Anxiety in the Digital Age [One Minute Feature] - Trace Embry

Have you noticed how much more anxiety teenagers seem to experience today? In years past, teens would become anxious about a test, or worry about relationships in their daily lives. Today’s teens, however, seem to be in a constant state of stress.

What over the years has changed? Why are today’s teens living in such a state of disarray? Perhaps we need to turn our attention toward the most rapid change over the past several decades: modern technology.

Teenagers and Technology-Fueled Anxiety

“If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” This saying applies to many parents today, and this wasn’t Christ’s intent for the abundant life. Psychologist Dr. Richard Leahy was quoted as saying, “Today’s teens are living under the same degree of stress and anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the 1950s.” What’s caused this anxiety-fueled life? Digital technology.
It’s so important for us, as parents, to be better models to our kids in the way we use it. Start to cut back on your “busyness” by having a digital curfew each night. It’s a small step but could teach your children to be better stewards of their time, drastically reducing their anxiety.

Photo via: Pixabay