Page 191 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

regret for their works. Similarly, they have several problems in their life. They have
problems of age, problem from studies, friends, parents, neighbours and even from the
society. Hence, they have always stress of doing better, achieving best though they put on
less efforts for whatever they do or aspire. In several cases and conditions, they become
so much frustrated that they cannot overcome the stress and get involved into crime,
violence and finish their life by committing suicide. So, the activities and behaviours of
adolescents are compared with storm.

Characteristics of adolescence

a. Adolescence is the state of change
Adolescence is the period of change. Adolescents have physical, mental, emotional and
social changes. They have physical growth and change in attitudes. They understand
about social norms and values, realize their roles, responsibilities and duties for the family,
society and the nation. They develop the feeling of self-respect and self-dependency as
well as show interest on various socio–cultural activities that take place in our day to day
life.

b. Adolescence is a state of dilemma
Adolescence is the transition period between childhood and adulthood. They do not like
others behave them as children and they are not mature enough like the adults. Hence
they have problems in taking right and responsible decisions. They remain in dilemma
for the selection of right things and take responsible decisions.

c. Adolescence is an important stage
Adolescence is the pathway for adulthood. Physical and psychological aspects develop
rapidly along with the sexuality in this period. Adolescents can develop positive attitudes
and go in right path when guided properly. But, they might go in wrong track when they
are not guided properly during the adolescence.

d. Adolescences is the stage of searching identity
During adolescence, adolescents have high ambitions and
high mental state. Even they develop creativity. They want
to draw attention of others towards them. They do various
things in a unique way and want to show themselves as
different from others. Fig: 2

e. Adolescences is the threshold of adulthood
Adolescents want to show themselves as adults. They think
themselves as adults. So, they want to do various activities
of adults like smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs,
gambling, getting involved into sexual activities and sexual
relationship.
Fig: 3
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 191