Teen Health and Wellness Over the Last Few Years

Claire Flury, '27

Teen health and wellness in 2024 and 2025 remain a growing priority as young people face new challenges and opportunities. With increasing awareness around mental health, the impact of social media, and the importance of balancing school, sports, and many other things, teens today are struggling to navigate their well-being in such a stressful world. Issues such as anxiety, depression, body image concerns, and the mental toll of social media are now part of one’s daily life. As society evolves, so does the need to support teens in developing healthy habits and creating safe spaces where they can excel both physically and mentally.

The struggle to meet social media norms and live up to everyone's favorite “influencers” is something that all teens, or someone around them, have experienced. Teens nowadays struggle to fit into society because of the pressure they feel from social media and influencers. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat often portray people living seemingly perfect lives, with ideal bodies, clothing, and lifestyles. This can make teenagers feel like they are not good enough or that they have to change who they are to be accepted. Influencers often promote unrealistic beauty standards and expensive products, leading teens to feel that they must keep up to be popular or liked; however, most teens lack the resources to do so. As a result, many teens deal with low self-esteem, anxiety, and a constant fear of missing out. Social media, while it occasionally offers benefits and can be entertaining, can make it difficult for teens to feel confident and true to themselves. 

Most teens participate in at least one sport per year, and many participate in multiple sports. The balance between school sports and, on top of that, being yourself and maintaining friendships, is often overwhelming for teens of all ages. In 2024, many teens took steps to balance their health and wellness by embracing mindfulness practices, engaging in physical activities, and utilizing mental health apps. Mindfulness techniques, such as journaling, meditation, and spending time in nature, have become popular ways for teens to manage stress and improve their mental well-being (YMCA of Greater Brandywine). Physical activities, including hobbies such as dance and hiking, are beneficial for maintaining wellness (AFPA). These combined efforts demonstrate a shared commitment among teens to prioritize both mental and physical health in a balanced manner.​ 

In short, to maintain health and wellness as a teenager evolving in today's society, you need to ensure a healthy balance and avoid taking on more than you can handle.