Influence on Adolescent Behaviour

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What is Adolescent Behaviour? Explain in 150 words.

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Adolescent age, which we also know as teenage age, aka the rebelion age as they try to make their own decisions. Hence, Adolescent Behaviour is basically all the stuff that goes on with how a teenager acts, feels, and thinks. This is therefore a big mix of changes as they grow out of childhood and towards adulthood.

Think of Adolescent Behaviour as a time when teens are figuring out who they are, what they believe in, and where they fit in. This involves them being moody sometimes, trying to be independent, and maybe even a little rebellious as they try to understand the world and their place in it. At this stage, they are also super sensitive, and their relationships with friends and family become really important.

Therefore, I will say that it is a time of learning, growing, and sometimes, a bit of drama as it is all part of the process of them becoming adults.

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Explain at least 3 factors influencing adolescent behaviour

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Hormones:
First on my list is Hormones. For those who may not know, Hormones are our body's chemical messengers, and during adolescence age, hormones like testosterone and estrogen are said to go wild, causing physical changes like growth spurts and, well, let's just say they can stir up some strong emotions and mood swings, which can lead to a teenager feeling happy one minute and frustrated the next.

Social Circles:
Social Circles is next on my list as this has got to do with their friends, and at Adolescent age, our friends become super important to us. And at this age, teenagers often want to fit in, so their friends' opinions and behaviours can have a huge impact. This can mean anything from how they dress to what they think is cool, which brings about peer pressure and it is a big deal whether good or bad.

Family Dynamics:

Editted using Pixellab app. image source; Pexels

Family is the very first social circle in the life of every child and believe it or not, it still matters, i.e., how parents communicate, set rules, and show support can really affect a teen's behavior. If there's a lot of conflict at home, it can lead to stress and acting out. But then, if the family is supportive and understanding, it can help teenagers navigate the ups and downs of growing up.

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How does social media and family influence adolescent self-esteem and perception of others?

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First off, Social Media often brings about peer pressure, comparison and the feeling of underperforming as they see people often post the best versions of themselves, creating a constant stream of perfect pictures, amazing vacations, and seemingly flawless lives. This in turn makes teenagers feel like they don't measure up, leading to low self-esteem. Also, they might start comparing themselves to others, feeling inadequate, or focusing too much on likes and comments. But then again, social media can also expose teenagers to cyberbullying or negative comments, which can seriously damage their self-worth. In all, I can't just give only the negative aspect of social media as it can also be a place for connection and support, making it a mixed bag.

Now, talking about family, as I've stated earlier, the family is a teenager's first world, hence how parents and other family members treat a teenager plays a massive role. If a teenager grows up in a supportive, loving environment where they feel valued, they are more likely to have high self-esteem and see others in a positive light. But if a family is critical, neglectful, or constantly comparing a teenager to others, it can lead to low self-esteem and a negative view of others.

Therefore, family values, communication styles, and the overall atmosphere at home all play a huge role in shaping a teenager's self-perception and how they relate to the world as the family is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

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Do you think their mental health is affected by peer pressure or social media?

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Editted using Pixellab app. image source; Pexels

Well, I can say that Peer Pressure is indeed a huge factor of mental health. Since teenagers are wired to fit in with friends, and sometimes this can include doing things they might not be comfortable with, just to be accepted, it can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.

For example, imagine feeling pressured to try drugs, drink alcohol, or even engage in risky behaviour because all other friends are doing it. Hence, if he/she gives in, they might feel guilty, ashamed, or even regretful, which can really mess with their mental health. Therefore, the constant worry of what others think, or the fear of being excluded, can be exhausting and can contribute to depression or other mental health issues.

Now, moving onto social media, a double-edged sword, where connecting teenagers and providing support is on one hand, it can also be a breeding ground for comparison and negativity on the other.

Seeing everyone else's "perfect" lives online can make teenagers feel inadequate, leading to low self-esteem and anxiety. Not forgetting cyberbullying, which is another big problem, causing immense emotional distress. Then again, the constant pressure to look a certain way, get a certain number of likes, or maintain a perfect online.

Therefore, both peer pressure and social media can definitely have a negative impact on a teenager's mental health.

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I want to take this opportunity to invite @tripple-e, @ikwal and @kidi40.

Thank You for your Time

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NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.