Written by Naomi Nye, Family Coach
Naomi specializes in helping teens tackle negative behavioral patterns, addictions, anxiety and depression. Her passion for youth and family well-being led her to establish Teen Rockstar Entrepreneur, offering vital life skills for success. Alongside this initiative, she organizes community events & hosts the Teen Rockstar Entrepreneur podcast.
Purpose and activism have become two dominant forces shaping today’s youth. Yet, when activism is focused solely on social justice ideals without a grounding sense of personal direction, the effects can be disorienting and even damaging. Many teens today are swept into causes that resonate deeply but lack the clarity of purpose or balanced perspective necessary to fully understand them. This isn’t to diminish the value of activism. It can be an incredible force for good. However, without a strong sense of self and purpose, social justice can lead to polarization, confusion, and an unbalanced outlook on life and relationships.
In this article, we’ll explore the role of purpose in teen development and how it contrasts with and even complements the world of activism. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, setting goals, and developing a sense of personal direction, teens can approach activism with a clearer mind and a genuine drive to make a meaningful impact. Join us as we delve into how parents can guide their children in discovering their unique purpose, strengthening their mental resilience, and ensuring that their passions are rooted in personal growth as much as they are in social change.
Lack of meaning, activism & purpose
The pursuit of purpose is not just a desirable goal but a psychological and developmental necessity for young people. Activism offers an immediate outlet for this need, providing teens with a sense of belonging and a platform for self-expression. However, while these movements may provide temporary meaning, they can’t fulfill the deeper need for a strong, internal sense of purpose. This is where adult guidance becomes crucial.
It is vital for parents, educators, and mentors to help teens navigate their journey toward purpose in a way that transcends the immediacy of activism. By fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, we can help them find a sense of purpose that isn't dependent on external movements. This means taking the time to explore questions like: What are their natural strengths? What passions do they want to cultivate? How do they want to contribute to the world in a way that aligns with their core values?
We must also recognize that the brain's natural development during adolescence makes teens more vulnerable to impulsive decision-making. Without proper guidance, this can lead them to get involved in movements that might not serve their long-term interests or, worse, movements that promote division rather than unity. This is why it is essential to instill critical thinking skills in young people to equip them with the ability to discern facts from ideology and to choose causes that truly align with their values and beliefs rather than following the crowd.
The next section of this article will dive deeper into how parents and educators can support teens in cultivating purpose while steering clear of the distractions that often accompany adolescent activism. We will also explore the roots of social justice movements, providing both parents and youth with a more informed understanding of these causes. By examining where these ideologies come from and how they have evolved, we can equip teens with the critical thinking tools they need to engage thoughtfully with activism and align their efforts with their values. Moreover, we will see how purpose not only brings personal fulfillment but can also create a ripple effect, positively impacting communities, relationships, and broader societal issues.
So, what is ‘social justice’?
At its core, social justice is the belief that every individual in society deserves equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources. It is often said that social justice teaching helps educators recognize students for who they truly are. The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Learning for Justice initiative has developed a set of standards for K-12 educators to instill these values. These guidelines include anchor standards, grade-level outcomes, and scenarios demonstrating anti-bias behavior in the classroom, aiming to help students embrace their identities, challenge bias, and foster respect for different backgrounds.
That sounds great, but in reality, educators are taught to reflect on their own biases, as we are told that living in the U.S., a country founded on white supremacy, inevitably creates prejudices. While some argue that acknowledging these biases makes teachers better equipped to promote equality, this approach has proven divisive. By focusing on one narrative that white supremacy permeates society, social justice movements often polarize discussions. As noted in Psychology Today, finding a balance between social justice and social order is crucial, as unchecked, these ideologies can drive societies toward deeper division. The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals that Western societies, including the U.S., UK, France, and others, are facing increasing polarization.
