Navigando tra generazioni | Licia Coppo | TEDxCoriano

Quick Overview

Licia Coppo argues that modern parents impose unrealistic expectations of perfection and constant success on their children, leading to anxiety and mental health issues, exemplified by the 139% rise in anxiety among 18-25 year olds since 2008, requiring adults to adopt a more humble, curious, and emotionally supportive approach rather than projecting their own unresolved conflicts onto the younger generation.

Key Points: Anxiety prevalence among 18-25 year olds in the US increased by 139% between 2008 and 2020, according to data from Jonathan Haidt's book, "The Anxious Generation." The speaker cites Plato (380 a.C.) describing youth as spoiled by luxury and sloth, which is paralleled today by constant digital immersion and unrealistic performance pressure. Modern parents often project their own unfulfilled expectations and anxieties onto their children, demanding perfection, academic success, and emotional stoicism. The speaker, a pedagogue, notes that while her own children are academically successful and well-behaved, they fear disappointing her, illustrating the pressure of performing for parental approval. The speaker suggests that the solution involves adults adopting humility, curiosity, and emotional availability, rather than demanding perfection or projecting unresolved conflicts. The talk emphasizes the need for open communication and acknowledging the struggle of the current generation, which navigates a complex world filled with environmental crises, social media pressures, and unrealistic performance standards.

Context: Licia Coppo, a pedagogue, trainer, and counselor with 20 years of experience, delivers a TEDx talk titled "Navigating between generations" at TEDxCoriano on October 18, 2025. Her presentation focuses on the increasing anxiety among young people, contrasting the values and pressures imposed by the older generation (parents and educators) with the digital realities and mental health challenges faced by Generation Z, particularly referencing data on rising anxiety rates.