A Look At The Most Serious Social Issues Facing Today’s Youth

homeless-youthThe youth of today face a myriad of societal problems. As in previous generations, the social issues facing today’s youth can have significant effects on how these young people will eventually turn out as they reach adulthood.

In this post we will look at some of the most serious social problems facing the youth of today, and consider some solutions to help our youth to course correct before its too late.

Drug and alcohol abuse continues to be among the more serious problems confronting modern society. In previous generations, smoking topped the list of growing social issues. However, recent public efforts to curb the smoking habit have somehow effectively addressed this particular social problem, although it remains to be totally resolved.

In its place, however, is a more dangerous social threat with more extreme repercussions. The growing proliferation of alcoholic drinks and illegal drugs has led many young people down a losing path. The problem is getting worse in recent years with kids in their high school years becoming unsuspecting victims. The drugs of choice among today’s youth includes a variety of new designer drugs that have been popping up at an alarming speed. In fact, it can be difficult for law enforcement to keep up this all of the new dangerous substances that continue being introduced on the black market.

Another social issue that has been giving negative effects on the youth of today is early sexual activity. Unlike in previous generations, sex and sexual issues are openly being discussed these days even when youths are within hearing range.

The problem is not exactly limited within a given circle as this has been unwittingly magnified in several channels. In media for example, notably television, movies, and the internet, young people are exposed to different content and images that carry sexual suggestions. Adults are often not around to supervise the actions of their offspring either because they are working or dealing with their own personal problems like alcoholism or divorce.

In this regard, single parenthood is one other growing social concern that modern youth has had to deal with. With only one parent available to look after them, children have had to seek emotional and material support from other people including their peers. This exposes them to a variety of risks especially when no other responsible adult is willing to help them out.

Given these diverse social issues, the future would appear bleak for the youth of today. Still, authorities should take heart in the belief that given proper attention, young people can be nurtured to become competent national leaders.

What are the best solutions to these vexing problems?

Certainly education can help our youth to avoid dangerous drugs and to stay on the right path. In addition, sports teams, tutoring, Sunday schools and other religious and community groups can keep young people occupied and engaged in positive character building activities which will keep them from going astray.

One of the best things we can do is to invest in today’s youth my giving donations to organizations like Stand Up For Kids that work to help the young people of today get out of bad situations and to reach for a bright future. Those of us with less money and more time can also give of ourselves through groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters which allow us to work directly with youths to provide them with exemplary role models.