Are you looking for some examples of social issues faced by students today? These social issues impact the student’s physical and mental health and learning capabilities. Education systems and school environments are designed to bring success and betterment to individuals and societies. Unfortunately, various social issues are emerging within educational institutes, creating societal problems.
This world is a global village where social, economic and political problems emerge and affect the living of individuals. Racism, inequalities, and discrimination have been part of this universe for ages. However, students were kept safe from these social issues. Unfortunately, today, these social issues are attacked directly by students. An educational system is a learning ground for students; however, they face numerous social issues today.
Social Issues Examples
Here is a list of social issues examples that students face:
Social Issues Example: Religious Discrimination
Religious discrimination is a dominant social issue example faced by students globally. Students have to deal with this every day. Religious minorities face discrimination and develop low self-esteem and low grades. Discrimination is spreading a plague within society. Islamophobia is one of the most significant issues that Muslims face today.
Social Issues Examples: Racism
Likewise, religious discrimination and racial discrimination are other critical social issues faced by students. Students get racist comments from their peers primarily based on their skin color. Racism is not only limited to schools; racists make minorities’ lives miserable in schools, colleges, and even universities. Resolving this problem is the responsibility of every individual and society: tutors, teachers, parents, and educational support professionals. We need to condemn racism and teach students to respect all kinds of races.
Social Issues Example: Bullying
Bullying is a form of aggression that is faced by students over and over again. It starts in the later years of school and continues till adolescence. Bullying occurs mainly in cafeterias, hallways, washrooms, and other school settings. Bullying is a significant problem in schools that needs to be addressed by lawmakers, education systems, officials, teachers, and even parents. They should take immediate steps and educate students against bullying policies. Bullying results in suicidal cases, depression, anxiety, and some even drop out of school.
Social Issues Example: Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is becoming common in high schools, colleges, and universities. Students are getting influenced by certain influential personalities who are promoting them in the media, which results in substance abuse. Substance abuse includes drug consumption, smoking, drinking, narcotics, sedatives, and even diet pills. Students often undergo substance abuse to relieve peer pressure stress, academic stress, and other social issues. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the teachers and parents to overlook their behavioral patterns and identify any potential substance abuse. Moreover, they need to educate, guide, and teach students about substance abuse.
Social Issues Example: Depression And Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are some of the significant mental issues faced by students nowadays. Students who face depression experience low self-esteem and develop socially detached personalities, academic failures, and demotivation. Depression can be transferred genetically. However, peer pressure, family issues, and teen hormones are significant factors that are causing depression and anxiety among students. Mental illness is a severe problem that needs to be addressed and treated timely. Students with mental illness need to consult a therapist so they receive the proper support and treatment.
Social Issues Example: Obesity
If you are overweight or obese, life for you is a continuous struggle. You will be called names, you will be ridiculed for being overweight, and some may not even want to be your friend. Obese often experience bullying, and eventually, it leads to other social problems.
Social Issues Example: Student Gangs And Vandalism
Within certain institutes, student gangs are formed that result in fights and illicit drugs. These students develop criminal behavior, and they victimize other students. They may even damage the school property and put other students in danger. To address this issue, parents, teachers, school administration, school psychologists, and community workers should all act responsibly and overcome this challenge effectively. Not only should strict action be taken against student gangs, but they should also be appropriately guided.
Social Issues Example: Suicide
Students who express aggressively and engage themselves in risky activities can have the potential to have suicidal tendencies. Some children may even talk about death as a routine practice. Some are involved in substance abuse or experience eating and sleeping disorders. Others experience constant mood changes and may perform academically low. These are all warning signs that a child may experience.
In such cases, talk to the child and educate them about the positivity of life. A teacher and a parent can make a big difference in the attitude and approach of a child.
Social Issues Example: Dropout
Every year, countless students drop out of school either due to bullying or because they are weak financially. The incompetency continues; complete education may lead to further difficulties for these students. They may face difficulties in their practical lives, lose employment options, and, most importantly, their personal and social lives are destroyed.
Social Issues Example: Abortion
Abortion is another prevalent social issue faced by students globally. Even though abortion laws vary from countries, some countries have strict laws while others allow abortion. There is a continuous debate on abortion; it is a legal and ethical concern that affects women and the unborn child significantly.
Social Issues Example: Teen Pregnancy
Unplanned pregnancies among teenagers are increasing day by day. Teen mothers are greatly affected, and they suffer. They drop out of school and face financial issues and severe societal pressures. Moreover, if they have to take care of the babies, life becomes a living hell.
There is a crucial need to address this problem; parents must be emotionally attached to their teenage daughters. They need to understand their adolescents, provide them with age-appropriate information and play an important role in upbringing their daughters.
List Of Social Issue Examples Faced By Students Worldwide:
Some other Social Issue examples:
- Ethnicity
- Gender inequality
- Homelessness
- Unequal opportunities
- Negative peer pressure
- Crime rate
- Cyberbullying
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Poverty
- Child abuse
- Religion discrimination
- Hate speech
- Income inequality
- Noise pollution
- Prostitution
- Education disparity
- Cybersecurity threats
- Immigration policies
- Discrimination against disabled
- Police violence
- Sexual abuse and rape
- Corruption
- Unemployment
- Environmental pollution
- Climate change
- Mental health stigma
- Domestic violence
- Gender pay gap
- Pornography
- Diversity and inclusion
How To Resolve Social Issues
Look Out For Traits Of A Demotivated Child
Children who face social issues are mentally affected; thus, their behavioral pattern depicts their traits. So, if your child seems uninterested in meeting their friends or peers, is facing sleep disorders, lacks energy or enthusiasm, or feels irritated. Then, your child has the potential trait of being a social victim. Look into their physical changes; they may suddenly become thin or fat, losing or gaining their appetite.
If any traits occur, it’s time to get into action.
Analyze The Situation
A teacher, counselor, and parents are responsible for identifying significant issues a child may be experiencing. They should analyze the situation carefully, as socially affected children often act irrationally, which can result in self-harm.
Create Counselling Sessions
Different children experience different social issues and react differently. Some may be outspoken and may directly report a social issue. While, others may be introverts and they may keep things to themselves. Counseling sessions are productive measures for children and youth to speak out. The counselor should discuss the problem and make them feel safe, protected, and understood.
Talk About Social Issues
Once the child has expressed his emotions and difficulties, it’s time to help them face these social issues. Be proactive while dealing with them, explain how to deal with these issues, and share experiences to build confidence within them. Special training sessions like meditation classes and yoga may also help children face social issues like discrimination, child abuse, domestic violence, bullying, and others.
Deal With The Social Issue Problem
If a social issue arises within the school setting, the teachers can take strict action against the problem creators. Keep an eye on them, warn them, and assign certain representatives to monitor their behavior. A teacher can create a trustful and safe environment for students and are responsible for educating the children to deal with the problem. A good teacher or a mentor helps a child make a clear distinction between right and wrong and helps them think critically.
As a parent, if you discover changes in your child’s behavior, talk to your child, identify the reason, and communicate the issue to the school authorities. Teach your children to deal with problems and build confidence to face issues fearlessly.
Conclusion
These are some of the social issues faced by students worldwide. These social issues may result in chronic absenteeism, suspensions from school, low grades, and dropouts. Moreover, some may even result in criminal behaviors and suicidal attempts. So, to provide students with a secure future, we must address these social issues. It would not only help our children but benefit society as a whole.
