High school sports can boost teens' confidence, mental health, and academic drive — but also bring challenges like time pressure and self-comparison. Students and educators at Loy Norrix High School share candid insights into the rewards and struggles of being a student-athlete.
Social media plays a powerful role in the lives of teens, shaping their self-image, communication habits, and daily routines. While students recognize both the positive and negative impacts, many admit that constant exposure to online content affects how they see themselves and interact with the world.
The recent death of Sam Nordquist, a transgender 24-year-old, has called attention to a rise in violence and discrimination against transgender youth. Many are addressing this issue, but also say much still needs to be done to protect trans youth.
A Voices of Youth writer delves into how teens can best help comfort friends in crisis. Experts stress the importance of sincere support, open dialogue, and knowing when to guide someone toward professionals.
Voices of Youth's Braylon Youker gets a firsthand look inside KRESA's $100 million state-of-the-art Career Connect Campus. "I can’t wait to see [the students’] eyes light up," says Eric Stewart, Asst. Superintendent. "We’ve built this for them.”
This Voices of Youth commentary looks at how social media is fueling divides within the Democratic Party and argues that progressives can find strength in their differences by focusing on shared values and community-based action.
This Voices of Youth story focuses on teenagers' experiences with racism in their schools, describing the casual use of slurs and stereotypes as both painful and normalized among peers trying to fit in. While some youth express hope for change, others feel racism has become more insidious and less overt.
New rules prohibiting cell phones and hoodies at Kalamazoo Public Schools have some students wondering why. Voices of Youth's Braylon Youker speaks with students and KPS Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade to find out more.
With a year under his belt, Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade has instituted some stricter student conduct rules and is pleased with the success. But he says there's still a ways to go.
Voices of Youth Sophie Baldwin speaks with Doug McLaughlin, executive director of Kalamazoo Watershed Council, to learn more about the pollutants in the Kalamazoo River and what impacts they have.
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