When this professional began in the field, a clear editorial rule dictated that suicides reported from Alicante would not be published. The reasoning was simple and unsettling: such reports could lead others to consider the same tragic path. The policy stemmed from a concern about contagion, a word that appeared in newsroom conversations long before social media amplified the issue. Yet, decades later, the author recognizes that, in the balance between responsibility and the public’s right to know, information can still be shared with care. On the anniversary of a long career, the sentiment shifts from restraint to a measured understanding that some truths must be told for the sake of awareness, prevention, and support. The phrase “Life is beautiful” echoed in the European version as a reminder that every life bears significance, even in the darkest moments.
Official data from the United States for 2020 present a sobering portrait: more than 19,000 firearm homicides, about 24,000 firearm suicides, and over 500 firearm-related accidental deaths. Additionally, nearly 600 deaths resulted from firearm-related encounters with law enforcement. The sheer scale of gun violence reflects a societal gap, framed by a high concentration of firearms—roughly 400 million in private hands, more than the number of residents in the country—and by regulatory frameworks that some critics view as permissive. This combination stands in contrast to many other affluent nations, where gun access is more tightly controlled. While crime rates such as assault and robbery show no dramatic anomaly when compared internationally, the gun issue remains uniquely prominent in American discourse. Analysts note that the United States experiences exceptional patterns in violence, with some federal assessments labeling certain actors as the principal risks, including individuals who act alone. In the political arena, legislative momentum often stalls as advantage-seeking groups and industry lobbies influence outcomes, complicating efforts to reform firearm laws and reduce access to weapons, especially assault rifles and high-capacity firearms.
In parallel, a psychologist friend highlighted rising concerns about depression and suicidality among adolescents in Spain, linking mental health trends to broader social and educational pressures. Across the Atlantic, educators report mounting worry: in the wake of a global pandemic, a large share of teachers note heightened anxiety, depression, and trauma among students. Many schools have adopted social-emotional learning programs to support well-being and resilience, though some critics label these efforts as political or ideological battlegrounds. The tension mirrors a broader clash over how best to prepare young people for a world that demands empathy, critical thinking, and emotional regulation amid rapidchange and ongoing disruption.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize a troubling decline in adolescent mental health. Researchers point to sleep deprivation as a widespread issue, with teenagers often receiving far fewer hours of sleep than recommended. Experts cited in major outlets describe a generation that wakes to digital devices rather than the soft light of the morning and notes about sleep requirements. The report underscores how screens—from smartphones to platforms that dominate daily routines—shape routines, attentions spans, and dream life. Industry players, including major social networks and streaming services, commonly regarded as entertainment sources, are sometimes implicated in disrupting sleep patterns. Parents and educators are urged to consider the cumulative effect of late-night device use, early school starts, heavy workloads, and a packed cultural calendar on young minds and bodies.
The pandemic’s impact on adolescent mood and behavior is well documented, but it sits within a broader context of parental and educational influence. Habits surrounding bedtimes, daily schedules, and homework, along with the ongoing challenge of carving out meaningful time for family connection, all contribute to a child’s sense of security and belonging. The sentiment remains—life is full of beauty and possibility even amid difficulty—yet the path to fostering healthy development requires deliberate time, patience, and thoughtful routines that honor both independence and supportive guidance.