Generational Poison

            Generational Poison 

The Great Rewiring of Tomorrow’s World

By Coach Frank Sagasta 2024 

What on earth happened to my kid(s)?  What on earth happened to my students?  What on earth happened to the teens in the early 2010s?  We must figure out who is suffering from what, beginning when, and how to fix it.  We must also understand that if there’s any blame, it starts in the home—And to actually answer these questions above, we must internalize the important clues that we have all witnessed throughout the year since our smartphones debut and the apps that followed. 

We “ALL” live in an era where the buzz of smartphones is as constant as the passing of time, effort, energy, and opportunity.  However, understanding the impact of these devices on our mental health is more crucial than ever.  In the last few years—I have been observing, researching, and learning there’s been more and more concern that excessive or improper use of smartphones can harm mental health, especially, on those young minds that are still developing. 

If you get the chance I recommend visiting: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health

This blog is not just for parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, counselors, or others who care about children.  It is for everyone that would like to understand.  It is for those wanting to understand and/or looking for something different than the same FUCK’N answers the others have been given them!  And let me tell you, numerous studies and reports have highlighted concerns about the potential mental health effects associated with prolonged smartphone usage.  Of course, particularly when it involves engagement with social media platforms.  Even the surgeon general issued an advisory, in January 2024, about the concerning effects of social media on the mental health of young people.  

In fact, if you can all remember, parents or guardians who attended the hearing rose and held up pictures of their children or grandchildren. Mark Zuckerberg stood as well, turning away from his microphone and the senators to address them directly. Yes, Mr. Zuckerberg said, “I’m sorry for everything you have all been through. No one should go through the things that your families have suffered,” he said, adding that Meta continues to invest and work on “industry-wide efforts” to protect children.  

If you want to see more here’s the link: 

https://youtu.be/8yIsjUXk7AQ?si=nR31_bhzv3ZUa_So

So, what effects have been happening since the introduction of stupid phones?  My ten years of research and studying include increased anxiety, depression, feelings of loneliness, self-harm, suicide, and drug addiction, especially among younger users.  So, what are the answers to this crisis? 

Navigating the complexities of mental health in our society can be challenging. However, no one understands this more than those who have already gone through those stages or experiences. Always remember that you are not alone on this journey. As for me, church, books, videos on relatable content, motivational stories, and blogs have served as beacons of hope and action. 

One of the greatest lessons I learned is to be consistent with your self-care—be stingy with your time management and always look for ways to improve yourself.  From time to time revisit your approach on mental health.  Your well-being as physical health, mental health, and spiritual health are vitally important.  Especially, in our increasingly digital world, podcasts, videos, books, and blogs have become a valuable resource for support, information, and community.  Any platform that is dedicated to sharing insights, strategies, methods, or advice can help to break down the stigma around psychological health issues.  

I appreciate each of you for reading and sharing.  I know that I have a unique blend of experience and perspective on mental health.  I love psychology, sociology, and leadership because I work with people of all backgrounds, cultures, intelligence, and levels of age.  Understanding plays a huge part in fixing the problems or concerns with our mental health in young people.  

I have added five techniques for improving mental well-being.  But first and foremost, we must understand something—I am not a psychologist or licensed psychiatrist or therapist.  I am a husband, father, teacher, and lifelong learner.  

1) Pay Attention: If a child has a fever or a persistent cough, parents or guardians react — they pay attention and reach out for help. 

2) Listen & Observe: It is super easy to be overwhelmed by your own day and lose connection with our children, especially our teens.  Whether it's family dinner, family game night with friends, talking on the ride to school, or a nightly check-in before bed, having regular times to talk and listen plays a huge role.

3) Time-Management: We all need this, and children/teens particularly need it.  Having an understanding of expectations on scheduled time to be on their devices.  Family time is family memories don’t waste it on social interaction or distractions. 

4) Exercise: We all need this, and I mean “ALL” need this more than any time on earth.  It’s well known that regular exercise has numerous positive health outcomes for the body, mind, and soul such as strengthening the muscles, bones, heart, and lungs and helping to prevent certain diseases or illnesses.  

5) Meditation: From ten years of experience.  Meditating has beneficial habits and feelings; such as a positive attitude, positive mood and optimistic outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns, and more. 

Remember, with consistency and self-discipline, you can be the change you want to see in this world.  

Resources: 

ISBN: 978-0-593-65503-0

ISBN: 978-0-7352-2489-6

ISBN: 978-1-5011-5198-9  

https://youtu.be/8yIsjUXk7AQ?si=nR31_bhzv3ZUa_So

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health

With gratitude,

Coach Frank Sagasta 

Arizona Professional Skills Professor 

Leadership Specialists