Adolescent Development

Our students are making decisions every day that challenge their ability to cope and make wise choices for themselves. Educators foster learning environments to promote safe spaces for students to thrive in. Teachers and parents can help to support adolescents by being understanding and listening to their struggles. Developing resilience to overcome these daily struggles can build self-esteem and improve mental health and well-being. This is an important time in teenagers lives, having a solid support system and providing guidance is key.

Challenges:

Peer pressure
Puberty
Social Media
Influence of Substances
Self- Esteem & Self- Concept
Bullying
Mental Health Struggles

Shah, 2017

Communication:

Communicating with them during this challenging time is not an easy process but alleviates misunderstandings and can enhance relationships on both ends. Teenagers need to set boundaries for themselves and know when to seek help and support.

University of Waterloo, 2021

Effective Communication:

Focus on the Issue
Genuinely Care
Show Sensitivity & Empathy
Understanding Alternate Points of View
Be Positive and model appropriate examples

University of Waterloo, 2021

~The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place~

George Bernard Shaw

Brain Development:

Teenagers are still growing and developing rapidly. Areas of the brain are not fully developed and cause them to demonstrate misguided behavior. The prefrontal cortex controls decision making, planning and self control. This is why guidance and direction can help support teenagers when they are unsure how to respond or deal with a challenging situation.

Sifferlin, 2017

"In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life"

Albert Bandura

Resilience:

Guiding teenagers in their development and being there to listen to their struggles helps to develop coping mechanisms that can be used when a struggle exists. Not all decisions will result in a positive outcome. Teenagers need to experience some failure to develop resilience when faced with so many daily interactions that they need to react to.

Sifferlin, 2017

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