OUR THIRD SPACE

The power of having a place to simply exist

Teens feeling isolated and hopeless goes far beyond the harmful effects of quarantine and online schooling. In 2019, before Covid, 1 in 3 students reported missing activities due to feeling too sad or hopeless. When the pandemic hit, the mental health of teenagers crashed. The lack of social connection and community was ultimately destructive to the general mental health of the world, especially teenagers.

Suffering under the pressure of an increasingly demanding school life and coping with a rapidly changing world that many students are preparing to encounter in a whole new way as they graduate, teenagers, in particular, are uniquely at-risk for isolation. For American teenagers growing up outside of major cities, the very structure of their communities can create a lack of connection.

The unexpected cure to such a phenomenon could be what sociologists call a “third space.” Providing a spot that doesn’t serve productivity or achievement, a third space is outside of school or work -- a space you don’t pay to exist in, where you can be free from the confines of expectations. Public libraries, community centers, common areas and other gathering spaces serve this purpose. Our town has the public library and a variety of smaller churches and organizations, but there’s a distinct lack of places that attract teens.

In contrast, larger cities have malls, busy parks, music venues and living spaces designed to connect; towns and communities like our own lack such areas of gathering. Our community of young people largely lacks the escapism that comes with being somewhere with no expectations. Finding a third space can be vital to developing who we are as individuals and finding who we are. Instead of being defined as an athlete, an academic, a family member or an employee, third spaces can be the key to unlocking the diverse personalities that exist amongst us teens: introspective, outgoing, creative, relaxed, happy and independent. There are a few steps to take if one wishes to establish or find a third space for students. It can start anywhere -- a car, an old shed, a garage, a study room in the library or the table in the corner of the coffee shop where you can gossip in peace. The only rule is that there are no rules: it’s a simple place of gathering that’s open to passersby and random connections. A place that other people can find and join. The key idea is to rest from external pressures and find refuge in an area separate from the world.

In addition to providing a sense of community and identity, third spaces can serve as a lifeline for teenagers facing challenging circumstances elsewhere. Every teenager deserves to have a place they feel like they can thrive. Without third spaces, teenagers may struggle to find a sense of belonging and develop their identity outside of school and work, contributing to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. For example, many teenagers lacking a supportive environment also lack access to mental health resources. A third space gives them a chance to temporarily

by Natalie Brown

escape these difficult situations and offers a supportive community they may not have elsewhere. In addition, it can provide human connection and community, offering resources and support.

In conclusion, third spaces can be a crucial component of teenagers' mental health and well-being. They provide a sense of community, a place to develop identity and a haven for those facing difficult circumstances. While larger cities may have more options for third spaces, smaller communities can work to create gathering places for teenagers to foster a sense of community and belonging. By prioritizing the mental health of teenagers and investing in resources for third spaces, we can work to combat the issue of isolation and hopelessness among the next generation.