Middle School : Critical and Yet Often Forgotten Years

Middle school years are critical for young people. It’s the age where psychological and physical development can be extra-challenging as teens’ hormones and bodies change, often in awkward and unpredictable ways. Academic stakes are higher. Plus, there’s a desire to fit in, forge an identity, and “find” oneself.

Middle school is also where students begin to solidify self-perceptions about their strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. They gather evidence to support beliefs like “I’m shy” or “I’m not a good writer,” and previous notions can become hard truths.

Researchers are now beginning to understand the adverse effects of social media on teen anxiety, depression, and self-harm — yet no comprehensive curriculum addresses these concerns.

These are among the many reasons our Journalistic Learning Initiative (JLI), since inception, has made middle school a point of priority. We are currently developing Effective Communicators, a new stand-alone middle and high school course designed to support young people in building character and preserving strength during challenging times.

It is promising to note that the president-elect Joseph R. Biden mentions that his administration will make middle school a priority. It is time policymakers seriously recognize and address this critical stage of development.