Source : Perth Now news
Some Generation Z youngsters are scared to shake hands
A new survey found 24 per cent of teenagers – born between 1997 and 2012 – would avoid the simple greeting altogether, while more than a third admit they struggle to even make eye contact during conversations.
Social anxiety appears to be widespread, with 75 per cent of young people saying they find face-to-face interaction difficult.
Many are also dodging everyday situations.
The research found 28 per cent feel too anxious to answer the doorbell or pick up the phone to an unknown number, while 59 per cent actively avoid small talk.
Parents are noticing the shift too.
Nearly seven in 10 believe today’s youngsters are less confident than previous generations, and 96 per cent think texting and emojis are replacing real-life communication.
Many blame screen time, with 73 per cent saying too much time online is making teens uncomfortable in social settings.
Dr Robert Harrison, from ACS International Schools, warned confidence is becoming a major issue, and schools may need to step in to rebuild confidence.
He said: “This generation has not lost the ability to communicate. But they are in danger of losing the confidence that effective communication requires.
“Schools that understand this, and act on it, will equip their students to thrive in the world.
“Just as artificial intelligence makes human communication skills more valuable than ever, we are raising a generation that appears to avoid them.”
The findings also suggest young people are worried about the impact.
A huge 81 per cent fear their social anxiety could harm their future prospects, yet only 26 per cent say they feel completely comfortable speaking up when they disagree with someone.
