Why This Generation of High School Students Rock

They are incredibly accepting. Their friends are their friends based upon the person.  Race, sexual orientation, religious views and political beliefs don’t factor into their friendships. Teens from different racial and cultural backgrounds.  Gay and lesbian teens are much more open around their peers.  And a generation ago, they hid their sexual orientation to the point of taking someone of the opposite sex to homecoming or prom and interracial dating was virtually unheard of. 

They stand up for each other.  Yes, bullying is rampant.  But there are also instances where the kids observing a bully have decided not to take it anymore.  They stand up for the teen being bullying, whether that means turning the bully into a teacher, principal or a parent. A generation ago, kids would have either joined in or looked the other way.  

They don’t drive drunk. Drunk driving statistics state that the rate of drunk driving is highest among drivers who are 21 to 25 years old.  While that is probably true, a lot of kids either don’t partake at parties, or if they do, they have a designated driver.  A generation ago, kids wouldn’t have thought twice about getting behind the wheel, intoxicated.

They will attend college.  Roughly 84% of high school students plan on getting a college education.  They have already logged work hours and/or volunteer hours.  While part of this may be trying to bolster their resume, the majority do it for their own independence.  A generation ago, while a number of teens worked, very few volunteered. 

They’re more knowledgeable about the world.  Politics, sex, current events – due to technological advances, the world is open to them.  News is instantaneous and they are aware of world events.  They practice safe sex.  They are up on political races, candidates and understand issues being debated.  A generation ago, these facts were absent or put off. 

They are closer to their parents.  Relationships with parents are much more open in most cases and teens appreciate their parents’ involvement.  Parents don’t micromanage like they used to, and that’s okay.  This generation of teens is much more independent and opinionated, in a good way. 

Most of these “statistics”, for lack of a better term, are based upon personal knowledge.  My 17-year old daughter and her friends have shown me that they are trustworthy and have a clearer view of the world than I ever did at their age.  I hope that continues on into the next generation. 

Written by: Allyson Johns