A recent letter writer said they feel the epidemic of teen depression is because too much is expected of teens. I disagree. I do not think more is expected than was 20 years ago of the same age group. I used to work in middle schools. Many teens reported spending 8 to 10 hours per day on entertainment. Watching short videos. Playing video games. A meaningful life cannot be built on being entertained. The teens who had more challenges in their lives, playing sports or taking part in school dramas (school plays can be really complex, almost professional), even hunting with Dad, were less depressed.
Ruth Witty
Greenfield