Section 4.1 Psychological and behavioural challenges

Psychological Challenge

Description

Identity formation

Struggle with self-identity, self-esteem, and belonging may lead to confusion and low confidence.

Peer pressure

Pressure to fit in, leading to risky behaviors or low self-worth due to comparison with others.

Academic stress

Anxiety from high expectations, fear of failure, difficulty managing workload and responsibilities.

Juvenile delinquency

Juvenile delinquency is the habitual committing criminal acts or offences by a young person, especially one below the age at which ordinary criminal prosecution is possible. A delinquent can be defined as a child or youth between ages 6-18 years who breaks laws enacted by authorities.

Mental health issues

Emergence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or other mental health concerns.

Low motivation & attention problems

Struggles with focus, impulse control, and sustained effort in learning.

Conflicts with authority

Resistance to rules and questioning of adult authority may result in disciplinary issues.

Substance use and abuse

Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to experimenting with substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Peer pressure, curiosity, low self-esteem, and exposure to substance use at home can all contribute to this behavior. What may begin as experimentation can quickly become dependent if not addressed early.

Aggression and

Violence

Some adolescents, especially boys, may exhibit aggressive behavior due to hormonal changes, peer influence, or exposure to violence. This can manifest bullying, physical fights, or even criminal behavior.