Why do young people feel judged?

My teenage daughter has spent a couple of weeks on work placement at Global Freight Services this summer, so I asked if she’d like to guest‑write my column for this issue.

She chose a very topical subject: why the younger generation often feel judged by older colleagues in the workplace, especially when it comes to their use of, and reliance upon AI.

So these are not my opinions: they’re the thoughts of 15‑year‑old Zara Howarth.

Ageism is normalised in our generation. Older people often feel they have automatic superiority simply because they are older.

There are many misconceptions about younger colleagues… that they’re lazy, entitled, or glued to technology – when in reality, younger workers can be highly motivated, collaborative, and adaptable.

Older people judge us for using AI, but the truth is that our lives can be busy and stressful. Sometimes we need a break, and having AI to help with homework when we’re not feeling 100% is genuinely helpful. If I need support, I can ask AI and it gives me the right answer. So why is that judged? Adults invented AI, so why wouldn’t they expect us to use it?

Yes, there are serious consequences for using AI in coursework, but sometimes we’re overwhelmed with extracurricular activities, multiple subjects giving homework, and constant expectations for both quality and quantity. Adults need to realise that AI can be a tool for good.

Everyone has their own struggles, and adults often assume they have more stress than teenagers. But teenagers experience stress too… especially academic pressure. The pressure to achieve high grades from parents and teachers, combined with peer pressure, the desire to fit in, and juggling friendships, can lead to emotional distress.

Family issues such as divorce, financial problems, or strained relationships at home can have a huge impact on a young person’s wellbeing.

Body image concerns, puberty, and physical changes can make teens self‑conscious and increase stress levels too. Add the pressure of social media and constant judgement, and it’s easy to see how emotional turmoil builds. Teen hormones can intensify emotions and affect mental health.

Judgement from parents, peers, and social media may even contribute to rising suicide rates among teenagers in the UK. So why are adults judging younger people instead of recognising that times have changed? They should be checking in on their children – because you never truly know what someone is dealing with behind the scenes.

Adults are often shocked when their children lie to them, yet they lie all the time ‘to protect us’. But what exactly are they supposed to be protecting us from?

Every child has believed in Santa and other fantasy characters created by adults, but if you think about it, some of these ideas are quite strange. An old man sliding down a chimney into our house to give us presents? Adults say they lie to protect our innocence or to shield us from emotional pain.

Sometimes adults lie out of guilt, fear of consequences, or worry that they’re not being the perfect parent. They may hide the truth to avoid overwhelming their children with adult issues.

But parents don’t realise that these lies, even when well‑intentioned, can be harmful. So as children, why should we trust them?

It’s time for the generations to stop judging each other and start understanding each other.

It’s time for the older generation to embrace the younger generation’s outlook on life – and for the younger generation to accept that sometimes, yes, someone older really does know best.

·       Anton Gunter is managing director of Global Freight Services, the international freight forwarder with its headquarters in Telford