Post by title1parent on Jun 21, 2010 4:31:41 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/opinions/letters/2411040,6_4_NA20_LETTERS_S1-100620.article
Help teens feel more confident
Sun LTE
Unrealistic expectations on Naperville teenagers cause a social issue that is very apparent, but yet for the most part, is in the shadows. The public hears about the most extreme and rare cases, but avoids the growing everyday issue that occurs in all teenagers' lives. An overwhelming number of Naperville teenagers feel the need to be perfect in every aspect. For some, this focus on perfection may lead to extreme measures, such as eating disorders, drug use, aggression and constant pressure.
In order to promote the power of individuality and strengthen the character of Naperville teenagers, the Naperville School District needs to focus on developing strong and stable minds that will be well prepared to tackle any challenges that may arise. Although Naperville School District 203 is known for academic success in Illinois, the pressure to excel academically should not interfere with the student's mental and physical health. Naperville School District 203 also focuses on making students well-rounded. According to Sean Covey, the author to "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens," "7 out of 10 teenagers feel pressured in one way or another to live up to the goals of others." Students, especially, feel pressured by their parents to not only exceed in academic requirements, but be involved in the community, sports, and extracurricular activities as well. This pressure at times may push students past their limits of how much they can handle.
I urge that you take action immediately. This growing issue will only get worse. I suggest that you not only provide a hot line and a list of local therapists, but also create a column where teenagers can write about their struggles and receive advice in response, in the weekly newspaper. If these measures were taken, the lives of many Naperville teens would be impacted tremendously for the better.
Sarah N. Frank
Naperville North High School
Help teens feel more confident
Sun LTE
Unrealistic expectations on Naperville teenagers cause a social issue that is very apparent, but yet for the most part, is in the shadows. The public hears about the most extreme and rare cases, but avoids the growing everyday issue that occurs in all teenagers' lives. An overwhelming number of Naperville teenagers feel the need to be perfect in every aspect. For some, this focus on perfection may lead to extreme measures, such as eating disorders, drug use, aggression and constant pressure.
In order to promote the power of individuality and strengthen the character of Naperville teenagers, the Naperville School District needs to focus on developing strong and stable minds that will be well prepared to tackle any challenges that may arise. Although Naperville School District 203 is known for academic success in Illinois, the pressure to excel academically should not interfere with the student's mental and physical health. Naperville School District 203 also focuses on making students well-rounded. According to Sean Covey, the author to "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens," "7 out of 10 teenagers feel pressured in one way or another to live up to the goals of others." Students, especially, feel pressured by their parents to not only exceed in academic requirements, but be involved in the community, sports, and extracurricular activities as well. This pressure at times may push students past their limits of how much they can handle.
I urge that you take action immediately. This growing issue will only get worse. I suggest that you not only provide a hot line and a list of local therapists, but also create a column where teenagers can write about their struggles and receive advice in response, in the weekly newspaper. If these measures were taken, the lives of many Naperville teens would be impacted tremendously for the better.
Sarah N. Frank
Naperville North High School
