1. Given the broad social factors listed in the book, provide specific stypes of stressors and strains adolescents face. How has technology played a role in some of these stressors?
   
   Frustration and negative stressors that are caused by the failure to achieve one's goals is commonly referred to as strain (Siegel & Welsh, 2016, p. 105). Strain comes from numerous different aspects, such as social issues, family issues, and issues that stem from abuse and neglect, just to name a few. Of these factors, Siegel and Welsh (2016) report on the general strain theory. This theory explains various methods on how strain is caused, such as failure in achieving positive goals (i.e., an assumption of wealth is viewed as impossible to achieve), when a positive valued stimuli is removed (i.e., the loss of a loved one or a separation of parents), or when there is a presentation of a negative stimuli (i.e., being a victim of abuse or failing in school) (Siegel & Welsh, 2016, p. 105).
   
   We live in a society where technology is continuously advancing and its availability is plentiful for most people. In a study regarding the effects of digital technology on adolescents, it is noted that thirty-one percent of US adolescents view the effects of the effects are positive, while twenty-four percent view the effects as mostly negative - approximately 45 percent had no particular view (Dienlin & Johannes, 2020, p. 137). In this same study referenced, Dienlin and Johannes (2020) claimed, "Those who considered the effects to be negative explained that social media increase the risks (i) bullying; (ii) neglecting face-to-face contacts; (iii)obtaining unrealistic impressions of other people's lives" (p. 137). These risk factors increase the strain on the youth of today, especially due tio the fact that it makes people's personal lives less private, as well as decreases social stability due to the fact that face-to-face contacts are less frequent.
   
2. What are some solutions you can offer victims of bullying?
   
   The effects of bullying can last a lifetime. Siegel and Welsh (2016) shared, "In the short term, victims of repeat bullying experience more physical and psychological problems than their peers" (pp. 250-251), further sharing, "In the long term, as adults, chronically victimized students may be at increased risk for depression, poor self-esteem, and mental health prblems, including schizophrenia" (p. 251). Because of both the short- and long-term effects that bullying can have, one of the biggest tools that we can have is simply to be aware. One of the best things we can do is to de-stigmatize bullying, letting victims know that it is okay to report. With this, there needs to be an emphasis on mental health resources, along with holding the offenders to a certain discipline standard. 

What are your thoughts?

Blessings!

Dienlin, T. & Johannes, N. (2020). The impact of digital technology use on adolescent well-being. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7366938/pdf/DialoguesClinNeurosci-22-135.pdf

Siegel L. J. & Welsh, B. C. (2016). Juvenile delinquency: the core. Cengage Learning.