The Voices of Summer: Young Minds Talk About Today’s Challenges

Temperatures outside are well over 100 degrees. It’s a hot summer day, but inside this small La Plata studio, the conversation is heating up.

Eight young voices, ages 11 to 16, are sitting down for something different: a podcast created by kids, for kids.

Their topics include curfews, fighting, drinking, and the challenges of growing up in today’s world. Nile Jacques feels pressure is at the top of everyone’s list.

“I’m discussing the importance of feeling included and how to say no to peer pressure. These are very important foundations of communication that I think every teen should learn, as these small things could help keep a strong, healthy friendship without hindering other people or making them feel uncomfortable,” he said.

Among the students, the conversation quickly turns to one of the biggest influences in their lives: social media.

“Social media can be fun, but it can also make people compare themselves to everyone else. You see people posting the best parts of their lives, and sometimes you forget that’s not the whole story,” said Gavin Cumbo. “It’s fun, but it can be dangerous. There are many inappropriate websites that can lure a child in and take them down a dangerous pathway.”

“I feel that social media is very negative and not needed. It makes people compare themselves to others and makes people feel bad about themselves. Social media has no good benefits and can really only hurt people. People will always compare their lives to others on social media,” said Bo Ba.

“I think we need to comfort them with a warm-blanket mentality and say it’s going to be okay. Students need to understand that likes and followers are not who you are. Your real friends and your character matter more,” said Cassidy Gordon.

The group says another challenge facing students is pressure, particularly the pressure to fit in. Oftentimes, this may lead to drinking.

“Some kids might start drinking or doing things because they don’t want to be the person left out. We need more people talking about how to handle those situations. But we also need to address the fact that people should never pressure others into doing anything,” said Nile Jacques.

“In any context, if you see a friend who is clearly uncomfortable doing something or if it goes against what they believe, it is your responsibility to make sure the peer pressure stops. Doing so could be seen as an act of force, even if they eventually agree. You don’t make excuses. Tell them that you’re uncomfortable with what they’re doing, and give them a firm no. If they still try, find a way to create some distance between yourself and that person,” he said.

Bella Jacques feels the pressure and frustration have led to an increase in fighting.

“Fighting doesn’t solve problems. A lot of times people are angry because something else is going on. Maybe they need someone to listen instead of just getting punished,” she said.

As the discussion continues, the young podcasters start asking a bigger question: What does the next generation need from the adults around them?

“I think kids need parents who listen. Telling us what we did wrong is important, but asking us why we made a choice is even more important,” said Thaddeus Ferguson. “Kids need to listen to adults so they have some sort of structure. For instance, if a child does something wrong and continues to do it, they should be disciplined accordingly,” he added.

“I think we can begin with positive outlets. You can find them in athletics, different groups, and mentors who are important to have around,” added Cameron Gordon. “This is a situation where one is required to have a positive outlook on things. Only having negative thoughts can change how people view a person and how that person does things.”

The group agrees that solutions start with connection. The first step is having more conversations in safe spaces.

“We’re not saying adults don’t know things. We just want to be part of the conversation. To heal and be mentally stable, you have to talk to someone about what’s going on in your life. This way, you feel safe and better about what’s going on,” said Addison Stewart.

“When teens feel supported, they’re more likely to make better choices,” added Gavin Cumbo.

“Everyone has problems. The important thing is finding healthy ways to handle them,” continued Cassidy Gordon.

As the day began to wind down, one thing became obvious: a clear conclusion had been reached, and Addison Stewart thinks she found the answer.

“After listening to these young voices, the message became clear. Children do trust adults. They simply want to be heard and learn healthy ways to make better decisions. Children simply want to feel safe and never be left behind.”

View the full conversation and watch the full podcast below.