Racism undeniably persists, and we all hope for a future where it is eradicated. However, progress has been made: the election of a Black president, increased interracial marriage rates, and public approval of such unions reaching 94% are testaments to this. Yet, social justice activists suggest that racism remains omnipresent, lurking within society's structures. Some argue that in efforts to combat historical injustices, the pendulum has swung too far, promoting practices that divide rather than unite. Safe spaces excluding certain racial groups and an overemphasis on identity politics dismantle the very principles that figures like Martin Luther King Jr. fought for.
The challenge with social justice lies in its tendency to address historical inequities by scapegoating other groups, often creating new forms of discrimination. Reverse racism, divisive DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives, and training are costing millions of taxpayer dollars while fostering more division. DEI practices, along with this polarized interpretation of social justice, have led to greater societal fragmentation.
For adults with fully developed brains and life experiences, it is possible to navigate these complex ideologies. But for children, whose critical thinking abilities are still developing, the impact can be deeply unsettling. Parents across the nation have voiced concerns about their young white children coming home in tears, feeling guilty or ashamed after being told they are inherently racist or oppressive. Discussing historical injustices in a thoughtful way that promotes learning from past mistakes is one thing, but placing the weight of ancestral wrongdoing on children is quite another. How can we encourage students to embrace their identities and reject bias while also creating narratives that divide and alienate?
What are the ‘social justice’ roots?
The roots of social justice, critical race theory, and intersectionality trace back to the Frankfurt School in the 1930s, a Marxist project designed to reinterpret Karl Marx’s vision of revolution. Marx expected that the working class would naturally rise up against capitalism, but theorists like Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno realized that workers were generally content and did not recognize their oppression. Thus, they shifted their focus from understanding the world (the role of theory) to critiquing and deconstructing it (the role of critical theory). This approach was a direct call for revolution not just of government systems but societal norms themselves.
Consider recent examples, such as a public school district in Evanston, Illinois, which held a "Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action." Children as young as four were exposed to race-related content like Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness, which suggests that whiteness comes with privileges tied to stolen land and wealth. These teachings can leave all children, regardless of race, feeling powerless or guilty for circumstances they did not create.
Social justice or social order?
Social justice teachings, particularly from a critical theory perspective, often focus on power dynamics, framing freedom in terms of power and influence, while those advocating for social order understand freedom through options and opportunities. These contrasting views create division, envy, and ongoing grievance. Youth, already grappling with insecurity and comparison, now face an additional burden: the notion that their identity is the source of societal problems.
So, why do so many educators, politicians, and celebrities champion social justice? Many may not fully understand its historical roots or broader implications. Like many, I was once swept up in the ideals of the Black Lives Matter movement and the allure of socialism without having thoroughly explored the history of figures like Karl Marx, Francisco Franco, Adolf Hitler, Mao, Fidel Castro, Maduro and others. This lack of context leaves many vulnerable to ideologies that seem just on the surface but may cause more harm than good in the long run.
Do children need to be taught social justice or purpose?
The truth is that children need purpose and direction in their lives. When taught to focus on their skills, talents, and contributions rather than the perceived injustices they face, they can make decisions that lead to fulfillment and success. This sense of purpose, rather than an ideology that divides them, is what will ultimately bring them hope for the future.
The importance of having a clear purpose in life, especially for teens, cannot be overstated. Purpose gives young people direction and motivation, helping them focus on long-term goals instead of short-term distractions like excessive gaming, social media, or other unhealthy habits such as drug and porn addiction. These behaviors often arise when teens feel aimless, and when there's a void where purpose and ambition should be, it's easy to fill that space with activities that offer instant gratification but little lasting fulfillment. This can lead to feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, and the belief that they don’t have anything to look forward to.
Purpose: The antidote to meaninglessness
Teens, more than ever, need a reason to engage in life meaningfully. Studies show that teens with a clear sense of purpose experience better mental health, are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, and develop resilience when faced with challenges. Purpose helps young people build self-esteem, encouraging them to see the bigger picture and motivating them to overcome obstacles. It gives them something to wake up for and work toward, which combats feelings of worthlessness and demotivation.
