Adolescence, the period of "storm and stress," is still a relatively new concept developed in human history. However, it appears that what we know about adolescence, who experiences it, and when it happens is starting to shift. Typically, adolescence is considered to range from ages 12 to 18. But kids today are exhibiting behaviors typical of adolescence now as early as age 7. They are self-conscious about their bodies, rebellious, and an increase of youth with mental problems is now occurring. More and more children now suffer from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and self-mutilation such as cutting themselves (Keitel et. al). Girls are entering puberty earlier. Boys are sexualizing girls earlier. In addition to this, young adults are taking longer to complete the actual transition into adulthood. Today, some qualities of adolescence are lasting into people's 30s. What is the cause of this? Researchers have suggested numerous reasons, all related to the way our society is today.
One possible explanation for this shift in adolescence is the growing impact of media and technology. The most important item to almost every teenager is their cell phone or their computer. This increase in constant screen time has made it less likely for the youth of today to develop interpersonal skills. In fact, too much technology and lack of human interaction can lead to depression. Another factor the internet plays is giving kids the means to explore the world of sex and violence behind their parents' backs and at younger ages. This stimulating exposure at such a young age leads to an earlier onset of adolescent-type behaviors that kids are not ready or mature enough to handle. The media increases the sexualization of children as well. Little girls model themselves after thin celebrities who focus on looks as the most important factor, and little boys think it's "cool" or appropriate to sexualize and harass girls. Even though these concepts are being thrown at kids at younger ages, they are not developed emotionally enough to handle them.
Another cause of the early onset of adolescence is the increasing pressure put on by parents and adults as our society grows more competitive. Kids are congratulated and encouraged to excel in sports and academic tasks, but there is neglect on their emotional needs and other everyday life skills they need to develop. This pressure not only causes kids to grow up faster, but cripples their ability to mature and be emotionally healthy, therefore pushing the duration of adolescence further back. Loving your children and supporting them is an important thing for parents to do. But it's also important to focus on other things besides their superficial achievements. On the flip side, being overbearing and protective of your kids can be detrimental as well. Kids today are the main focus of the nuclear family. However, overindulging them and shielding them as many parents are tempted to do can also cripple them from developing important independence skills, coping skills, and other skills that they will need to blossom into adulthood. Neglecting a child's emotional needs or being too overbearing and protective can both hamper their development and keep them in adolescence longer.
The changes in our society today--in technology, childrearing, and competitiveness--are causing kids to try to grow up earlier and impeding them from maturing into capable adults. It may be that our society is changing the definition of childhood and adolescence--without even realizing it.
Source: Merle Keitel, Diane Schaupp, Mary Kopala, New Jersey Psychologist
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