For youth discussion topics, consider the top cultural forces teenagers face today. How can youth ministers be sure we’re “majoring on the majors”? As we shepherd students, we must understand cultural challenges.
Instead of avoiding tough issues, youth leaders must confront them head-on. Read on to discover the most important youth discussion topics.
7 Youth Discussion Topics To Tackle
1. Suicide
First, know that suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents. Boys are more likely to complete suicide, but girls are more likely to attempt it. Risk factors include a history of previous attempts, family history of suicide, and a history of depression. Other factors are anxiety or mental illness, alcohol or drug abuse, and stressful events or losses. Also consider access to lethal methods and exposure to the suicidal behavior of others.
What’s not true about responding to suicidal kids:
- Once a teenager decides to commit suicide, nothing will stop them.
- If you ask teens if they’re planning to kill themselves, you might plant the idea in their head.
- Most kids talk about suicide just to get attention. So it’s best to ignore the topic.
2. Physical and Digital Bullying
Next, up to one-third of U.S. students say they’ve been bullied at school. And one of eight has experienced cyberbullying. More than half of LGBTQ teens say they’ve been cyberbullied. Almost a third of students admit they’ve bullied someone. Three-quarters say they’ve witnessed bullying.
The top risk factor is being perceived as different from peers. Boys are more likely to bully face-to-face. But girls are more likely to cyberbully.
What to do about bullying:
- Help kids grow in assertiveness.
- Challenge them to stick up for anyone, anywhere.
- Show kids how to block bullying online and reduce exposure to bullies.
