Talk to parents who are rearing teenagers and you're likely to hear comments about their many challenges. Those of us who have come of age tend to think back on our own teenage years and wonder why it's taking today's adolescents so long to come around.
We weren't like that. When our parents told us to do something we did it. If kids would just listen, they could avoid a lot of mistakes. We have already been where they are trying to go.
This probably sounds familiar. But have we really been there and have we really done that? Can life two or three decades ago really be compared to what youth are facing in the twenty-first century? What are some of the real youth development issues? What are some of the social and emotional consequences associated with these issues? Can we offer solutions that will help youth respond positively to life's situations? And what are the key programming areas where youth-serving agencies might focus their time and resources?
Reviews of recent studies on youth development issues confirm that some of the factors that placed youth at risk in the 90s have improved. However, statistics on many of these factors continue to linger at levels that are much too high. For example, teen stress, sexual health, youth violence, and physical health and wellness are still real issues that youth face, particularly those growing up in America's inner cities.
Teenage Stress
We don't generally associate feelings of stress with youth, but as teens make the physical and emotional transition from youth to adulthood, they do experience stressful situations that test their coping skills. Characteristically, youth want to display a sense of control in stressful situations, but their behavior may not always represent their true feelings. The 911 attacks, for example, were a devastating blow to our country. We can accurately classify it as an event unmatched by many of our American tragedies. Needless to say, it was also disturbing for the youth population. While the behaviors of our teens may have portrayed a sense of control and assurance, many of them experienced emotional difficulties as well. Threats of attacks and rumors of wars persist and validate programs that foster building coping skills and resiliency.
Youth & STDs
Sexual health issues also create very serious concerns and pose parenting challenges. Studies show that approximately 20 percent of teens in the United States are having sex before they reach 15 years-of-age. Statistics further indicate that only about a third of the parents of sexually active youth are aware of the fact that their children are sexually active. Estimates reveal that about 20 percent of the people who live in the United States have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and 25 percent of all new cases of STDs are among teens. AIDS, one of medical history's most fatal STDs, surfaced in the United States over 20 years ago. Current statistics reveal that since that time over 20 million people worldwide have died as a result of AIDS-related illnesses and over 42 million now live with the disease. About half of all new HIV infections in the United States occur in people under 25 years of age and thousands of teens become infected each year. Many teens are not fully aware of the consequences of their sexual behavior. They need to be educated and prepared to avoid some lessons that are best not learned through experience.
Youth Violence
Youth violence statistics have dropped over the past decade, but still exist at alarming levels. Statistic from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2001) reveal that more than 400,000 youth ages 10 to 19 were injured as a result of violence in the year 2000. And homicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 19 overall.
Youth Obesity
Obesity in youth reigns as a major national health problem with more than 20 percent of U.S. children being categorized as overweight. The problem is attributed to fast food, lack of physical exercise, and a number of other factors. Some associated consequences for young Americans are early heart disease and increased cases of diabetes.
It goes without saying that all statistics on youth do not reflect negative behavior, but the disturbing facts are the ones that need attention. These should prompt parents, educators, and communities to actions and activities that have positive outcomes.
Some youth manage to succeed in spite of adverse situations. They have been characterized as having positive self-esteem, a sense of control over their surroundings, meaningful interactions with mature adults, confidence in adults as role models, and a cooperative spirit. These characteristics must be nurtured over time and are fostered through mentoring, teen leadership, and other programs that provide opportunities for youth to be involved, build self-confidence, and make a difference in their communities. Educators and significant others can begin the process by being there to listen and provide responses that will steer teens in the right direction.
References
Centers for Disease Control. (April 7, 2003). Youth violence. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Retrieved June 10, 2003.
Duke University Medical Center. (2003). Childhood obesity signals increased risk for serious health problems. Dukemed News. Retrieved June 10, 2003.
National Institute of Health. (May 20, 2003). One in five U.S. teens have sex before age 15. MEDLINE Plus Health Information. Retrieved June 10, 2003.
Satcher, David. (January 17, 2001). Youth violence: A report of the Surgeon General. Report on Community Forums Youth Violence and Public Health. Retrieved June 10, 2003.
The Nemours Foundation. (June 2001). Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). TeensHealth. Retrieved June 10, 2003.
Winfield, Linda. NCREL monograph: Developing resilience in urban youth. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. Retrieved June 9, 2003.