A particular negative behavior followed by a huge number of community or citizens within the society towards a specific group of people which leads them on the way to isolation or certain boundaries are called a social issue. These are very common and the number of social issues present in America affecting children badly.
There are numerous social issues in the region out of which are very common, listed below:
Child Abuse
Children under the age of 18 are the victims of this abuse. It’s in a form of physical, emotional, sexual or they face abandonment by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (clergy, coach, or a teacher).
Bullying and cyberbullying
It can happen anywhere like school, clubs, suburbs rural towns wherein someone vulnerable is mistreated by someone stronger or more powerful e.g. some peculiar groups like lesbians, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) youth or youth with disabilities are socially isolated and always are at high risk of being bullied in society. And that includes cyberbullying where these groups of people are bullied through social media apps like Facebook or Instagram and that’s the reason they are scared to be on social media.
Sexual Risk
Nowadays teen in America are more sexually active. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that teens in grades nine through twelve reported their first sexual intercourse.
Narcotic or Drugs users
Different types of teens are addicted to drugs. Teens fit into the affluent family they just boast of their money and want to experiment with drugs as they think it’s thrilling or daring. While other use narcotic to release their anxiety for studying or to improve their athletic performance.
Racial Discrimination
Children with black skin are victimized by school violence which interrupts their studies. They encompass the disproportionate behavior of teachers and white children.
Poverty and Homelessness
The major reason for child poverty is discrimination towards Hispanics and black children due to which they are homeless and sleep without food.
As mentioned above the list of issues are long and never-ending. Now the noticeable thing is how it’s impacting children. Here, taking the first point
Affect of child abuse – Children somehow stay with the foster parent they do work like a toil. Wherein they are harassed physically and emotionally.
Affect of bullying or cyberbullying- These children don’t get a chance of growth as they are deprived of education and drop out the school. As a result, they become depressed, anxious and feel low self-esteem. They do not get along with others easily as they have fewer friends and they always antagonize others for attention. Some caregivers do not accept these children and the pain of separation becomes unbearable for these children.
Affect of Sexual risk- Teens engaged in these behaviors remained at risk for exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. Girls find themselves in early pregnancy and some of them commit suicide so it raises the suicide tendency in teens.
Affect of narcotic or drug user- This may take them to long-term harm. They get to indulge in health problems which affect their thought process as well. They may be more likely to do risky things as theft, murder, unsafe sex, and dangerous driving.
Affect of racial discrimination – This cause is the hindrance of academic success when they do not get social acceptance. The children who persecuted racial discrimination leave school before graduation which bounds their accomplishments for personal growth and employment. And further, that creates health problems as they strive for food and survival.
Homelessness – Children are divested into shelters as increasing rent and housing shortage because of discrimination in skin color. A large number of homeless youths is LGBT according to the University of California.
Now this pandemic covid-19, Hispanics and black children to rural areas are appearing at the worst. They are struggling for food, prevention from covid-19, and paying bills and rent as they have lost their opportunities of daily wages. They are experiencing traumatized life.
Every child should grow up safe, supported, and protected. Ensure every child that he or she is special and loving by communities. They should be grown up in a fearless environment so that they can create a non-violent country.
