Like most people, teens don’t always understand the nuances of political and world events. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t affected. Whether it’s the Israel-Gaza war or the US presidential campaign, what happens in the news increases kids’ levels of anxiety, fear, and hopelessness. And with social media bringing them nonstop updates, the effect of politics on teen mental health is much more intense than it used to be.
However, when teens experience extreme fear or worry about politics and global strife, they may be struggling with an anxiety disorder or another mental health issue. Hence, troubling events in the larger world can magnify their negative emotions and the distress they’re feeling about what’s happening closer to home. That’s why parents need to stay closely attuned to their teenager’s reactions, and help them access support if they need it.
Key Takeaways
- Concerns about the 2024 election, climate change, and economic stability have negative effects on teen mental health.
- Political and world events can cause secondary trauma for adolescents.
- LGBTQ teens say anti-trans legislation around the country has increased their stress and anxiety levels.
- We offer five science-backed techniques to help mitigate the effect of politics on teen mental health.
The Impact of Politics on Teen Well-Being and Optimism
Research shows that political events have a significant impact on teen mental health. The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit whose mission is to support teen and young adult well-being. And the foundation puts the 2024 election at the top of its list of current trends affecting youth mental health.
Furthermore, a Jed Foundation report on youth suicide found that more than two-thirds of young people report feeling “very or somewhat stressed” about our nation’s future. Specifically, 60 percent of youth ages 16–25 say they are either very or extremely worried about the climate.
Young people are also worried about their ability to be financially stable in the future. And they are concerned that their education isn’t giving them the tools they will need to thrive, according to a recent Walton Family Foundation and Gallup Gen Z Panel.
However, the panel also illuminated some good news: More than three-quarters of Gen Z feel they have a great future ahead of them. And 82 percent believe they will achieve their goals.
Recognizing Secondary Trauma in Teens
Secondary PTSD, also known as vicarious trauma, is a specific form of trauma that is caused by secondhand exposure to disturbing world and political events. And adolescents are particularly susceptible to this type of trauma.
In addition, teens with existing mental health challenges, poor emotional regulation skills, and weak support systems are more vulnerable to secondary trauma and PTSD.
Furthermore, teens with PTSD of any type are also more likely to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network reports that more than half of teens with traumatic stress use drugs or alcohol to deal with painful emotions.
Symptoms of Secondary PTSD
Secondary traumatic stress symptoms include the following:
- Frequent rumination on the trauma suffered by others
- Feeling inadequate and unable to help
- Nightmares and sleep problems
- Constantly remaining on the lookout for danger
- Re-experiencing personal trauma from the past
- Changes in perception or memory
- Increased anxiety and restlessness
- Depression, anger, or numbness
- Fatigue and weariness
- Loss of trust and sense of safety
The Effects of Anti-Trans Legislation on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
A Trevor Foundation poll found that 86 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth say debates around anti-trans bills have negatively impacted their mental health. Moreover, the poll found that 45 percent of trans youth have experienced cyberbullying as a result of these policies and debates. And nearly 1 in 3 reported not feeling safe to go to the doctor or hospital when they were sick or injured.
The poll also asked LGBTQ youth about other political and world issues that affect their mental health. And 70 percent of survey participants reported that issues like gun violence and efforts to restrict abortion access often give them stress and anxiety.
Helping Teens Cope with Troubling News and Events
There’s no doubt that global and political events can be troubling and even devastating for teens, whether or not they’re directly affected. However, the impact is increased when an adolescent is already struggling with anxiety, depression, poor emotional regulation, and/or challenges at home, in school, or in relationships.
Therefore, parents can address the effect of politics on teen mental health by supporting their kids to build the skills and resilience to cope with disturbing political and world events. Parents can also play a powerful role in helping teens limit the information they’re receiving, and supporting them to process the information they do let in. Just as important, parents can ensure teens who are experiencing ongoing mental health symptoms access care from a professional mental health professional.
5 Ways to Lessen the Effect of Politics on Teen Mental Health
Here are five therapist-approved and science-backed techniques to help mitigate the effect of politics on teen mental health.
1. Encourage teens to take control of what they can.
When teens feel out of control, it can be helpful for them to exert what control they do have. Encourage them to get involved in a cause they care about, like protecting animals or the environment. They might want to join a club at school focused on issues that matter to them. Or they could start a weekly check-in with friends where they can talk about their concerns with their peers.
2. Help teens be mindful about their media intake.
Because social media is so addictive for adolescents, it can be hard for them to avoid political news and opinions in their feeds. Set up tech-free times of day at home, or even tech-free zones in the house. Stepping away from worrying world events is just one of the many benefits of unplugging for teens.
3. Start a family meditation practice.
Meditation can be a powerful approach to help adolescents shift out of the stress response. In fact, a study done at Johns Hopkins found that the effect of meditation on symptoms of anxiety and depression was the same as the effect of antidepressants. Apps like Calm and Headspace make it easy for families to start a regular meditation practice together. Then teens can continue these practices on their own.
4. Prioritize self-care for the whole family.
Model self-care for teens and incorporate them into family self-care activities. For teens, self-care might mean spending time in nature, going to bed earlier on school nights, doing creative projects, or connecting with friends they trust.
5. Support teens to process what they’re feeling.
Just because they can’t vote doesn’t mean teens won’t feel the impact of an election or other political event that didn’t go the way they thought it should. Moreover, this kind of loss can trigger other feelings of grief and sadness. Talk with them about what happened and help them to process these events, as well as the related feelings they are bringing up.
If you think they might need professional help to work through their emotions, contact us to set up a free teen mental health assessment, in person at one of our nationwide locations or online. We’ll help you understand what’s going on and recommend next steps to support your teen.
Teen Treatment to Build Resilience and Healthy Coping Tools
If political events are triggering symptoms of anxiety, trauma, or depression in teens, or making existing symptoms worse, Newport Academy can help. Our programming addresses the underlying mental health conditions that make teens more vulnerable to the emotional and psychological impact of politics and other external stressors.
Through family, individual, and group therapy, teens strengthen their relationships, become more self-aware, and learn they are not alone. We also have a robust academic component in our residential and full-day outpatient programs, with an accredited curriculum and individualized instruction. Our teen clients gain motivation and study skills while receiving the treatment they need to thrive.
During their time with us, adolescents build resilience and healthy coping skills so they can launch into young adulthood with the confidence and tools they need to thrive. Contact us today to find out more.
Sources
The Jed Foundation
The Trevor Project
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