Communicating with children

Early Adolescent Years

Eleven through 14 years

© UNICEF/NYHQ2010-0593/Pirozzi

South Africa: Children participate in a child photography workshop

Adolescence is believed by many to be potentially a stormy and stressful period when young people are simultaneously handling physical, social, emotional and cognitive changes. This is the period of transition to adulthood, and adolescents may experience frequent mood swings and aggressive or emotional outbursts. They are often torn between rational thought and irrational risk taking, between adult responsibility and childish mischief.

Current research on brain development during this period of life supports the conclusion that adolescence is characterized by sensation-seeking and higher risk taking. Additionally, there is a disconnect with complex thinking as early adolescents whose executive functions have yet to develop, have difficulty demonstrating rational abilities of planning, setting priorities, making decisions and weighing consequences of their actions. Hormonal and physical changes associated with puberty, as well as a growing attraction and interest in sex and intimate relationships, bring about the development of couples and the onset of sexual experiences in societies that permit it.

Adolescents tend to rely on friends more than family, depending on their culture: This can help define their identity and be expressed in a variety of separation behaviours (unique fashion, taste in music, joining social groups and movements, expanding social networking on the Internet, producing their own visuals and texts). The search for identity also serves as a source of exploration and expression of thoughts and feelings about a wide range of issues. As a result, peer pressure plays a central role in decision-making and behavioural patterns, including those which are antisocial, unhealthy and put adolescents at risk (aggression, alcohol and substance abuse, unsafe sex and others).

Where the expectation of autonomy, individualism and self-reliance in Western societies is encouraged, such changes can become a source of conflict between adolescents and their families; while in more traditional societies, where a more collective view of society and conformity for adolescents is the norm, it is less likely to be a source of stress. In some parts of the world, adolescents have very little discretionary time, as they must help support their family, whereas in other places they have more time to socialize and be with their friends.

We can see then that the nature of adolescence is very much culturally constructed and that growing into adulthood takes different forms in different societies. Cultural differences play a very significant role in constructing what it means to be a child and an adolescent at different stages of development, and requires that our communication be culturally specific. What is clearly shared by all cultures, though, is the fact that while growing up, adolescents continue to need loving and empathic adults who provide guidance, serve as positive role models, set clear boundaries and expectations and guide them to make the best choices.

COMMUNICATION NEEDS AND SKILLS