In the News

August 6, 2009

Children of the Recession

School counselors are starting to see the impact of the recession in their students. The obvious and public face of the recession is seen with adults who’ve lost income or housing, but seldom do we hear or see the younger victims — the children who have been affected.

According to CBS News, more than 80 percent of teenagers are worried about the economy. This is manifesting itself in the expansion of “services” school counselors have been asked to provide. They have to step in and serve as social workers, as well as bankers and grocers, to meet any needs students may have outside of school.

Although the needs have always been present, schools have seen an increase this academic year in the number of requests. Student needs can range from the basics of food or housing, to finding a prom dress, to keep life somewhat normal. During this time of transition, school may provide the one stable part of many students’ lives; experts warn the long-term effects of the recession on teenagers could be “a lifelong sense of insecurity.”

Source: CBS News