All is not Lost – Trying to understand and Supporting the Minds of Young People Today – A reflection by Revd. Mark James
In recent days, the BBC drama Adolescence has brought national attention to the emotional and digital landscape many teenagers now navigate. It was compelling, at times uncomfortable, to look at the struggles of young people, particularly boys, grappling with anxiety, isolation, and online influence. The response from parents and educators has been overwhelming. Questions are being asked, and rightly so. Who is shaping our children’s thinking? What content are they consuming? And how do we help them without alienating them? This is not a new concern, but the speed, scale, and subtleties of the online world have seemingly outpaced our systems of care and understanding. And yet, it is essential to begin from a place of balance: not all young people are lost, angry, or radicalised. Many are kind, thoughtful, and quietly navigating the same confusing world with wisdom and caution. Still, a growing number are not okay, and the signs are there if we are willing to look. Platforms l...