The world is changing very fast and it will be very different post the pandemic time. Our society and our culture have been changing in a rapid manner. Today, it is completely different from how it was a few decades ago. The problems faced by our grandparents when they were young were not the same as experienced by our parents in their youth. The same is true for this generation of young people today. One observation has been that many of these challenges are related to the socio-cultural environment around them in the present times. Let us analyse some of the pressing challenges that our youth is facing today.

Unemployment

This has been an ongoing challenge of the youth! As per the results of a youth survey conducted among the age group of 15–34-year-olds in 2016 about their most persisting problems, majority of the respondents believed unemployment was one of the biggest problems faced by the country's youth. Even getting a good technical/management degree is not sufficient today to get a decent job. Some populations of the youth are engaged in doing menial jobs to feed their families even after being literate and qualified. This is the harsh reality of today's time.

Depression

Many of the young are suffering from some kind of depression these days. Be it because of social, parental or educational pressures. More and more youth are becoming the victim of depression.

Spending too much time on electronic devices may be preventing young people from in-person activities with their peers and friends such as sports, which can help ward off depression. They also experience new conditions like "fear of missing out" or FOMO, which further leads to feelings of loneliness and isolation. To overcome this depression, they should seek professional help. But the big question is; Do they realise they are suffering from depression? Has anyone in their family or friend circle noticed any such symptoms and offered any kind of help to them? Often the victim is not aware that he or she is suffering from depression and that is a sad thing.

Bullying

Bullying in various forms has been around for decades and has impacted many lives of young innocents. The rise of social media has helped increase awareness against bullying but the same social media which is also responsible to a great extent in the rise in bullying in digital form (trolling and abusing). In fact, it is due to the growth in our usage of technology that cyber-bullying came into being and has taken over as a primary means of harassment. Bullying eventually leads to depression in the young generation and it becomes difficult for them to socialize and affects their mental health. The society should come together to prevent use of social media as a bullying platform against the youth who are always eager to share their views and innovative ideas.

Substance Use

One thing that our youth has picked up fast is the use of abusive (curse) language and usage of substance abuse. Our social mediums have made it look cool to use both- curse language and getting drunk or usage of drugs.  It starts with a cigarette or a pint beer and ends up in an extreme state of substance abuse. The result; poor academics, violent behaviour, anti-social activities, drunk driving, and other criminal activities. Unfortunately, it is often underestimated how easy it is to develop an addiction. Again, the youth need help and direction and the society as a whole need to come together to help them out.

Academic Issues

A good academic background often plays an important role a stepping stone for a great career. With too many options available our youth seem to be lost or disoriented. A high level of drop out from school/college is also a big concern. It has also been observed that many students are involved in multiple activities in addition to their regular school and college education. It creates an unhealthy competitive environment where each student wants to outshine in each and every form of education- studies/sports/arts & dramatics/latest in technology etc. This creates extra pressure on them during the exam time. This is what is also known as the Peer Pressure where the youth is guided as per the norms set out by his or her peer circle which my include activities, like doing drugs, alcohol intake, having premature sexual relationships, and sharing explicit personal images or information on social media.

How can the Youth be helped?

Listen to them!

Yes, giving them a patient and attentive hearing could be a starting point. It will help them to open up and share their dilemmas and other personal issues. They may also share their disliking and what they are not interested in.

Now, who will listen to them?

The parents, teachers and the elderly siblings or family members can play an important role. Of course, they all have to be non-judgemental in the entire process.

Here, a Coach can also play a vital role for the betterment of the youth. The Coach as it is would be un-biased in his/her approach and at the same time would try to help the youth in finding a direction in realising their dreams and goals. of the youth.

A Coach understands that the youths are not only capable but also resourceful within themselves. He will help them in discovering their dreams and goals and will provide clarity by asking them to explore more into it by doing a deep dive. The coach will help them to explore and generate strategies and plans to execute these goals by giving them full responsibility and accountability. He will provide them a supportive and motivating environment to explore what they want in life and how they might achieve those aspirations and fulfil their needs.