In a society that blames young people for lots of its problems, it’s easy to forget about the more pressing issues that have an effect on a nation. Global warming, rising fuel costs, and inflation are just a few to mention, however the stigma surrounding young people still seems to be taking precedent over such life threatening as well as current issues.
The fact of the matter is that further and higher education numbers continue to grow, and the UK’s unemployment percentage has significantly decreased over recent years according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency. Young people themselves have contributed to the rising employment and education percentages (other considerations have to be taken into account, such as a migration of foreign students and workers etc); nonetheless, they are still constantly stigmatised, and labelled as being a cause towards many national and global issues.
Ultimately, young people need guidance, stimulation and support. They are still trying to establish themselves in society, and find their footing and direction. The following points illustrate a number of ways in which young people can be supported during their quest for belonging and self-worth.
Active Listening
This has to be the first and most important point to consider. So many people (including professionals and parents) try to do what’s best for young people; however sometimes they forget that what’s best, may not necessarily be what young people want to do, or be in their best interest. Furthermore, even if it is in their best interest, they themselves need to derive at this decision in their own time. If they are pushed, they will pull away.
Actively listening to young people involves listening to what they are saying, not what one thinks they are saying, and as a result taking action based on what their needs are. There may be a number of things they want to do, however it is the adult's job to provide them with a number of choices that will provide an effective method. So many young people get up to mischief and hang around the streets based on boredom, and there being nothing that they want to do. The way to combat this is to simply listen.
Signpost to Services
Whether a parent, guardian or youth work professional, you alone may not be able to meet young people’s needs, and there is no harm or shame in gaining a little extra help. Whether you’re involving recreational, personal or family support to assist with meeting young people’s needs, the principle still applies. Not only will seeking out necessary assistance help with young people’s development, it will also assist with yours, as you will gain insight and guidance as to the needs the young people around you may have.
Give and Receive Respect
This principle is very important when considering building up either a professional or personal relationship with young people. If you show them little respect and label them as “rotten apples”, they will in turn act the way you treat them. Furthermore, if you don’t respect young people, and show them that you have no respect for others, how can you expect them to show you respect? The fact of the matter is that young people (as well as everyone else) learn through observing the behaviour of others.
Social Learning Theory, specifically the work of Albert Bandura suggests exactly that, and emphasises the fact that behaviour is observed and imitated [General Learning Press, 1977]. From this it can be seen that if young people think highly of you, they will be more likely to emulate your behaviour.
A Final Thought
The key to working with young people, whether personally or professionally, is to provide them with guidance, stimulation and support. Lots of people look at young people as trouble-makers, and as causes for various forms of anti-social behaviour. Some young people do become involved in such behaviour, but rather than label them as "bad apples", why not ask the question of "why did hey get involved in such activity?"
