Issues faced by today's children

What are the five Issues children face today?

• Poverty
• Lack of support at home
• Bullying
• Technology
• Over-sized classrooms

POVERTY
According to the article communities in school in schools 1 in 5 students children live in poverty.
Poverty leads to students not having adequate classroom supplies, resources at home to assist with homework, lack of food and insufficient sleep due to home life.

LACK OF SUPPORT AT HOME
Many parents in today's world are working two or three jobs, leaving students at home with older or younger relatives and not receiving the necessary help to work through homework.

BULLYING
Bullying is not a new issue in schools, however with the added exposure of social media, bullying has become more harmful. Students no longer to have a reprieve of going home and having a break from bullies. Students are constantly having to endure demeaning and belittling messages on their social media accounts.

TECHNOLOGY

Many students have limited access to technology. The lack of technology may be due to school funding being reduced or parents who cannot provide access to technology. This prevents students from being to be competitive and keep up with the ever evolving world around us.

CLASS SIZE
In many cities across the US there are teacher shortages, preventing class sizes to be proportionate. In addition, the lack of school funding contributes to these large class sizes, which cause students to loss focus and not receive adequate teaching time.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

• Teachers establish a respectful classroom culture. Teach students what bullying is and what to do if they see it.
• In order for teachers to reduce the effect of poverty in the classroom, even the playing field by providing resources to students in class. Set high expectations for everyone.
• For parents who do not have access to technology ask teachers for alternative means, maybe printables. Also utilize your local library for technology or as an alternative.