If you want to know what’s happening with West Michigan’s youth, ask them.
“A lot of my friends vape; a lot of my friends use marijuana. They drink and party.”
In recorded interviews shared at the conference, teens revealed their views on the issues they face, then a live panel of experts weighed in.
“It’s not all better ya’ll. It’s sad the mental health - I don’t want to say ‘crisis’ -but it’s sad how bad it is.”
Dr. Lisa Lowery specializes in young adult and pediatric medicine at Corewell Health and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, addressing how educators, healthcare workers, advocates and families can support youth by understanding their challenges, in dating for example.
”They’re having these experiences in front of and among everyone.We dated and if we broke up, it just happened at school.They date and break up, it’s on Insta instantly.”
Teens discussed artificial intelligence – a helpful tool and a big concern. common.
”Replacing creativity or originality in teenagers, especially exposure to it at a young age can make kids reliant on it for original ideas or for therapy.”
Michigan State Police Detective Lieutenant Chris Prevette specializes in cybercrime, discussing online dangers and safety.
Prevette says he’s optimistic about the future.
“I think this generation that’s experiencing these challenges themselves, when they become parents and see how it affected them directly, we’re going to see a really big change. Things ebb and flow. I think we’ll be ok.”
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