Commentary by Jeff Worrell
Multiple recent books have linked the rise in teenage anxiety to the lack of civility in our society. Today’s teenagers are heavily influenced by social media, where conflicts and unrealistic comparisons can fuel their angst. Civility and effective conflict resolution can significantly reduce this anxiety.
Teaching teenagers to communicate respectfully, listen actively and use “I” statements can create a positive online environment. Encouraging empathy and understanding can reduce misunderstandings and foster supportive interactions. Techniques such as taking breaks before responding, using private messaging for sensitive issues and knowing when to disengage are crucial for deescalating conflicts.
Parents, adult role models, and educators play a crucial role in demonstrating these behaviors and providing guidance on setting healthy online boundaries. For example, parents can use instances like a video of a parent berating referees at a sporting event or an online rant about school decisions to discuss better ways to handle such situations with their teens.
By promoting civility and equipping teens with conflict resolution skills, we can help them navigate social media more confidently and reduce the anxiety it often brings. Parents who model these skills are setting an example of civility that extends beyond online conflicts and virtual name-calling.
