Teen & Parent Links

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A Brief Self Study on The Effects of Labeling

Children and youth (especially children considered “minorities”-another label) labeled with these terms face many societal generalizations and stigmatizations, negative perceptions of others, develop poorer self-esteem, and face challenges differently than those without the “At Risk” or “Trouble Youth” or “Not College Material” label attached to them. They may feel isolated, inadequate, alienated, etc., therefore, labeling contributes to the present challenges of children and youth who have many challenges, problems such as highly dysfunctional families, emotional and other issues, substance abuse; poverty, various kinds of abuse incest/molestation/rape/early-teen pregnancy; homelessness; frequently failing in school; family adjustment issues; lack of social support; identity crisis; rejection, etc. Children and youth challenged by many of these issues are in need of social, spiritual, moral and emotional support (Village Intervention). These issues and feelings may lead to delinquency and deviant behavior.

Labeling children and youth as being “gifted” and “Talented” is not always the best practice as well and can have some negative affects to these kids and other kid’s perception of self in comparison to others. Some might consider using the term “At Hope” instead of “At Risk” “Troubled” or the ascribed medical labels attached to children and youth who may engage in risky behavior because of the above circumstances or who have learning disabilities or behavioral issues.

I say use this term “At Hope” for All children and youth and not single anyone out or in.

This information is based on my experience of Observation and encounters with other children and youth during my childhood, Working with children and youth, Personal research by talking with friends and fellow –classmates who have been negatively affected by verbal abuse; Labeled by family members, Case studies, society, Counseling professionals and school faculty, Textbooks and Scholastic and Peer Review articles and Research.

I believe (Cheryl Y. Howard) Using the positive label, “Goddaughters” or “Godchildren” helps to redirect and connect our children and youth towards the “Father-God” Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of God!” (Mathew 19:14 NKJV)

In fact, Bruce Perry says, "In order for clinicians to get reimbursed, they have to label.

Most secular counselors, doctors and therapist use medical labels, which have shown to have severe effects on people (Zastrow &Kirst-Ashman, 2007). Many people feel out-casted and sometimes cause a person to become lazy by not wanting to take control of their life’s responsibilities. Model models usually consist of a lengthy list of classifications and emotional and behavioral issues are usually considered as mental illness in conjunction with physical illness (Zastrow &Kirst-Ashman, 2007). The medical model stems from an historical view that people with emotional and behavior issues were all demon-possessed.

"There is also a tendency on the part of both educators and parents to want to get an answer. They are very uncomfortable with ambiguity" (Szalavitz, 2007). Szalavitz (2007) further states, “We are labeling children more” (Bruce Perry, PhD, my co-author on "The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog) A Child Psychiatrist's Notebook.

References

• Books:

Zastrow, K., & Ashman, N. (2007). Understanding human behavior and the social environment.

(7^th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.

Maia Szalavitz, a senior fellow at Stats.org, is co-author of "The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog and Other Stories From a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook" (Basic).

• Articles and Websites:

Roth, J., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2000). What do adolescents need for healthy development?:

Implications for youth policy. Social Policy Report, 14(1), 1-19.

Labeling theory in juvenile delinquency: An evaluation: http://www.helium.com/items/596339-evaluating-labeling-theory-of-juvenile-delinquency/

www.investinginchildren.on.ca/Communications/articles/atrisk.html

The Washington Post: "Gifted? Austistic? or Just Quirky?: As More Children Receive Diagnoses, Effects of These Labels Seem Mixed: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2007/02/23/AR2007022301785.html

‘At hope’ children better than ‘at risk’? :Washington state lawmaker wants to banish negative labels: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34826655/

Education, Skills-Training, Volunteer & Employment Opportunities, Summer Youth Opportunities

NY Urban League's Whitney M. Young Scholarship Application:

The NYUL offers 15 scholarships for $3500 each to local students. The deadline is May 1, 2010.

http://www.nyul.org/nyul_scholarships.html

Scholarship requirements:

http://www.nyul.org/files/WMY_Scholarship_app10.pdf