IRL POV by a Teen
If you ask adults what teens need today, you’ll probably hear words like discipline, focus, or fewer screens. But honestly? From where we stand, it feels a little different.
Most of us aren’t trying to be difficult, we’re trying to figure out who we are while everything keeps changing. One day we’re told to dream big, the next day we’re told to be practical. Social media shows us thousands of “perfect” lives every hour, but no one teaches us how to deal with comparison or pressure when we log off.
What we really need is space to be human. Not space where we’re judged for not knowing things, but space where it’s okay to say, “I’m still learning.” When someone listens without immediately giving a lecture, something shifts, we feel seen. And when teens feel seen, we actually open up more.
We also need skills that feel real, not just grades. How to speak up without freezing. How to handle rejection without thinking life is over. How to manage time when everything feels urgent. These aren’t “extra” lessons, they’re survival skills in a fast world.
Here’s the truth adults might not always notice: teens today are growing up in a world that moves faster than ever. According to studies, Gen Z spends hours navigating digital spaces daily, which means we’re constantly absorbing opinions, trends, and expectations. That can be inspiring… but also exhausting. So yes, we need guidance, just not the kind that makes us feel small.
What teens need today is simple: trust, safe communities, honest conversations, and chances to try, fail, and try again. We don’t need perfect answers. We need people who walk beside us while we figure things out.
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