With loads of scientists sounding the alarm about our planet coupled with 16-year-old Greta Thunberg’s fiery “You have stolen my dreams” speech at the UN climate summit, you would think that climate change and the uncertain future that it brings will be foremost in the minds of Generation Z.
However, one study found out that what tops the list of concerns among the youth today is something that is more close to home: bullying.
Find out more on this issue in the video below.
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Video credit: Rumble
In a way, it’s not surprising. Climate change is indeed something to be concerned about but as yet, its direct impact on our lives hasn’t been fully felt yet. Whereas with bullying, it’s a problem that children are experiencing right here, right now.
For context, Generation Z refers to those born between 1995 and 2015, meaning that their age ranges from 4 to 24 as of 2019.
The issue of bullying has come up again now that children are back in school, according to a study conducted by the Boy Scouts of America.
Katrina Gusman, 14, said, “Verbal bullying and cyber-bullying are our big problems.”
Gusman has been working as a volunteer in order to help improve the lives of her peers and her community.
“We volunteered for a few hours; it was a really fun experience,” said Gusman.
Based on the Boy Scout survey, 32 percent of kids between the ages of 6 and 17 see bullying as the biggest issue that the country faces. About 30 percent of respondents expressed a desire to combat bullying worldwide.
But the concerns among Generation Z also vary according to region. In California, for example, the same survey found out that 29 percent of kids living in California see homelessness as the biggest concern in the state.
“There are people who might be sleeping in other people’s houses or with their grandparents because their parents can’t find jobs,” said Gusman.
Homelessness is quite pervasive in California and may explain why it’s a prominent issue among kids. According to the White House Council of Economic Advisers, 47 percent of the nation’s unsheltered homeless population can be found in California.
For Gusman, giving back to the community has to be the first step. She also hopes other people will follow suit so that change can be made in the long-term.
“I think raising awareness – if more people are aware then we can try to get solutions,” said Gusman.
Replaced!