About two-thirds of students felt they did not fit society’s standards. Social pressures weigh on today’s youth, and many teens struggle with society’s expectations.
Teens need to understand society’s standards and mental health labels, especially with the pressures of school success and social media.
A 2020 survey found that 61% of teens feel stressed by school success pressure. Also, 72% of teens feel pressured to look or act a certain way.
Does ADHD affect students?
Chloe Fischer, a student at JHS, has been diagnosed with ADHD. She believes that many teens may go undiagnosed. Some signs might show a neurodevelopmental disorder. “I see a lot of the same stuff that people are usually medicated for going unnoticed,” Chloe said.
The urge to fit in extends past school and social pressures. It affects how they see themselves in social settings. Chloe’s fear of being ignored is common for many teens. When they fear judgment or scrutiny in public. According to a study, social anxiety disorder affects 9% of teens in the U.S… Some people feel like others are watching them, especially in big groups. Feelings like this can be intense for those who may be navigating ADHD or autism.
Feeling judged? You are not alone.
Students experience self-consciousness in social settings. Others feel more at ease in larger groups. Shiloh Postmus, a student at JHS. Responded, “No,” when asked if they ever felt like everyone was staring or whispering about them. This shows a sense of comfort or a distance from society’s judgment. Aria VerStrate, a student at JHS. Shared, “Sometimes it depends on the group and the time.”
Some students feel less pressure from judgment in groups. Some still view themselves as separate from the mainstream. This is especially true for how students see their thoughts and the world.
When asked if they think differently from others, Shiloh Postmas shared, “Kind of, when compared to my conservative community I tend to have differing thoughts.” While Aria VerStrate said they often have “deep conversations and tend to have polarizing thoughts.”
Struggling to fit in?
Feeling unnoticed in a group can make it easier to follow social norms. Some people still struggle to fit into those norms.
When asked if they feel they fit societal standards, Shiloh Postmas responded, “Yes, I work hard and strive for good grades in school, and I have a good job.” Success eases Shiloh Postmas’s pressure to succeed. Aria VerStrate and Chloe Fischer felt unsure. Aria VerStrate said, “No, I’ve been told before that I am very odd,” saying she feels separated from social norms. Chloe Fischer said, “Kind of,” noting that she feels she fits in enough to avoid attention.
Society’s standards and norms can feel hard to handle. Especially with pressure from school, society, and social media. Teens, like Shiloh Postmas, seek to fit in by excelling. Some, like Aria VerStrate, feel out of place and different. It shows the many ways teens feel societal pressures. Many teens struggle. They often lack needed support. It shows the need for a more inclusive environment. Encouraging students to embrace themselves. Noticing mental health and neurodiversity. It must help to navigate these challenges with more support.
Some students are confident they can meet these goals. Others struggle to fit in or feel misunderstood. Especially when dealing with undiagnosed mental disorders. As we saw in the responses from the students interviewed. Handling these pressures can be tough. It varies for everyone. We need to see a space where individuality counts. Understanding mental health better makes students feel more confident in society. Without the weight of unrealistic expectations.
