The only way to get better is to reflect. As a new generation flourishes, challenges are bound to arise. Gen-Z kids are constantly surrounded by technology since they were born in the years of technology.
Mixing two or more generations that grew up differently creates slight tensions. Many believe Gen-Z teens are in their own world.
Roseann Johnson, the assistant principal at DHS, said “Many students will argue or just continue to do something that you have told them ‘no.’ They don’t like to accept that someone can tell them that they can’t do something.”
Gen-Z lacks certain respect, especially when it comes to authority figures.
As Tiffany Hendrix said, “Their behavior suggests that they believe they can teach themselves and don’t need my input. Their scores on their assignments, however, generally negate that attitude.”
But what is the root of this problem?
With Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and other social media forums, teens are accustomed to communicating through social media. The lack of verbal communication tends to a lack of respect.
Johnson said, “I think we should all respect each other, but some adults have earned and had experiences that young people need to recognize and understand that they aren’t equal to adults.”
Respect goes both ways, Hendrix stated that teens don´t get anywhere when being disrespectful, ¨You won’t be the first nor the last. Your attitude is forgettable.¨, said Hendrix, showing that disrespect gets people nowhere and it´s better to be polite.
According to Mayo Clinic Staff, “Teens and social media use: What’s the impact?” the content teens are viewing determines the risk factors for them developing mental health issues. They recommend that parents limit their teens’ screen times, talk to them about any concerning behaviors if shown, and manage their social media accounts.
Carla Fraser, a paraprofessional and Spanish interpreter at DHS, stated that some Gen-Z teens act like they have no consequences for their actions, so they should learn how to read the room better.
Fraser said, “So many times I hear kids say things that would be fine if it just didn’t happen in the middle of another student’s presentation, or when two people are in the middle of a conversation, but instead they just butt in and are shocked and appalled when you get annoyed.”
Many times, human beings will only realize the wrong they are doing once someone points it out.
Will Gen-Z get a taste of their own medicine with the younger generation?
Lucio Lopez, a DHS sophomore, said he would respond to the disrespect with a lesson of respect for the younger generation.
“…At the end of the day, everyone’s life is hard so you should never be rude to anyone in general,” said Lopez
