In age of internet and texting, the ills of childhood linger

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In age of internet and texting, the ills of childhood linger

A study* based on 10,000 children in primary and high school shows many are feeling the stress of modern life. More than 30 per cent say they feel "very nervous or stressed" and more than 40 per cent say they "worry too much". Over one-fifth say they have felt "very hopeless and depressed" to the extent they have given up their usual activities for at least a week. High proportions cannot control their temper, many are bullies, and a lot of students feel they are not performing to the best of their abilities. Boys continue to be the underachievers, with fewer social skills and more behaviour problems than girls. view article

That was interesting, but I thought that the article should have included more possible causes, such as:

1) Televsion. I am skeptical about the idea that violence on tv literally makes people more violent, but there is evidence that excessive tv watching leads to weight gain and lower intellectual performance and ability to cope with stress.

2) Family structure. Parents working long hours, presence of only one parent, changes due to divorce and remarriage, etc.

3) Family problems. Direct abuse, family members abusing substances, parents persistently ignoring kids in favor of tv or the Internet, parents with anger issues, parents taking out work stress on their kids, etc.

I don't live in Australia (unfortunately), but in the States, it seems society does expect kids to act like adults at a younger and younger age, to rely on their peers for emotional support instead of their families. I suspect this is especially problematic for kids who don't have a lot of stable friendships.