CCC 27-1_LR

NEWS & NOTES

QUIET PUBLIC SCHOOL RISK Psychology Today conducted a study with high school graduates in 2023 that uncovered 11.7% reported experiencing “at least one form of educator sexual misconduct between kindergarten and 12th grade,” many of which were unre ported. Of those that were reported, few resulted in disciplinary action. 7 PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR POLYGAMY GROWS According to a Gallup poll, only 11% of U.S. adults believe married men and women having an affair is morally ac ceptable behavior, but 23% find polyga my acceptable. Since Gallup originally asked about the practice of polygamy in 2003, when only 7% believed it was acceptable vs. 92% who thought it was immoral, support has more than tri pled. Polygamy remains uncommon in the U.S. and worldwide, even with the increase in approval and media accep tance. Pew Research reports that “only about 2% of the global population and less than 0.5% of Americans live in po lygamous households.” 8 PERFECTIONISM IS NOT SO PERFECT Rates of perfectionism among college students have been steadily rising since the 1980s, especially since 2000, accord ing to results of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. Increased parental pressure and the social media culture seem to encourage people to continu ously compare themselves, which tends to push this upswing. If these unrealistic standards are not met, perfectionism can rapidly trigger anxiety and depres sion. It can be paralyzing and hard to get anything done when the result needs to be perfect. Perfectionism is a cycle, and parents tend to pass it on to their kids based on several studies. Picking up new hobbies is one recommended way to break the cycle and mindset of perfec tionism. Studies show that struggles, and even failures, can help conquer fear and enhance creativity. Additionally, becom ing comfortable with failure communi cates to the brain that imperfection is acceptable. 9

virtual relationships. … We have destigmatized mental health in ways that are good, but we have almost glamorized certain mental health ways that make young people want a diagnosis. … in an attempt to make sure we don’t ignore a child’s struggles, adults may inadvertently be encouraging children to fixate on them which could make things worse. … if children receive special attention for having a mental health challenge, we inadvertently encourage children to have them, or at least claim to.” Backholm further states, “Mental health challenges are real, but they are also invisible, which makes diagnosing them more difficult and more susceptible to cultural and personal factors rather than scientific ones.” 5 THE DAMAGE IS MORE THAN SKIN-DEEP Younger kids are increasingly using today’s beauty store products. Dermatol ogists are reporting girls as young as eight years old being treated for rashes, chemical burns, and other allergic reactions from using products not intend ed for their sensitive skin. Dermatologist, Dr. Brooke Jeffy, said, “When kids use anti-aging skin care, they can actually cause premature aging, destroy the skin barrier and lead to permanent scarring.” However, in addition to the physical damage, the effects on girls’ mental health are a primary concern for parents and child psychologists. There is extensive data that indicates a fixation on physical appearance also dramatically jeopardizes positive men tal health, which can have a profound effect on self-esteem and body image, as well as cause anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Today’s social me dia plays a considerable role in the lives of today’s youth and can influence their principles and confidence, especially in young girls. 6

36 Christian Counseling Connection