The World is Loud - Kids are Listening

cc photo by J. Delp

This morning, I am spending some time in one of my favorite coffee shops and it feels odd. Tomorrow, the students at my former school will be returning to begin a new year (yes, it is early). This is the first time in fourteen years that I have not been tasked with welcoming them back to campus. Normally, today would be spent wrapping up last minute preparations for their return, not sipping an espresso tonic.

Most people are aware that the junior high years are a challenging time for kids, but I believe it has become increasingly difficult to navigate as kids grapple with an overwhelming amount of information and a great deal of "noise" from the outside world. As adults, we recognize that life in the information age can be stressful. Smartphones, video games, social media, streaming services, and access to news bombard us with a multitude of messages and magnify the age old issues of peer pressure, self-esteem, bullying, and social awkwardness.

It's easy to blame kids and use the "back in my day" recollections to imply that young people have become weaker, more apathetic, less considerate, etc. While I am a firm believer in our ability to assume individual responsibility, I don't buy these arguments. In my opinion, our kids are a reflection of our society as a whole. What I have seen as a former school principal is that students imitate the behaviors modeled by the adults in their lives (including those on social media, in movies, etc.). For example, before we lament the evils of a smartphone (there are many), consider how we as adults use them. Would you be willing to share your screen time for the week? Spend a few hours on Facebook, X, Instagram or any other social media platform. How are adults doing in modeling the use of technology with respect and dignity? In day-to-day interactions, do we model kindness and empathy?

Being a kid is tough. As adults, we need to make sure we are giving them the opportunity to grow and learn how to be good human beings. Remember that as "our" kids head into a new school year.

While I won't be on campus at the beginning of this school year, I do want our students to know I believe in them. Here is a note I posted in 2019. It still applies.

Dear Student,

Just want you to know that there are wonderful things in your future. I believe in you!

You are a person of infinite value.

Be proud of who you are.

Be kind to others.

Learn from your mistakes.

If you do mess up, make things right.

Ask for help when you need it! It's okay. 

Remember that every day is a new day and a chance for a fresh start. Only compare yourself to yesterday's you!

Best Wishes,

Mr. Delp