This is a very special year for Kaipara College (formerly known as Helensville District High School) because we celebrate our birthday. Kaipara College turns 100 years old this year. When Helensville District High was opened in 1924, one hundred years ago, life was very different for teenagers to what it is today. There were limited education opportunities as education was not compulsory for teenagers, and many did not attend school beyond a certain age. Those who did receive education often had limited options compared to today’s extensive choices of pathways and opportunities at school.
Teenagers were expected to contribute to the workforce at a young age, with some starting work as early as 12 years old. Gender roles were likely more rigidly defined, with boys and girls expected to adhere to specific societal expectations regarding behaviour and responsibilities. For example boys might have been involved in farm work or industry, while girls often helped with domestic chores. There was also an expectation that teenagers would take on adult responsibilities and work roles. Unlike modern times where leisure and entertainment options are abundant, teenagers in Auckland a century ago had fewer opportunities for recreational activities or socializing outside of work and family duties. Teenagers were not considered a distinct social group but rather viewed as either children or adults. This lack of recognition meant that their specific needs and experiences were often overlooked.
Despite being geographically isolated, Auckland teenagers would have still been influenced by international trends in music, literature, and cinema that shaped ideas about romance and social interactions. Overall, life for teenagers in Auckland 100 years ago would have been characterized by early entry into the workforce, limited educational opportunities, traditional gender roles, and a lack of recognition as a distinct social group.
I sometimes hear comparisons between life for teenagers from previous years compared to life as a teenager today. Although there appear to be more opportunities available to our young people today in terms of their educational opportunities and choice of leisure activities, life for teenagers today also holds its challenges. We are seeing soaring rates of depression and anxiety in our young people, desensitisation to violence, increased peer pressure, body shaming and low self-esteem linked to the scourge that is social media. It seems life will always hold challenges. It’s how we deal with them that makes the difference.
School today is not only about learning about science or mathematics or art but also about learning for life – learning to build resilience, how to think critically and problem solve, how to collaborate and communicate, how to be emotionally intelligent, digitally and financially literate, oh and how to be kind.
