I think that's just the video games, streaming TV (included non-pais Youtube and TicToc and whatnot) and cell phones. I get that from my ex's son (now 12) who hardly goes out, which leads to a lot of discussions between him and my ex (who used to be a "street kid").
Thanks for your detailed answer. It helps a lot , even if it's not actual and here & now report. Especially the part with the groups splitting up when some start to take (other) drugs. This is something I was told happens nowadays (like 6 years ago, before COVID) too.
And mentioning COVID, this might also add to kids staying at home or inside more than what they used to. Though I think by now this shouldn't be such a big deal anymore. Kids, by nature, seek adventure and room to grow and use up all this extra energy they have.
It is an interesting topic for a variety of reasons. I am majorly opposed to screens if they don't also have a complimentary experience of the world outside of the screens.
People would say my generation watched too much television or played too many games. IMO these were still finite activities. Even a person who "loves tv" doesn't have there whole life wrapped up in it.
I don't want to be that lame reactionary guy. I think we have to find ways of symbiosis with our technology. I get that. I guess the question is, are we using the technology or is it using us, and I do feel that is an apt question. Spending hours online with literally nothing to show for it, often even leaving people spun and anxious.
Anyway, you have to fid was to talk to the kids. I'm not saying they will tell you the truth but talking to the CA help you figure out that truth.
Believe me, developing an Opioid addiction when you're supposed to be learning about adulthood sets you up for a twisted world view.
I liked to think of myself as a good person during my usage. I was a teacher, the kids liked me and were learning, I was called funny, charming and warm.
Maybe true, but the truth comes out when I didn't have Heroin. When that happened, it was about me and my needs. The kids wouldn't even cross my mind. What you learn is that love isn't real if it comes terms.
Also, the availability of drugs seems much different. When I lived in Lowell we would have to call our dealer in Lawrence, drive to Lawrence wait for maybe an hour for dealer to call "go to the pizzeria" -wait potentially 45 mins. Dealer pulls up, we then drive behind him all over town for 15-20 mins. Dealer would abruptly stop signaling me to run to the driver window. Guy spits individual grams (0.8g) out of his mouth and gives them to you, then you pay.
Nowadays I have people offer me fentanyl on a regular basis. Nobody is afraid of anything.
I got arrested with an empty syringe in New Hampshire. They sent it to the state crime lab, found traces of Heroin and charged me with Felony possession. I spent 27 days in valley street jail, no medication, just a metal bed and water. It was brutal as I was constantly believing it was a mistake and would end at any moment.
In the end, they gave me a yea of good behavior and I made it without getting knocked again. So my record is clean but Tha was almost not the case.
Things are definitely different now.