The common statement 'ah, this youth of today' seems to have lost none of its relevance, but today's challenges are much more complex. Alarming statistics on the mental health of children and young people, the impact of pandemics, isolation, international conflicts and increasing social tension and aggression, combined with ongoing technological advances and the formation of a culture of individualism and narcissism, raise questions and concerns among both adults and young people. Adapting and learning the rules of society can be challenging for the post-pandemic generation. Social skills training is a kind of answer to the problems of today's teenagers.
Generation Z
Generation Z, growing up nowadays, is distinguished by the fact that from an early age they function in two worlds: the real and the virtual. The difficulty in distinguishing between the two dimensions, assessing the value of experiences and attaching more importance to the real world is a challenge for them. Characteristic of this generation are difficulties in social skills, crucial for functioning in society, building relationships and intimacy.
Social skills training and additional challenges
Pandemic and prolonged social isolation, the transfer of many aspects of life to the virtual realm, continues as a trend. We are increasingly using teleporters, self-service checkouts or advising artificial intelligence instead of the people around us. Even in restaurants, ordering dishes by scanning a QR code is becoming increasingly popular. Many young people are continuing to study remotely, which may limit their ability to cope in the real social world in the future.
Is the virtual world safe?
For many young people, the virtual world appears to be a safer space, where fear and anxiety can be soothed and gaps in peer relationships can be filled with online contact. However, this way of functioning can make it difficult to see one's own loneliness or problems in dealing with peers.
The challenges of generation Z
We are dealing with a generation that often experiences difficulties in peer relationships, feels isolation i exclusionand attempts to deal with these problems often lead to further withdrawal into the virtual world. In an age of widespread automation, artificial intelligence and relentless rushing, it is worth remembering the importance of social skills training. Skills that, for today's young people, are not all that easily accessible.
Solution: TUS - Social Skills Training
W Kids Medic in Warsaw we offer group classes TUS for young people as young as 13 years old. Our Social Skills Training focuses on teaching and improving social skills in intimate groups, while allowing participants to build relationships with peers and understand their own emotions in a group context. For more information, you can call 888 274 422.
Psychologist
Adrianna Malik
