Ericka Andersen: Teens in crisis

NICK EICHER, HOST: Today is Wednesday, April 23rd. Good morning! This is The World and Everything in It from listener-supported WORLD Radio. I’m Nick Eicher.

LINDSAY MAST, HOST: And I’m Lindsay Mast. WORLD Opinions contributor Ericka Andersen says many teens are quietly struggling—and grownups in their lives have a role to play in helping them heal.

ERICKA ANDERSEN: Recent CDC reports reveal that 40% of American teens report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The World Health Organization says suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 29-year-olds. Lingering consequences from onerous pandemic policies and increased use of technology have exacerbated both of these issues. 

Despite five years’ distance from the pandemic, faith-based communities have yet to regain their pre-pandemic attendance levels or participation. And kids have hardly recovered from the full consequences of what lockdowns did to them—but undoing the damage isn’t easy, and some consequences may be lifelong.

Last year the Northwest Evaluation Association said that at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, they thought the “worst” of pandemic consequences was behind them. Unfortunately, their research shows the opposite is true.

Lower grades, less churchgoing, lack of confidence, and social struggles due to developmental losses—it is the perfect storm to brew hopelessness. 

Fewer attend youth groups now—and the impact is evident—but the downturn in attendance isn’t unfounded. Springtide research reported that just 10% of young people say a faith leader reached out to them personally in the first year of the pandemic. That gutting reality demonstrates how deeply we failed young believers during this time. This disconnection is devastating.

We can’t underestimate the importance of a diverse set of Christian adults who can pour into teens. Still, it remains difficult for churches to recruit volunteers for youth ministry. In a young Christian’s most formative time, the church family must step into this critical role. 

We’ll be digging out of pandemic setbacks for years, but we know one thing for certain: Data shows one of the best ways to combat depression and anxiety is religion. A Boston Globe survey found that “religious conservative” teens are by far the least likely to experience mental health problems. Secular liberal teens are most vulnerable to them. This is one reason more teens need to be in church—not only because they need the saving grace of Jesus but also to be surrounded by loving adults who can mentor, minister, and disciple them.

A change in youth ministry approach could help with this. National Next Gen Director Shane Pruitt told me that a church-integrated and intergenerational approach is key. And it actually seems to be what many teens are craving: a more intentional, level-headed relationship with fellow Christians of all ages. 

By intentionally connecting youth with other adults, we could change their trajectory. We need to capture them before they are lost to the post-Christian culture overtaking the country. Many kids who used to come to church once a month are scaling back to only Easter and Christmas. Similar trends exist for adults. Teen girls are particularly affected by the mental health declines and loss of religious community. 

The church has a big job ahead. Parents, who have the greatest influence on a child’s faith formation, have an even bigger one. But if we can advocate for the benefits of strong faith communities and convince families that Christian fellowship is a real remedy for mental health woes, we can turn things around with the Lord’s help. 

Our teens are in crisis. Our churches are one of the most powerful ways to help draw them out of it. It’s not an easy task, but it’s important for Christians to get busy connecting with teens and helping them see that God is relevant to their lives exactly where they are. 

I’m Ericka Andersen.

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