As adolescences go, adolescence is one of the most challengingly dynamic and turbulent periods in a child’s life. With rapid change in both personal and social environments, adolescents are increasingly exposed to new risks and challenges.
Parents and educators can help adolescents through these challenges by understanding their unique challenges, developing strategies to support them, and providing resources. Here are four challenges that parents and educators face when caring for and educating adolescents:
1. Youth are increasingly mobile and expending more energy than ever before.
As adolescents become increasingly mobile, they are exposed to new risks and challenges. Education interventions that focus on helping adolescents stay safe and connected are important for helping to protect them from harm, but they are also challenging. For example, in the U.S., reports show that around one-third of rape victims are under the age of 18.
2. Adolescence is a time of growth, development, and change.
Adolescence is a time of growth and development. In addition to the challenges posed by mobile activity and social media, adolescents also face challenges with their physical and emotional health. For example, in the U.S., reports show that around one-third of rapes occur when someone is under the age of 18.
3. Adolescents are increasingly Black and Latino.
As adolescents become more black and Latino, they are also more likely to experience poverty and adversity. For example, in the U.S., according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, black and Latino adolescents are more likely to experience poverty than white adolescents. Additionally, black and Latino adolescents are more likely to attend schools that do not provide good education.
4. Adolescents are increasingly stressed and vulnerable.
Adolescents are increasingly stressed and vulnerable because of the challenges posed by mobile activity and social media, poverty and adversity, and their physical and emotional health. To help adolescents stay safe and protected, educators need to provide interventions that focus on providing them with resources and support. For example, the Safe Schools Project provides educators with resources to help prevent sexual violence, and the National Youth Radio Network provides educators with resources to help adolescents connect with their communities.
The challenges of adolescence are complex, and educators will need to work with parents and adolescents to help them stay safe and motivated. With the help of resources and interventions, parents and educators can help adolescents stay healthy and prosperous as they grow into their own adult lives.
