COVID-19 has turned our worlds upside down in a split second — for people of all ages. Perhaps no change has been more disorienting than online learning. Without warning, our teenagers were ushered out of school and forced to resume with teachers and classmates through computers and cellphones. The expectation was that they would keep their grades afloat and themselves healthy without missing a beat.
It turns out the stress of online learning can be intense for many different reasons. And for teens at risk, that can lead in bad directions, such as substance abuse problems. In the age of COVID-19, our coping skills are more important than ever. Online learning ranks high on the list.
THE STRESS OF ONLINE LEARNING
It’s important to remember that we are all already living with greater stress because of COVID-19. Online learning generates additional stressors. For teenagers, that can be a dangerous combination. Here are some of the ways the stress of online learning impacts your teen:
Loneliness and isolation. Online learning separates your teen from classmates. Depending on your family situation, teens might be spending all day alone.
Increased workload. Online learning comes with the expectation that a student will understand and properly navigate new technologies such as Zoom or WebEx.
Physical strains. Staring at a screen all day, perhaps lacking a proper chair, squinting through glare — these can take a physical toll.
Changes in instructional support. Being in a classroom with a teacher means there is always available to answer questions or solve problems. The online environment inhibits one-on-one interactions.
If the stress of online learning isn’t managed well, it can lead to more severe consequences in a teen’s life. Acting before that happens is critical.
Simple strategies, such as relaxation techniques and regular exercise, are effective in reducing anxiety and contributing to emotional well-being. Psychotherapy can help and is sometimes used together with medication to reduce and eliminate signs and symptoms.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Teen Experiencing Stress Of Online Learning
COVID-19 has turned our worlds upside down in a split second — for people of all ages. Perhaps no change has been more disorienting than online learning. Without warning, our teenagers were ushered out of school and forced to resume with teachers and classmates through computers and cellphones. The expectation was that they would keep their grades afloat and themselves healthy without missing a beat.
It turns out the stress of online learning can be intense for many different reasons. And for teens at risk, that can lead in bad directions, such as substance abuse problems. In the age of COVID-19, our coping skills are more important than ever. Online learning ranks high on the list.
THE STRESS OF ONLINE LEARNING
It’s important to remember that we are all already living with greater stress because of COVID-19. Online learning generates additional stressors. For teenagers, that can be a dangerous combination. Here are some of the ways the stress of online learning impacts your teen:
Loneliness and isolation. Online learning separates your teen from classmates. Depending on your family situation, teens might be spending all day alone.
Increased workload. Online learning comes with the expectation that a student will understand and properly navigate new technologies such as Zoom or WebEx.
Physical strains. Staring at a screen all day, perhaps lacking a proper chair, squinting through glare — these can take a physical toll.
Changes in instructional support. Being in a classroom with a teacher means there is always available to answer questions or solve problems. The online environment inhibits one-on-one interactions.
If the stress of online learning isn’t managed well, it can lead to more severe consequences in a teen’s life. Acting before that happens is critical.
Answer:
Simple strategies, such as relaxation techniques and regular exercise, are effective in reducing anxiety and contributing to emotional well-being. Psychotherapy can help and is sometimes used together with medication to reduce and eliminate signs and symptoms.