Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1130365
Margaret Phillips, a school psychologist for Twin Riv- ers Unified School District for 22 years, has noticed a big increase in mental health issues linked to more time spent online. "It's tough because once they put some- thing out there, they can't take it back." e Twin Rivers United Educa- tors member recalls an incident where a student livestreamed v i d e o s of h er cuttin g h erself. Other students were watching it on campus. Finally, a student told Phillips about it so the stu- dent could receive help. When students are depressed, they seek self-help on the Inter- net, she obser ves. But instead of finding positivity and helpful suggestions, they may find others who are equally depressed, who — along with music and videos — encourage self-harm. She tells students to seek out caring adults instead. CHALLENGED VERBAL COMMUNICATORS But it's difficult for teens to discuss their emotions. Phil- lips teaches a social skills class to help students learn to express themselves, which she did not find necessary before texting overtook talking. More screen time and less in-person interaction raises concerns that iGen'ers lack social skills, says Twenge, noting that in the next decade we may see more young people who know the right emoji for a situation, but not the correct facial expression. "Because we have grown up with technology and use it so much, we don't learn to communicate face to face as well," says Rollins. "Some adults consider members of our generation to be rude and lacking respect. But it's N G I E B A R T O N , a millennial UTLA member who teaches at Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, finds much to admire about Gen Z. "ey are curious and want to learn more," Barton says. "ey are more inclusive, socially conscious, and care about others — even the disenfranchised. ey ask good questions. For the most part, they are good kids. ey want to be good people and make their families and friends happy, along with themselves. ey are extremely creative, and have many interests that they might not otherwise have without tech- nology. Our school has an Animal Lovers Club, a Fashion Club and other interesting clubs, because students were able to connect online and pursue passions that could even lead to careers." The biggest strength of Gen Z is open-mindedness, says Lauren Leiato, a Redondo Beach High sophomore. " We don't discrim- inate against others of different backgrounds or against students who are LGBTQ. Our generation wants to get rid of hate and be posi- tive and open-minded. We're more creative, because we are expressing ourselves and sharing our lives online." Generational Guide The Silent Generation: Born between 1928 and 1945 (74-90 years old) Baby boomers: Born between 1946 and 1964 (55-73 years old) Gen X: Born between 1965 and 1979 (40-54 years old) Millennials: Born between 1980 and 1994 (25-39 years old) Gen Z/iGen: Born between 1995 and 2012 (7-24 years old) Gen Alpha: A return to the first letter of the alphabet for the next generation, born beginning in 2013 and expected to continue until 2025 (the oldest of this group are just 6 years old) not an absence of respect, it's an absence of experience. And it's hard, because all of a sudden you turn 19 and need to go in front of a panel of five 40-year-olds and know how to communicate well to get jobs." " They are more inclusive, socially conscious, and care about others — even the disenfranchised. For the most part, they are good kids." —Angie Barton, UTLA 25 J U N E / J U L Y 2 019 Margaret Phillips The Opportunities a