BTN News: There is a big problem with mental health for young people in the United States. A new report shows a big difference between the support teens feel they get and what their parents think they give. This shows a need for better talking and understanding between parents and teens.
The National Center for Health Statistics published the report. It shows that only one in four teens always feel they get the support they need. But parents think their kids get support almost three times more often. These results come from surveys done in 2021 and 2022. They asked nearly 1,200 teens aged 12 to 17 and their parents. Parents talked to trained people, while teens answered online surveys with their parents’ approval. The study’s writers say having an interviewer might make parents give better answers. But, there were still big differences in all groups.
Understanding the Big Difference Between Teen and Parent Views
The study says parents often think their kids get more support than they do. This might make parents think their teens need less help. Dr. Jeffrey Arnett, a developmental psychologist from Clark University, explains. Teens often think about their feelings and identity inside and may not share with parents. This is part of growing up and becoming independent. So, talking openly with parents about feelings can be hard for teens.
Parents and Teens Define Support in Different Ways
Dr. Lisa Damour, a psychologist and parenting podcast host, says parents and teens might see support differently. Parents often give advice, but teens want empathy and comfort. When adults give advice instead of just listening, teens might think their problems are very serious, which is not helpful.
Survey Details and Parent Worries About Mental Health
The report does not say what social or emotional support is. This might cause the different views of support. Dr. Damour thinks parents are worried about the mental health crisis and rush to solve problems. This can make it hard for parents to be calm and helpful.
The report shows 93% of parents think their kids usually get the support they need. But only 59% of teens agree. Also, 20% of teens say they rarely or never get the support they need, while only 3% of parents think this.
Why Support Systems Are Important for Teenagers
Support systems are very important, especially for teens. They go through big changes in their bodies and social lives. Dr. Arnett says parents should keep talking openly with teens. Teens want to be independent but still need their parents.
The report links not feeling supported with bad health effects. Teens who don’t feel supported are almost three times more likely to have depression and anxiety. Nearly one-third of unsupported teens have these problems. Also, two-thirds of unsupported teens sleep badly. About 14% say they have poor health or low life satisfaction, compared to less than 5% of supported teens.
Differences in Support Feelings Among Demographic Groups
The study shows Black and LGBTQ+ teens feel less supported. Less than half of these groups feel they get the support they need. But their parents think differently, seeing much more support. The report also finds girls feel less supported than boys. There is a bigger gap in views between girls and their parents.
Ways to Bridge the Gap Between Teens and Parents
Experts say parents should spend time connecting with their teens. In today’s world of technology and social media, being together physically does not always mean emotional connection. The U.S. Surgeon General says protecting youth mental health is very important. He even suggests warning labels for social media.
Helping teens can be as simple as being curious about their lives and showing empathy. Dr. Damour advises parents to remember that making a teen feel heard and understood is very helpful.
Conclusion: Ensuring Teens Get the Support They Need
The report shows parents need to think again about how they support their teens. By talking openly, showing empathy, and understanding their teens’ challenges, parents can close the gap between what they think and what their kids feel. This can help reduce the bad health effects of feeling unsupported and create a healthier, closer family.
