Write a paragraph on ‘Adolescence’ in about 200 words based on the answers to the following questions :
- What is adolescence?
- What changes does a child undergo?
- What are the risk factors in this period?
- How are adolescents different from young children and adults?
- What duties parents and the community have towards adolescent children?
Adolescence
Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development. The period following the beginning of puberty when childhood ends and adulthood begins marks the onset of adolescence. This is a vital part of life. In this phase, one’s life undergoes critical transitions. The period of adolescence is the preparation for adulthood during which several developments take place. The child at this time progresses towards social and economic independence and searches for its own identity. It also develops skills that will help it carry out adult relationships and roles and the capacity for reasoning. The adolescent period comprises many risk factors. A huge number of adolescents get into the habit of taking alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs. They also get involved in sexual relationships which very often result in unintentional injuries, unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases. Adolescents are different from young children and adults. They can hardly understand complex situations and concepts or the relationship and high-risk behaviours. Adolescents are dependent on their families, communities, schools, health services and workplaces to learn a wide range of skills that help them to deal with the pressures they face. Parents and members of the community should always be alert to the development and adjustment of the adolescents.