Some prominent adolescents ‘social problems are:
- Drug abuse
- Juvenile delinquency
- Dropping out of school
1. Drug abuse
A drug is any substance either chemical or natural, which is inhaled, drunk, rubbed or injected which has adverse effects on the functioning of the nervous system. For example, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, nicotine, glue, petrol and alcohol.
Causes of drug abuse
Ø Peer pressure: This is the tendency to conform to the values of the peer group. Adolescents normally want to do what his/her peer group does because they want to fit in, they want to be like and they worry that they may be left out or made fun of if they do not go along with the group Example: if classmate has a habit of taking alcohol after class, it is more likely that a student who joins such a group will do the same.
Ø Frustration, anxiety, tension, etc. Some adolescents and adults abuse drugs on the pretext of reducing tensions, anxieties or stress. Alcohol reduces anxiety and stress by inhibiting adrenalin or epinephrine, which is involved in anxiety Adolescents who use drugs as a solution to get rid of anxiety or stress are emotionally immature, passive and dependent persons who find life frustrating and anxiety provoking. Example: when a student can take habit of taking drug because he is always the last of the class and when he arrives at home his parents bit him instead of taking time of listening him in order to know the reason.
Ways of reducing drug use
The youth and others should be informed about the dangers of using alcohol and drugs. Many young people receive no or little valid health information about drugs and alcohol. Example: Teachers play an important role in helping student in reducing drug use by teaching them about illegal drugs and their effects, then students should be able to name and identify drugs they have heard about and the dangers associated with drug use, they should be able to talk about how drugs at home and in the community affects them and also know where people can receive assistance with drug abuse and know the reason why people take drugs. And finally they should demonstrate the ability to share information with peers.
Parents and significant others should set good models. It is no use preaching the dangers of drugs and alcohol if adults themselves set a bad example. Either parents by encourage open and honest communication, they can know if a child is feeling pressure to do things that seem wrong or risky.
2. Juvenile delinquency
A delinquent can be defined as a child or youth between ages 6 - 18 years who breaks laws enacted by authorities, it is characterised by behaviours such as violation of disciplinary measures of parents, truancy, stealing, robbery, mob disobedience, violence, vandalism, student unrest, student protest, as well as uncontrolled premarital sex.
Causes of delinquency
· Teenagers sometimes indulge in delinquent acts because antisocial behaviour is very much part of their background. For example, children who grow up in families or slums where people have little regard for law and order, are most likely to get involved in delinquent acts than children who come from good families.
Rejection by the father specifically may result in delinquent tendencies. Example some street children are rejected by their parents and sometimes they take alcohol in order to forget those problems.
Ways of preventing delinquency
1. Both the school and the home should create an atmosphere that will strengthen the resistance of children to the pressures of delinquency. A child should not be subjected to any unnecessary temptation. The school should be made an interesting and rewarding experience .Example at school at the end of term, the administration can take decision to give reward to all students of good behaviour.
2. A child should clearly understand that delinquent acts are punishable, but once punished, accept the child again as a member of the class, family or community. Example when a child steal something in the house of the neighbour the parents must punish him once he know that he will no longer do the same.
2. Dropping out of school
Causes of Dropping out of school
1. Poor teacher-student and student-student relationships. Although not all students have good relationship with teachers, teachers should be aware that strained relationships adversely affect the performance of learners. Example: Poor relationships bring about tensions and conflicts and may make learners develop a negative attitude towards the school. teachers can show tolerance so that pupils can communicate their thoughts
2. Early withdrawal from school often follows a family pattern. Example: A child from a family where parents have a pejorative attitude to academic achievement is most likely to withdraw from school early than a child from a family where parents value education.
Ways of preventing learners from dropping out of school
1. Teacher trains positive attitudes in students towards achievement and the school in general.
2. Teacher accept learning content to the needs and abilities of individual groups of learners.
3. Positive attempts should be made to build the children’s morale; their self-confidence and the general image they have of themselves.
4. Early intervention programmes should form an integral part of a developing society’s education programme. The earlier children are given the correct developmental experiences, the less likely it is that they will develop learning and behaviour problems and eventually want to drop out of school.