Tagged advice because it's more of a vent and desire for reassurance it isn't just my kids that are this fucked up. Tw for mental illness especially schizophrenia and some ableist language about it.

Is it just me or do the kids these days lack empathy and mock mental illnesses much more thoroughly than before?

When I was in HS, I remember kids making fun of depression or just making generic references to people being mentally ill. Now, I've got one student making jokes on being on "schiz-tok" (their words exactly) and about Tourrettes and other very specific diagnoses.

This particular student and their "humor" is especially disturbing as through various senior showcase events I've learned their plans post-graduation are to pursue a career in nursing. This kid's favorite memes are ones featuring those really creepy images and alluding to the fact that they're all in someone's head. Is this not a red flag that this kid shouldn't be helping vulnerable people seeking medical care?!

I made a comment to the kid during a final project (just for funsies I had them come up with memes for the class because it's an AP course and the test is over) that these jokes are not a great idea because some people actually experience these things. I got a "gosh! It's not that deep!" My family has a strong history of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. My sister has auditory hallucinations. It is deep for me because I experience these things.

These jokes are poor taste and the student and all their friends think they're a fucking riot!

All I can do is count down to their last day on Friday and hope they grow from this shit.