Page 196 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

Even they get frustrated and get involved into smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs,
unsafe social activities, anti-social activities, vandalism, etc. It is so essential that parents
and teachers understand their needs, demands and interest as well as provide them
necessary counseling, constructive suggestions and guidance so that they can develop
positive attitudes and utilize their energy for their betterment in life.
The needs and demands of adolescents are listed below:
a. They want their parents and teachers understand their problems and needs; and
solve them.
b. They want seniors to support them for personal development without over looking
them.
c. They want their parents to appreciate their ideas and provide them time.
d. Adolescents want their recognition. They want their parents to realize their need,
interests and demands.
e. They want their parents to involve them in decision making in the family.
f. They want their parents and teachers to provide them time for rectifying mistakes.
g. Adolescents want their seniors to provide constructive counseling and guidance
rather than imposing their own thoughts.
h. Adolescents do not want any discrimination from parents and teachers.
i. They expect that their parents do not disturb them and make them stay alone.
j. They want responsible role for the overall development of family, school, society and
entire nation.
k. They need balanced diet to grow. So, they should be provided with various types of
food containing required nutrients.
l. They need physical exercises. Therefore, they should be provided opportunities to
participate in sports, games and other recreational activities.

Problems in adolescence

Adolescence is the period of stress and storm. Due to various changes during adolescence,
adolescents get several problems and remain under stress. As a result, they may not be
able to achieve proper development. Some of the major problems during adolescence are
described below:

a. Mental tension
Mental tension is the feeling of burden that brings anxiety or stress in mind. Generally,
mental tension occurs due to frustration and anxiety. There are various conditions in
which they get mental tension. Some of them are as follows:

i. High ambition
In adolescence, adolescents have high ambition. They have high mental state and
think themselves as superior. They set a goal and fulfill their aspirations beyond their
capabilities. When the desires and aims are not fulfilled, they get frustrated and remain

196 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9