A recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals that 69% of parents think being a teenager today is more difficult than it was 20 years ago, and 44% of teens share this view.
The reasons for this perception vary between parents and their children. Parents mainly attribute the challenges to the significant influence of social media and technology, with 41% citing these as the primary stressors for today’s youth. In contrast, teenagers emphasize the increasing pressures and expectations regarding academic and social performance, with 31% indicating these factors make their lives more difficult.
A significant concern is the effect of social media on teens' mental health, particularly during crucial developmental periods like puberty. The increased exposure to social comparison and anxiety, driven by smartphones and online interactions, is a major reason many young people today feel more pressured.