Opportunities for Adolescents and Young People
Adolescence is a critical phase of development and is considered the second window of opportunity.
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Challenge
Few things irritate adolescents more than being told what to do or how to think. Their need for independence is not just emotional. It is a time during which they acquire the social skills they need to thrive as adults.
It is also the time when their brains develop, or fail to develop, in a way that allows them to reach their full potential in life.
Growing scientific evidence shows that experience and the environment also combine with genetics to shape adolescent brains. This presents a crucially important second window of opportunity to support the development of girls’ and boys' brains, and therefore their future.
During adolescence, a wide range of dynamic interactions occur between physical, sexual, and brain development, including risks such as violence and toxic stress, that can interfere with the formation of brain connections, and other vulnerabilities unique to the onset of puberty and independence.
At this stage there are also enormous opportunities that speak in favor of comprehensive care and social investments during early childhood, consolidating gains acquired during this stage and even compensating for the effects of shortcomings and traumas experienced in the first years of life.
Solution
Adequate and comprehensive care during adolescents’ development is vital for them, their families, communities and the country. As in early childhood, it must be given national priority, with the participation of all sectors and encompassing all levels.
A decent, protective and empowering environment must be created to support adolescents’ development, providing them with educational opportunities, training in values and a life project, as well as spaces for recreation, expression and participation, technical training in trades and entrepreneurship.