Without this purpose, teens are more likely to drift through life, filling their time with purposeless activities such as binge-watching TV or playing video games for hours on end. While recreational activities in moderation can be a healthy form of relaxation, using them to escape life’s realities often leads to feelings of stagnation and wasted potential.
How parents can help teens find purpose
Parents, you can play a pivotal role in helping their teens find their purpose. Here's how you can guide your children in discovering their talents and setting goals:
1. Observe strengths and interests
Start by observing what your children naturally gravitate toward. Are they drawn to sports, writing, problem-solving, music, or social causes? Recognizing these strengths early can give teens a sense of what they’re good at and where they might excel. By acknowledging and encouraging these talents, parents can help teens build a foundation of confidence in their abilities.
2. Encourage exploration
Teens may not know what they are passionate about until they have the opportunity to explore different activities. Encourage them to try new things, from art and science clubs to volunteer work or entrepreneurial projects. The more they experiment, the more likely they are to find something that resonates with them. This exploration also helps them figure out what they are not good at, which can be equally important for growth.
3. Help set meaningful goals
Teens need to see the connection between their current efforts and long-term rewards. Help them set small, achievable goals that align with their strengths and interests. For instance, if a teen enjoys music, set a goal to practice an instrument for a certain number of hours each week. If they are passionate about social issues, help them set a goal to volunteer or start a community project. These goals should be broken down into smaller tasks so that the teen feels a sense of accomplishment along the way, which fuels further motivation.
4. Teach the value of improvement
While teens should focus on their strengths, they should also be encouraged to work on areas where they might not naturally excel. Failure and struggle are valuable experiences that build resilience. By teaching teens to view challenges as opportunities to improve, you can help them develop a growth mindset the belief that abilities can be developed through effort. This mindset is crucial for long-term success and fulfillment.
5. Model purposeful living
Teens often model their behavior after their parents. If parents live with a sense of purpose, whether through their careers, hobbies, or volunteer work, teens are more likely to adopt similar attitudes. Share stories with your children about times when you’ve worked toward a goal or faced challenges. Let them see the value of persistence and hard work.
6. Create a supportive environment
Provide an environment that encourages creativity, self-expression, and learning. This includes offering emotional support and guidance while allowing teens the space to make their own decisions and experience the consequences of their actions. Mistakes and setbacks are part of the journey toward discovering purpose.
7. Foster meaningful connections
A sense of purpose is often linked to helping others or being part of a larger community. Encourage your teen to connect with mentors, peers, or groups that share their interests. These connections can offer valuable feedback, encouragement, and perspective, helping teens see how their efforts can contribute to something bigger than themselves.
By helping teens develop a sense of purpose, you, the parents, can not only steer them away from harmful distractions but also give them the tools to live more fulfilling, motivated lives.
Purpose is the anchor that keeps teens grounded amid the many challenges they face, and it gives them the clarity and courage to pursue their dreams with confidence.
"If there are areas in your life or your teen's life that feel challenging or in need of improvement, and you're unsure of how to create meaningful change, I’m offering a complimentary 30-minute breakthrough session for the month of November. This session is a chance to gain clarity and practical insights on any issues that may be troubling you. Book now to start making progress toward the growth and solutions you're looking for."
Read more from Naomi Nye
Naomi Nye, Family Coach
Naomi Nye is a leading authority in personal development, specializing as a family coach for mothers and youth seeking guidance when their teens are grappling with life pressures, addiction, or impulsive behavior. Inspired by her own challenging upbringing and subsequent journey of healing, Naomi recognized the crucial importance of coping skills in navigating life's adversities. Motivated by this insight, she founded the Teen Rockstar Entrepreneur Organization and Foundation, where she serves as CEO, alongside hosting the Teen Rockstar Entrepreneur Podcast.
