People of lesser means have few food buying choices where they live, while supermarkets seem to crop up where markets already thrive. Can we change that? Photo illustration by News Decoder. This article, by high school student Aiden Huber, was produced out of News...
Few countries have policies on sex education. In the United States, policies vary from state to state and might depend on whether a school is public or private. Books used to teach sex education. Credit: Sara Kane. This article, by high school student Sara Kane, was...
There are health benefits to an active lifestyle. But if you like to sit in the stands or watch from the sofa, perhaps a different kind of workout takes place. A man watches a football game on television. (Credit: Tarik Kızılkaya Getty Images Signature) This article,...
Anxiety about the fate of the planet is harming the mental health of young people. Can we help them funnel their frustration into a force for change? Climate change activist holding a banner with the message, “The world is dying and so are we,” 24...
In a prime example of a student-produced piece, high school student Kendal Andress from the Tatnall School in Delaware discusses solution-focused climate action in response to rising eco-anxiety among young people. With sources ranging from UNICEF to interviews with NGO founders and local leaders, this article highlights News Decoder’s mission to amplify youth voices.
Exercise: Prepare four large pieces of butcher paper. Label the sheets: individual action, local action (city/state/province), national action, international action. Have your class read the article, then divide students into four groups. Each group will begin with one sheet and write down ways in which people can act to fight climate change at the level written on their paper. After 10-15 minutes, have students pass the paper along, so another group can add to their responses. Continue until all groups have contributed to all four sheets of paper and discussed action at all four levels. (Activity can also be done through a shared Google Slide deck).
Though girls in different countries wear different clothes and follow different customs, in many ways they share the same thoughts and speak the same language. Teens in Girls Across Borders Zoom together. Photo illustration. This article, by high school student Ama...
With classes, homework, sports and other extracurricular activities, some students have difficulty fitting sleep into their hectic schedule. Nicole Ransome works on homework. Credit: Sabria Streett This article, by high school student Sabria Streett, was produced out...
The Ukraine war has caused energy prices to skyrocket across Europe. In France, if costs don’t decrease soon, some bakers might have to say adieu! Baguettes in a boulangerie in Rennes, France. Credit: Clover Choi This article, by high school student Clover...
In-person classes have resumed at most schools. Covid infections have leveled off. But teachers are exhausted and increasing numbers are heading out. Masked and distanced, Lindsay McConnel helps a high school student at the Tatnall School. (Credit: Kate McConnel)...
Social media can harm a young person’s mental health. Can youth be taught to use the platforms responsibly and avoid excessive consumption? Teenage girl under pressure to achieve (Ikon Images via AP Images) This article, by high school student Maria Ermanni,...
While there are positive aspects to social media platforms, they can also pose mental health risks. There is the fear of missing out and pressure to become more beautiful, slimmer, cooler and sportier. Student Maria Ermanni of Realgymnasium Rämibühl in Zürich talked to an expert about the positives and negatives of social media for teens and reached the conclusion that while social platforms have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, the responsibility for safe media use lies with the user.
Exercise: Have students write a paragraph that describes their best and worst experience with social media. Then ask them to consider whether they think that there should be limits on what people can post and share on social media, and if yes, what those limits should be. Ultimately, do they think that the benefits of social media outweigh the negative toll it has taken on the mental health of young people?
I often wondered what it meant to be a ‘winner.’ Now I know a winner sees a problem and, with teamwork, finds solutions. The author receiving an award for placing 5th in Orator of the Year competition at her school. This article, by high school student...