Gabe Pluguez

Back in the 1950s, life was simpler. Families were tighter-knit, and the pressures of modern life didn’t loom quite as large. People spent more time outdoors, engaged in face-to-face interactions, and even though economic and social challenges existed…

There wasn’t the constant, overwhelming flow of information we have today. Kids had structured routines, slept more, and weren’t exposed to the nonstop comparison that comes with today’s social media. So, what changed? I found 6 reasons why anxiety is at an all-time high:

1. Social Media Overload. In the 1950s, the only comparison was your next-door neighbor or your classmate. Today, teens are constantly bombarded by the filtered, perfect lives of people on social media, making them feel like they’re always falling short. The impact?

Social comparison leads to insecurity, fear of missing out (FOMO), and cyberbullying. These are all major contributors to anxiety. Here’s how we can start to fix it: • Set boundaries for social media use • Encourage more face-to-face, meaningful interactions with friends • Take regular "social media detoxes" to break the cycle of comparison

2. Relentless Academic Pressure. Back in the 1950s, there was far less pressure to be “perfect” in every academic subject. Now, kids are expected to excel at everything: • Sports • Academics • Extracurriculars All while preparing for college from an earlier age. The result?

Teens are overwhelmed by constant stress and pressure to perform, leading to burnout. Here’s what can help: • Teach teens the importance of balance (academics aren’t everything) • Support relaxation techniques like meditation or journaling to lower stress levels • Encourage time management strategies like the Pomodoro Technique to reduce overwhelm

3. Lack of Physical Activity. In the 1950s, kids played outside for hours. Today, teens are glued to their phones or gaming consoles, leading to a sedentary lifestyle that worsens their mental health. The effect?

Physical movement is critical for regulating mood and anxiety levels, but most teens aren’t getting enough. What we can do instead: • Encourage daily physical activity • Make family time active: walks, bike rides, or even playing sports together • Suggest activities like martial arts that build both physical and mental resilience

4. Sleep Deprivation. The fast pace of modern life, combined with endless screen time, has dramatically reduced the amount of sleep teens are getting compared to previous generations. In the 1950s, most kids had structured bedtimes, whereas today, late-night phone scrolling has become the norm. The downside?

Sleep is vital for brain function, and a lack of it significantly increases anxiety and mood disorders. Here’s how we can turn this around: • Set a consistent sleep schedule (no screens an hour before bed) • Make sure bedrooms are designed for sleep: dark, quiet, and cool • Encourage calming bedtime routines (reading, prayer, or deep breathing)

5. Uncertainty about the Future. Teens today are facing a future filled with uncertainty. In the 1950s, there was less global awareness and less information overload, so the future felt more stable and predictable. The result?

This fear of the unknown can paralyze teens, leaving them feeling anxious about their future. Here’s how we can help: • Focus on what’s within their control: daily routines, habits, and actions • Encourage open conversations about their fears and provide guidance • Help build a supportive community of family, friends, and mentors to offer stability

6. Less belief in God Regular church attendance among Christian teenagers in the U.S. has declined from 55% in the 1950s to approximately 35% today. • Bibles have been removed from schools • Families attend church together less regularly What can we do to solve this?

Make God a priority. • Read the Bible with your family • Take your family to church • Set the example for your kids in your own faith And, the Bible actually tells us the secret to overcome anxiety...

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So, how can we truly help today’s teens manage anxiety? Instead of focusing on quick fixes or pills, we need to: • Encourage physical activity • Limit screen time and social media • Prioritize sleep and structured routines • Have conversations about their challenges • Prioritize God

These small changes can make a huge difference in reducing anxiety and supporting the mental health of today’s youth. What are your thoughts on this? Let me know below.

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