Adolescents Adolescence Is a Sensitive Term Paper

Student counselors are can organize a student led drug abuse prevention committee and create awareness among the adolescent children. Study results have confirmed the positive value of such student led programs in preventing the malice of drug abuse. It has also been found that multiyear preventive programs have long lasting positive effects that short-term programs. [167]. Programs such as 'Friendly Persuasion', 'Life skills Training', 'Midwestern Prevention Project' which were implemented in schools had a considerable measure of success in reducing drug abuse and in delaying the onset of drinking.[155-158]. Student counselors have to interact with teachers, social workers, health care professionals and other community-based groups to workout and implement student activity programs that can be run by adolescents.

4) by providing a positive developmental environment at school the student counselor optimizes the chances of a student succeeding in his overall development. As Pittman states, "Adolescents who are merely problem-free are not fully prepared for their future" [67]. Fulfillment of basic needs, self-identity, intrinsic motivation or the curiosity to learn about the world, a sense of competence and social security (emotional balance) are the factors which are identified as the core assets of any individual. Physical, psychological, cognitive, emotional as well as social development of the individual is crucial for the future well-being of the adolescent children. School counselor must ensure initiatives in all concerned domains so that the student develops all of these core assets.

For example, the physical aspect of well being can be taken care of by introducing aerobic endurance programs, sporting activities and other suitable activities. This would help a lot in checking the obesity crisis that is bothering the nation. Similarly intellectual aspect can be developed by conducting regular quiz programs, presentations etc. The counselor must form a student committee and make the students take responsibility to organize and actively participate in them. This sharing of responsibility improves the organizational skills and hence the self-esteem. The counselor must also collaborate with other social workers outside the school setup and arrange for implementation of community-based programs.This would help the students develop social skills and evoke in them a commitment to work for the betterment of society. These youth oriented programs would create a positive impact by improving the resilience of the student and help them resist bad influence and dangerous habits. [70 -75]

5) Collaboration is the key to success especially when resource allocation is limited and the demand is greater. The school counselor should look for collaborative effort with many social and private sector organizations and implement programs which are sponsored by these organizations. Community-based programs, environmental programs, cultural enrichment programs are some of the programs which would stimulate the young minds to channel their energy in a productive way. [127]. The student counselor for example can arrange with the traffic police department and train students to regulate traffic and assist them during the peak hours. This would have a positive effect and also create in them a sense of respect for the traffic rules. 'Designated Driver' programs can also be implemented with student volunteers (for those with acceptable age) which would help minimize accidents due to drunken driving.

Similarly counselors can arrange with therapists to organize screening camps and other health initiative programs. Campaigns against drug abuse, alcohol consumption and the dangers of unsafe sex can be organized with the help of the medicos and in cooperation with medical organizations. These student led campaigns are the best way to create the awareness among adolescents about the health risks. Summer camps can be organized for students involving sports, music, computer training and other value-based education programs. [133]. These collaborative programs offer an excellent way for students to assimilate healthy values in their lives and develop a good character. And we all know that character building alongside accumulation of knowledge is what constitutes quality education.

Bibliography

CBASSE, "Community Programs to….....