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In order to make informed decisions and to understand how the choices they make will affect their lives, adolescents need access to relevant and reliable information from a variety of sources, including parents and other family members, teachers, the mass media and peers.

Two young women review a brochure on AIDS awareness and prevention they were just given by health workers from the provincial hospital, part of the Provincial AIDS Secretariat. The Secretariat receives training and other support from UNICEF for AIDS awareness and care activities. Cambodia.

Schools can reach a large number of young people, creating an environment in which good health, education and life-skills are pursued and reinforced. But young people also learn in other ways: from their family, neighbours, peers and the media as well as in the marketplace, in places of worship and communities.

As adolescents enter the world they are increasingly influenced by their peers and by adults other than their parents. They begin to explore their sexuality and to test themselves intellectually, creatively and socially through sports and other recreational activities.

To support them in this exploration, adolescents need to develop lifeskills - skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, critical thinking, decision making and communication. These skills can help them develop strong friendships, resolve conflicts peacefully, cooperate in groups, build self-esteem and resist peer pressure to take unnecessary risks. Life-skills education can help develop these skills and teach adolescents about citizenship, work skills, ethics, parenting and caregiving.

A right to feel supported and safe

Young people's ideas are constantly being shaped and influenced by their environment. When adolescents have opportunities to learn and express themselves without fear, they are more likely to be engaged with their parents, peers and communities. They gain self-esteem and become positive role models.

National and local laws must also promote and support adolescents' rights, and young people should participate in the development and monitoring of these policies. Adolescents who are denied opportunities for growth and feel trapped by circumstances may come into conflict with the law. The manner in which society responds to a young lawbreaker can make or break a young person's future.

"Punishment does not purify; if anything it only hardens children" said Mahatma Gandhi. Increasingly, communities are recognising that incarcerating young people in facilities designed to punish rather that rehabilitate can create embittered adults who lack the skills to be productive and responsible citizens when released.

A right to make a difference

As adolescents mature, they look for a sense of belonging. When given a wide range of opportunities to make an impact, adolescents learn, grow and thrive. The contributions they make in their homes, schools and communities and through municipal councils, youth associations, media and international conferences can inspire and ignite lasting change. They can transform the world.

Increasingly, national and regional Youth Forums give youth a platform to identify and express their opinions about issues that affect their lives. Young people analyse their current situation and present their visions and recommendations to leaders for future actions.

Youth Parliaments, established in Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco and Senegal, provide an opportunity for young people to express their views to the government and to become partners in planning strategies for lasting change.

Finally, national youth opinion polls and referendums enable young people to voice their opinions and concerns to the government, media and general public. They can be important tools to mobilize political support for programmes.

When encouraged to express their opinions and feelings, be assertive and stand up for what they believe, adolescents are more likely to build self-esteem and self-confidence and develop skills and capabilities. They become better equiped to deal with an abusive threatening or unfair situations because they are in a better position to seek advice, exit a harmful situation when necessary or cope creatively when they cannot leave.

If given a voice, young people can provide important information about conditions at work or at school and about risks to their own health and their community. They can provide suggestions for change that adults may not have considered, and they play a vital role in researching, monitoring , evaluation and planning.