The Disruption of Identity in Education: Why So Many Teenagers Identify as LGBTQ?

It has become increasingly common for teenagers, particularly those in their teens, to identify as LGBTQ. Social media, personal experiences, and teachings in schools have all contributed to this trend. However, there is growing concern that certain educational practices may be pushing children towards these identities in an unhealthy manner. This article explores the potential reasons behind the rise in LGBTQ identification among teenagers and raises questions about the methods used in mental health and identity education in schools.

Identity Disruption in Schools

Part of the concern arises from the implementation of identity-disrupting teaching materials in schools, often under the guise of mental health education. These materials are designed to lead students towards certain goals, which can have significant and potentially harmful effects on their mental well-being.

The Role of Mental Health Education

Mental health education programs, such as those provided by UNESCO, aim to promote mental health and well-being. However, some of these programs have been criticized for promoting a narrow and potentially harmful model of identity. For instance, the 'Mental Health Education and Hauora' manual used in New Zealand includes activities that introduce complex and potentially confusing concepts to young children as young as 11 years old.

Excerpts from the Manual

The following excerpts from the manual illustrate the problematic nature of the content:

Introduction:

No activation of prior knowledge No reputable model of identity offered to students

Activity: Students are asked to identify 'labels' they connect with, leading to a hyperfocus on gender and sexuality.

Implications for Teenagers

These materials are designed to induce a hyperfocus on gender and sexuality, often at the expense of a healthy, secure identity foundation. This can have serious implications for teenagers, including prolonged stress and despair. Dr. Steven Stosny's model of identity resilience, which emphasizes the importance of a broad identity foundation, provides a contrasting perspective. Stosny's model stresses the importance of 'basic humanity' and 'character' as fundamental aspects of a healthy identity.

Stosny's Model of Identity Resilience

According to Dr. Stosny, a healthy identity is built on a broad foundation that includes:

Basic Humanity: A sense of connection with all humans, increasing respect, appreciation, compassion, and kindness. Character: Mental and moral qualities such as honesty, flexibility, humility, resilience, generosity, accountability, personality, and temperament.

A narrow focus on gender or sexuality, without a broad and secure foundation, can lead to prolonged stress and even despair. Therefore, promoting a healthy and secure identity is crucial for mental well-being.

Addressing the Issue

The increasing identification of teenagers as LGBTQ can be attributed to both social and educational factors. To address this issue, several steps must be taken:

Understand the Process: Educate society on the concept of identity disruption and the potential harms it can cause. Restore Educational Philosophy: Promote an educational approach that focuses on developing a pursuit of excellence in students, rather than using education to solve social issues. Protect Teacher Autonomy: Ensure that teachers have the autonomy to exercise their expertise in the classroom. Restrict Gender and Mental Health Education: Remove these topics from school curricula as they are often used to pry into students' personal lives and beliefs without sufficient justification. Restore Christian Faith: Return the significance of Christian faith in educational settings, as it can provide a supportive framework for students.

Conclusion

The rise in teenagers identifying as LGBTQ is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. While social media and personal experiences certainly play a role, the impact of identity-disrupting educational materials in schools cannot be overlooked. By understanding the underlying processes and advocating for a more balanced and responsible approach to education, we can work towards creating a healthier environment for young people to explore and understand their identities without harm.