Teenagers all around the world face challenges and topics, including academics, social media, and making friends. These are the top three things students at River Dell High School worry about:
Grades
Most teens worry about their academic grades, especially with external pressure from parents, teachers, and peers. Many students are embarrassed to ask for help or do not receive the guidance they need to fully understand a topic, leading to the common use of cheating and using Artificial Intelligence to receive a higher grade.
Freshman Corinne Yi stated, “As a student, I felt very nervous at the beginning of the school year, but then I visited extra help, and I was able to boost my confidence and understanding for my classes.”
Teachers at River Dell High School have implemented office hours and extra help sessions available to students based on the teacher’s schedule, so students should feel confident in learning and asking questions!
Social Media
The rise of social media has caused teens without apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram to feel left out. On such platforms, users post hangouts with friends, schoolwide and afterschool events, and hot topics like relationships and parties. However, students who do not have access to these online posts or stories have FOMO, or fear of missing out.
Nicole Bletel, who uses social media, shared that it’s difficult to “keep up with news and current events through social media,” and to differentiate between reliable and untrustworthy sources.” Mina Feurer, a freshman who doesn’t use Instagram, said she feels like she’s “missing out on posts” from groups she is in herself, including school clubs and her own band’s account.
Additionally, social media has become a large distraction for students, often the cause of procrastination, as well as encouraging cyberbullying, and an increase in feelings of depression and poor body image.
Making New Friends
The transition from middle school to high school and high school to college means new friend groups, meeting new people, and even losing childhood friends. Many students who attended River Dell Middle School transferred to other high schools, such as Bergen County Academies, and most seniors attending college, secondary schools, or military will soon move on to different environments and parts of the world.
For some students, making new friends can feel intimidating. Joining clubs, sports teams, and school events can help students connect with others with similar interests.
Freshman Miranda Lee stated, “Because I joined the Debate Team, I was able to talk to people I don’t see in my classes.” She and many others get to see their friends and meet new people through River Dell High School’s opportunities.
