfastly affirm the teen and keep them moving in a positive direction. Would you like to add a few thoughts of your own about on how to make the challenge of the teen years a little easier or better--something that would be helpful and informative? If I get sufficient interest, I'll pick up on this. Otherwise, my thanks to those of you who contributed to this survey.

Thankfully and respectfully,
Margaret