TeenThreads: America vs Saudi Arabia
Two very different cultures, two very different systems—and two very different teen realities.
This TeenThreads comparison looks at what it’s like to grow up in the United States versus Saudi Arabia, focusing on mental health, lifestyle, school pressure, safety, and access to care.
TeenThreads take: America = freedom + pressure + inequality.
Saudi Arabia = tradition + rapid modernization + strong family structures.
Both = teens navigating huge expectations and fast‑changing worlds.
A high‑pressure, high‑choice environment where mental health, safety, and cost of care shape teen life.
Mental health
- Sadness/hopelessness: many high school students report persistent distress.
- Suicidality: a significant share consider or attempt suicide.
- Young adults: mental health + substance use + injuries = major health burden.
Safety & mortality
- Injuries: motor‑vehicle crashes, overdoses, accidents.
- Suicide & homicide: major causes of death.
Lifestyle & weight
- Overweight/obesity: high rates among teens and young adults.
- Lifestyle: screens + ultra‑processed foods + low activity.
Substance use
- Alcohol, cannabis, vaping common.
- Overdose risk significant in some regions.
School & pressure
- GPA, SAT/ACT, AP exams.
- Very high college costs.
- Pressure to “stand out.”
Access to care
- Insurance‑based system.
- Cost + provider shortages limit access.
A rapidly modernizing society with strong family structures, major investments in health and education, and shifting expectations for youth.
Mental health
- Growing awareness of anxiety and depression among youth.
- Stigma around mental health still present but improving.
- Family support often strong, but privacy concerns may limit help‑seeking.
Safety & mortality
- Road traffic injuries historically high but improving with reforms.
- Suicide rates lower than many countries but still a concern.
Lifestyle & weight
- High rates of overweight/obesity among youth.
- Low physical activity common, especially among girls in some regions.
- Diet shifting toward processed foods.
Substance use
- Strict laws reduce visible substance use.
- Some youth still engage in hidden or risky behaviors.
School & pressure
- Academic expectations high.
- Growing push toward STEM, tech, and global competitiveness.
- Youth unemployment concerns add pressure.
Access to care
- Government‑funded healthcare widely available.
- Rapid expansion of mental‑health services.
- Urban–rural differences remain.
America vs Saudi Arabia: Two Worlds, Shared Challenges
| Theme | United States | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| Mental health | High distress, suicidality, access barriers. | Growing awareness; stigma decreasing; family support strong. |
| Safety | Injuries, suicide, homicide major causes. | Road injuries significant; suicide lower but present. |
| Health system | Insurance‑based; cost barriers. | Government‑funded; expanding services. |
| Lifestyle | High obesity; processed foods; low activity. | Similar trends; low activity especially among girls. |
| Substance use | Alcohol, cannabis, vaping common. | Strict laws; hidden use exists. |
| School pressure | GPA, tests, college cost. | High expectations; youth unemployment concerns. |
TeenTags & TeenLines
“Different cultures, same truth: young people everywhere are carrying more than adults realize.”
“Your feelings are valid—even if your world expects you to stay strong and silent.”
Mini Quiz: America vs Saudi Arabia
8. What type of health system does the U.S. have?
Answer: Insurance‑based system with cost barriers.