Have you ever scrolled through reels, and saw posts about depression, stress, and problems? Or seen teenagers always questioning their self-worth and trying to fit in with their friends and classmates? A child’s life today is based all around trying not to feel left out and look ‘cool’. But we, the youth of 2026, don’t really know if being popular and being right is one path, or two separate ones. Some children’s minds are always restless and confused, trying to balance their studies, hobbies, family issues, and friendships. It’s all just a hazy scribble. Some chase the numbers, scrolling for hours trying to get likes, demolishing self-confidence and becoming deplorable, making them gauche and condone. And some go on wrong paths entirely. They do wrong things, from fervours told by friends, who get unnecessary information from social media which is meant from adults. Dreams of becoming a doctor, dancer, singer, scientist etc. have turned into mere chimeras. Sometimes, some kids who are good in studies rather thaThey feel kid platforms, toys are just too childish. Gaming has replaced sports, squandering time, and likes, subscribers and validation are some of the only ways to get self confidence. Some vehement kids think showing off problems online can make you look “cool”, and dress in clothes which are too revealing for their age, which is a scourge. n other hobbies het ignored and bullied in school, for not being cool enough. Bullying has increased by a lot, turning into a pestilence faced by millions of kids. Many people, at least people that I know of, got phones at ages 2-8. They talk about inappropriate things and use bad words. One in three children aged 8-12 want to be influencers, says an internet website, maybe to be revered and affluent. Another says 57% of Gen Z wants to have a career on social media. But there is also a positive side. Today, there are millions of young authors, entrepreneurs, leaders, and activists who are helping change the world. It shows the juvenile, jejune and young change the world. Today’s modern world has its positives and negatives, its trends and memes, its benefits and disadvantages. But children will stay children, dreaming, learning and exploring every day, either through social media or play. All of us, the future of India and the world, will make an impact, and a difference.

Aashvi Shukla
Grade 6
NPS Jalahalli