OPINION:
The news laments the depressing details of COVID-19 every day. I am not an expert immunologist, but this is my perspective as a teen. When schools first closed, we teens were excited: We could now sleep in, go to class in our pajamas and have breakfast in bed. However, these brief moments of enjoyment have now turned into the dread of being locked at home all day.
This pandemic has been challenging for teenagers. We are missing out on prom, sporting events and graduation. Schoolwork only takes a few hours, so the rest of our day is spent doing other activities. Our parents are working and our friends are far away. Zoom calls and FaceTime bring us momentary interactions, but they cannot replace the interpersonal connections that we cherish. Hence, one feeling that resonates with almost every teen these days is boredom.
If you are a teen, it’s okay to be a little bored, but find a healthy coping mechanism. If you are a parent, try to brighten your teen’s day: Talk to them and see what you can do. Try cooking together or going out for a quick jog. Showing that you care makes a big difference during these tough times.
WESLEY PENG
Scottsdale, Ariz.
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