I’m new to being an adult and constantly see people, especially teachers, complaining about how kids today are uneducated. This really bothers me, and I wonder why people seem so down on younger generations. I saw a post saying teenagers can’t use computers or the internet. This made me really mad. Why do people say teens are always on their phones but then claim they don’t even know how to use basic tech like Google? It feels like they’re talking down to them without any good reason. STOP treating kids like they’re dumb! I had to post this right now, even though it’s late.
I’ve noticed that it’s not every kid, but the gap between those excelling and those struggling is getting wider. If you’re in a family or community where education is valued, you’re likely as educated as previous generations. But sadly, a lot of households seem to care less about school. I work at a gifted school now, and it’s night and day compared to my last school, where we’d have fights, broken sinks, and kids just refusing to do work. Some students are pushed along without learning much, which is part of the issue.
@Emma1
I think you’re right about grade inflation, but there were always kids who struggled. The difference now is that we’re keeping them in school longer instead of them dropping out. It’s good they’re in a structured environment, but we’re not helping them as much as we could. Pushing them towards college when trades or other skills might be a better fit seems unfair.
@irmah
I absolutely agree. We need to encourage more options like trades and the arts for students who don’t fit the academic mold.
@Emma1
I see what you’re saying, but adults are the ones responsible for teaching these things. Even if there’s a gap, we shouldn’t blame kids. They can only learn what they’re taught.
Henry said:
@Emma1
I see what you’re saying, but adults are the ones responsible for teaching these things. Even if there’s a gap, we shouldn’t blame kids. They can only learn what they’re taught.
You’re right. But it’s not all on teachers either. Parents need to step up too. Schools can’t fix everything if kids spend hours with no supervision or being babysat by a screen. It’s a joint effort.
@Emma1
True, but there are things teachers can fix, like teaching basic tech skills. We should stop blaming the kids and just improve the system.
Henry said:
@Emma1
True, but there are things teachers can fix, like teaching basic tech skills. We should stop blaming the kids and just improve the system.
I agree, but some issues are bigger than that. You can’t fix everything in a few hours of class each week. A lot of habits and behaviors come from home, and teachers are limited in what they can do to correct that.
@Emma1
I was referring to simple things, like showing kids how to bookmark or use Google. Those are quick fixes teachers can handle.
Henry said:
@Emma1
I was referring to simple things, like showing kids how to bookmark or use Google. Those are quick fixes teachers can handle.
Ah, that makes sense. Yeah, there should definitely be more basic tech instruction in schools, especially since we rely so much on technology now.
@Emma1
Exactly! And cutting out time for the arts and free play makes it even worse. We need more balance in education.
You may feel differently in a decade. It’s hard to judge when you’re so close to the situation.
Vincent said:
You may feel differently in a decade. It’s hard to judge when you’re so close to the situation.
Set a reminder for 10 years, just in case!
Vincent said:
You may feel differently in a decade. It’s hard to judge when you’re so close to the situation.
Set a reminder for 10 years, just in case!
I’ll send you a message in 2034 to see how your opinion has changed. Here’s the link to set a reminder!
What evidence do you have to back up your claims? You’ve shared your frustrations, but you haven’t really provided any examples or reasons why the older generation’s perception might be wrong. Why should we believe your view over theirs?
@Logan
I didn’t mean to come off as aggressive. It was late, and I was tired. I don’t have hard evidence, just my own experience from high school and college. But I don’t see a lot of hard evidence on the other side either.
Kids today aren’t as prepared for life as previous generations. Social media and phones are partly to blame. Test scores aren’t dropping because kids are smarter…
Mike said:
Kids today aren’t as prepared for life as previous generations. Social media and phones are partly to blame. Test scores aren’t dropping because kids are smarter…
I never said kids are smarter, just that they aren’t as clueless as people think. Social media can have negative effects, but it’s unfair to blame everything on the internet. Teachers play a role too, and they shouldn’t be let off the hook.
@Henry
Teachers are working harder than ever, but it’s tough. Kids now have so many distractions, especially with phones and social media. Even athletes are more distracted, only watching YouTube highlights instead of full games. Attention spans are shrinking, and we aren’t even supposed to show videos longer than 4 minutes now. Things have changed drastically.
It’s a mix of both. The world has changed, and kids’ skills are different, but adults also need to adapt and teach what’s relevant.