Reading Reflection: Behavioral Development

As adolescents begin experiencing emotional, physical, and cognitive changes it only seems natural that their behavior would change as well.  Behavioral development seems to be the most discussed and even feared aspect of adolescent development.  The media, in the form of movies, television, and the news often show teens engaging in risk-taking behaviors such as drinking alcohol, using drugs, and having sex.  Parents of teens often feel at a loss as to how to address those issues.  In the reading Developing Adolescents the authors cite that it is quite normal for teens to experiment with new behaviors.  In fact, experimenting with new behaviors goes hand in hand with the other aspects of development that we have discussed.  Emotionally, adolescents are forming a sense of identity and self-worth.  Cognitively and socially, adolescents have better decision-making skills and begin to develop opinions of who they are in relation to other people and the world.  As a result, teens may take risks they are uncomfortable with in order to fit in and win approval from peers.  This desire to be accepted is intensified during adolescence.  That intensity can lead teens to try things such as alcohol, cigarettes, or even reckless driving merely to be accepted.  For parents, family members, and loved ones who may have teenagers acting out it is important to be comfortable discussing these issues.  When talking with a teen it could be helpful to aid their decision process by discussing possible outcomes of their behaviors.  If a teen can come to their own conclusion they may be more likely to rethink a particular situation.  Sometimes all an adolescent needs is someone to listen as they work to come to their own understanding of a situation by using their higher developed decision making skills.  Behavioral exploration can be an exciting time for an adolescent.  This is a time in which teens can pursue their interests in healthy ways.  Adults play a large role by being an example of engaging in fulfilling activities within their community. 

Many of the readings for this section discussed depression in adolescents.  This is a hot topic within our country as rates of depression are rapidly increasing.  While it is natural for teens to experience emotional changes there are important behavioral signs that can help a parent discern whether their child has a more serious problem.  I was interested to read on Helpguide.org that depression in teens may manifest in various ways besides sadness.  In fact, for many adolescents irritability, aggression, and rage are common warning signs of possible depression.  These changes in behavior must be long lasting and out of character for the teen in order to be considered a red flag.  Parents must be careful when observing their child's adolescent development in order to recognize differences between normal and abnormal development.  There are many treatment options for teens struggling with depression.  I must admit that I was disturbed reading about prescribing antidepressants to children as young as six.  Medications may be necessary in some cases but it is imperative that all possible outcomes and side effects be discussed.  I am a firm believer that medication should always go hand in hand with counseling, especially in children and teens.  Adolescents are experiencing major changes which could possibly be intensified and complicated by medication.  They need an adult to walk with them through the important adjustment to medication.  I hope that prescribing medication will remain a last resort for parents with depressed teens.  Some antidepressants have been linked with increased suicidal thoughts.  It is also important to remember that adolescent brains are still developing so the full effect of some of these newer medications is not fully understood.  I found a few helpful links from various hospitals and medical schools that provide valuable information on both sides of the antidepressant argument.  I have listed them below:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Should_children_take_antidepressants.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/MH00059

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental- health/antidepressant-   medications-for-children-and-adolescents-information-for-parents- and-caregivers.shtml

The Youth in Foster Care reading particularly intrigued me.  The foster care system in our country is full of flaws, which can affect how students perform in school and even how they act in social situations.  It was disturbing to read what happens to foster care children as they "age-out" of the program.  Unfortunately, most foster children do not receive support once released from the system.  Also, many of those children do not have a high school diploma making it even harder on them when they are first on their own.  Reading about foster care reminded me that I will have a diverse group of students with many different life experiences.  After reading, I hope that I will be more sensitive to the various living situations my students could be experiencing.  I found some interesting articles discussing the process of "aging out" of the foster care system and have shared the links below:

 http://www.volunteerguide.org/hours/service-projects/age-out

 http://www.shelterforce.com/online/issues/125/fostercare.html

 http://www.wate.com/story/17421050/knoxville-organization-helps-teens-after-foster-care