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As I begin my 29th year as the Dean of Students at Landmark School, someone recently asked me, “Are kids more complicated these days?”

The easy answer is yes, of course they are. But after sitting with the question a little longer, I realized something deeper: kids aren’t necessarily more complicated. 

The world is.

Today’s students are growing up in a time of rapid change and constant connectivity.  Technology, social media, shifting cultural norms—all of this has layered their world with opportunity and pressure. It’s not that kids have changed fundamentally; it’s that their environment has become far more complex.

As the systems around them evolve, so too does the adolescent experience. What once felt predictable is now fluid. Expectations are higher, comparisons are everywhere, and the pace of life leaves little room for curiosity, exploration, and fun. What was once called the innocence of childhood is now often overshadowed by the complexities of a hyper-connected, fast-paced world.

When we look past the noise, we find that the needs of young people haven’t changed that much. Across generations, from Elvis to The Beatles, MTV to smartphones, and now AI, we see the same patterns: adults worrying about change and the impact on their children. Nevertheless, the core needs of young people have remained remarkably consistent.

No matter the decade or the technology, kids want:

To feel safe–at home, at school, in their communities.

To be heard–truly listened to, as a sign of respect and value.

To be seen–for who they are right now, not just who they’ve been or who we expect them to be.

Not judged. Not dismissed.

Just seen and supported.

When we meet students with the values of safety, voice, and visibility, we create the kind of environment where they can thrive. They are not looking for perfection from adults. They are looking for authentic connection—from parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and each other.  

So maybe the better question is not whether kids are more complicated today. Maybe it is “Are we willing to slow down and meet them where they are?”

When we do that, when we truly see them, we empower them to grow, to lead, and to show us how much possibility lives inside them.

About the Author

Robb Genetelli has been the Dean of Students at Landmark High School since 1996. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Student Development, both from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Robb and his wife, Allison, have raised their two children on the Landmark campus, where they continue to reside. He served on the board of the Small Boarding Schools Association for a decade, including six years as president. In 2018, he received the Gorman Award for his outstanding contribution to the benefit and advancement of small boarding schools. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Robb co-teaches a senior study skills class called Character and Leadership, which emphasizes values, reflection, and personal growth. Beyond Landmark, he travels the country speaking on topics related to learning disabilities, adolescent development, and the broader landscape of education. In his free time, he enjoys boating, hiking, and reading with his family in New Hampshire.