In the Bay Area, there’s an unmistakable fervor surrounding education. While there’s no denying the importance of education, the extreme emphasis on being a high-achieving student often comes at a significant cost – the neglect of crucial life skills and social development. Parents and students alike get caught up in a narrative that demands teenagers get an edge on their peers.
“The amount of workload that teens are carrying is unbelievable, and they really get locked into a story about success — I need to get certain grades, I need to get into a certain school that gets me into a certain job. The unspoken end point of that is then I’ll be happy,” said Dr. Sanno Zack, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford Children’s Health, in an interview with NBC Bay Area. “[Their thoughts] become so future-oriented there isn’t the opportunity to be in life now, to be enjoying what’s here right now.”
Worse than that, student’s self-reported rates of anxiety and depression continue to rise as pressures mount. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Excessive academic pressure is bound to lead to emotional changes in teenagers, which will easily lead to mental illness such as depression in the long run.” It’s time to rethink our priorities and question the conventional wisdom that places academic prowess above all else.
Teenagers who spend their time solely focused on building an impressive resume miss out on the opportunity to discover other interests and build friendships. While such dedication may yield academic accolades, it often comes at the expense of social skills and genuine human connection. Playing sports, working a part-time job, and enjoying a social life provide opportunities to solve problems and navigate relationships with people in ways that can only be experienced, not taught.
The Bay Area’s emphasis on education is commendable but should not come at the cost of essential life skills, social development, and teens’ mental well-being. The celebration of a one-dimensional path to success must be reevaluated, and our education system and society should prioritize the growth of well-rounded individuals who are not only academically accomplished but also equipped with the skills and experiences to navigate the complexities of life successfully.
*This editorial reflects the views of the Scot Scoop Editorial Board and was written by Charlotte Gordon.
The Editorial Board voted 9 in agreement, 2 somewhat in agreement, and 6 refrained from voting.
