The toxic and false reality of social media, the increase in drug acceptance, and welfare dependency are challenging issues. Teachers have to recognise their role is to inspire and encourage discussion and debate while helping young people to develop the skills to persevere through hard times. Young people are finding it harder to stay in school. There are increasing depression rates, and New Zealand's appalling suicide statistics show that what we are doing now isn't working. The climate of fear has a lot to do with it—bombarded daily with messages of doom and gloom. I think we're letting our children down. Young people need hope and a reason to work hard and succeed.