Psychology: problems facing the youth and their solutions

1. BCCE GROUP 1
MEMBERS
NAME ADM NO
1 ROBERT KIPKIRUI YEGON 2023BC154188
2 NAFTALI NJENGA GATHIGI 2023BC154975
3 ONCHARI JOSHUA 2023BC155070
4 TERESIA WANJIKU 2023BC155048
5 DOREEN KINGWA 2023BC154518
6 SHINDAANDYCAPP 2023BC154628
7 FRANK MACHARIA MUREITHI 2023BC154602
8 MUCHU S GAITHA 2023BC154506
9 GEORGE MICHUBU 2023BC155042

2. PROBLEMS FACE BY THE ADOLESCENTS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
Introduction
Adolescence is a phase when children go
through several changes as they journey from
childhood to maturity. It is also a vulnerable
time for children since they may experience
several problems of adolescence, such as
unhealthy behaviors, which may lead to
significant problems later in life.

3. Physical changes challenges
Physical changes happen due to changes in the teenager’s hormone
levels
 Development of full breasts in girls
 Change of voice and appearance of facial hair in boys
 Acne is one of the major problems
 Muscle gain sometimes leads to excessive body weight in teens
 The growth of pubic hair in girls and boys
 Body odor becomes evident
 Girls start their periods

4. Solution to physical changes challenges
 Make them aware of these changes
 Explain that it is normal for the body to change
 Help them adapt to these changes
 Enable them to stay healthy and fit through a
nutritious diet and exercise

5. Emotional changes and problems
Confusion in their roles
They tend to feel overly emotional
Mood swings are common among teenage
Bodily changes result in self-consciousness
Adolescence may feel weird
Feelings of inferiority or superiority
 Sexual feelings can trigger a sense of guilt

6. Dealing with emotional problems in adolescence
 Tell your teenagers that it is okay to feel the way they are feeling
 Encourage them to exercise as physical activity helps keep the
serotonini (creates good feelings and happiness) levels up
 Let them talk. Listen to them without judging and avoid giving them
advice when they are not ready for it
 Share your experiences of puberty or let them talk to an older sibling
who has gone through the same
 Indulging in a creative activity can help them channelize their
emotions

7. Behavioral changes challenges
 Adolescence develop and exercise their independence, which can
sometimes lead to rebellion
 Significant developmental change in the brain makes teens moody,
tired and difficult to deal with
 The raging hormones in teenage boys can even push them to get into
physical confrontations
 As a part of their new-found independence, adolescents may also
want to try new things and take risks, resulting in careless behavior
 Sometimes, peer pressure and the need to ‘fit in’ can make them
behave in a certain way or develop certain habits that are hard to

8. Solution to behavioral challenges
 Remember that it is a passing phase, and is entirely normal
Gaining your child’s trust is important
Let them know that you love them just as they are
 Encourage them to be true to themselves
Help them by telling them what you do when you feel sad, angry,
etc
Intervene if you see them falling into bad company

9. Substance abuse
Factors that drive adolescents to drug abuse:
 Peer influence
 The tendency to take risk
 What may start as a ‘thrill’, can become a habit if it remains unchecked
 If there is somebody who smokes or drinks at home
 Poor self-esteem and the need to be ‘cool’
 Easy access to substances like cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, and anabolic
steroids

10. Solutions to the substance abuse problem
Keep an eye on your child’s behavior
Encourage them to talk and be honest
 Tell them what your concerns are and discuss the problem
with them
If necessary, get your adolescent the appropriate treatment
If your child is not willing to talk to you, the doctors can ask
confidential questions to know if they are abusing any
substances

11. Educational challenges
 some adolescents don’t make academics a priority
 Academic pressure to excel in their studies and secure a spot in
college can be a significant source of stress for teenagers, often
leading to moodiness
 Juggling school work, extra-curricular activities (must for college
admissions) and chores at home can be tiring
 Distractions at school can result in poor academic performance, which
will add to the pressure

12. Solution to educational challenges
 Support your child’s aspirations for college education as what they need is the
encouragement to do well
 You could cut down their household chores to enable them to focus on their
school projects when needed
 Nutrition and exercise can help them get the strength and endurance they need
to get through the hectic high school period
 If you notice that your child is experiencing academic stress and feeling
overwhelmed with their daily activities, it may be helpful to reduce the number
of tasks they are expected to complete. Adolescents have not yet fully
developed their lung capacity, and therefore may tire more quickly than adults

13. Psychological problems
The most common mental health disorders during
adolescence are anxiety, depression and mood disorders
The stress and pressure of adolescence can create
anxiety related issues, while mood swings can lead to
conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder
Teenagers may have self-esteem or confidence issues
Poor performance in academics can also demotivate
them

14. How to deal with psychological problems
Talking about the problems
 maintaining a healthy lifestyle
seek professional help if your child if overly moody
Discuss your teenager’s conduct with his/her teachers
Do not brush away their feelings
Encourage them to communicate with you.

15. Sexual health – unplanned pregnancy and STIs
Adolescence is the time when teens experience their first kiss,
the intimate dance with their ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’ and
secret make out sessions
Teenagers may become sexually active before they are ready.
This could result in unwanted pregnancies
Unprotected sex can also lead to sexually transmitted diseases
like HIV

16. Solution to unplanned pregnancies and STIS
Talk to them about the consequences of
unprotected sex and how it can change their
life
Awareness is the only way to prevent early
pregnancies and sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) in adolescents

17. Addiction to cyberspace
Your teen may seem to spend hours on phone, texting,
talking or simply playing
Adolescents addicted to the internet tend to have fewer
friends and a less active social life
Addiction to cyberspace also cuts short their physical
activities, resulting in an unhealthy and sedentary
lifestyle
Internet addiction adversely impacts academic
performance

18. Solution to addiction to cyberspace
Monitor them to ensure that what they are doing over the
internet is safe and constructive
Talk about your concerns and help them work on other things
that do not require a computer
 Guide them as a parent, but never decide for them
Enroll them in activities that encourage them to interact with
others; make them want to spend less time at the computer.
Limit the use of the mobile phone to a few hours in a day

19. Conclusion
 Parents play an important role in adolescents’ behavior development.
Educating your teen about possible problems and their solutions can
have a positive impact. Understanding their feelings and giving
suggestions could reduce family conflicts than being judgmental or
rude to them
 Setting up clear rules on bad behaviors and drug use may help your
teen stay away from it. Establishing good and friendly communication
with your child can encourage them to speak up about their issues to
you and seek your help
END