Part 2 of It starts with us: Enhancing adolescent engagement through real-world examples

This article is a continuation of the previous article entitled “Part 1: It Starts with Integrating Examples Beyond Textbook to Explore Adolescence and Boost Engagement”.

The age of adolescence is marked by dramatic changes at the biological level. Visualize it as an orchestra with various instruments playing on the rhythm and instructions set by the two maestros, the endocrine and reproductive systems. However, unfortunately, the orchestra is not fully prepared yet, and as a result, its various components made many mistakes. Adolescence, in a similar sense marks the transition between childhood and adulthood. A chaotic one. 

Both educators and parents observe a dramatic change in behaviour and mannerisms. In the present age, the problem is more profound. Adolescents are learning new information from social media, OTT, online streaming games, and search engines. Their influence often seems stronger than that of parents and educators alike. We have all been through this stage of life; only the object of fascination change. Now, K-pop is swaying the world like American or British sitcoms did earlier. Some aspects of this socialization are important, as adolescents learn the most through their peers. And the world is more globalized than ever. As long as this socialization promotes positive communication and behaviours, it is beneficial. 

However, we are all aware that the picture is far from perfect. A significant portion of content adolescents are exposed to is inappropriate, negatively shaping their cognitive and socioemotional abilities. This includes discriminatory content, offensive visuals, language, and gestures not suitable for their age, unrealistic body standards, an excessive display of opulence, and unhealthy competition. Social media and online streaming platforms are also platforms for bullying and exploitation by child predators. These problems have been exacerbated by unprecedented exposure to online platforms because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the viral pandemic has subsided, it has left behind an acute crisis that requires immediate attention and meticulous reparative measures. This challenge demands actions at all levels and, most importantly, by parents and schools. In this article, I will share how, as an educator, we can help address a few of these concerns. 

As a science educator, I take adolescent education quite seriously. I was fortunate to have had wonderful educators in my formative years who helped me speak confidently and openly about issues and concerns in an age-appropriate manner. Quite often, addressing these concerns requires stepping beyond the textbook and incorporating real-life experiences and examples from daily life. The classroom becomes a space for discussion, where I, as an educator, facilitate conversations and encourage students to share their opinions and experiences. My role is then to guide the discussion in the right direction, summarize key points, and address students’ queries that arise. Our communication strategy must be non-judgemental and free from any prejudices and presumptions about students. Many students may not wish to participate in discussions, and that’s alright- we need to give them the time and space to ask their questions privately after class. 

Discussions should not be restricted to identifying problems but also focus on finding solutions. Let’s discuss this with an example. Students, regardless of gender, experience a great deal of anxiety and insecurity related to self-image and body image, often stemming from comparisons-both offline and online. While we need to encourage students towards healthy exercise and eating habits, we must also help them understand that many body-related issues arise from inherent biological factors beyond their control. Everyone’s journey looks different and hence, we cannot provide a one-size-fits-all solution. However, we can advocate for mindfulness activities, meditation, breathing exercises, nutritionally balanced diet, and physical activities tailored to their needs and requirements. Even during these discussions students may sometimes express discriminatory or prejudiced views. It is crucial for us to remain attentive and address these concerns appropriately. 

Adolescents also face various emotional challenges, often stemming from changes in their bodies and their interaction with their peers and surroundings. It is essential to address these issues effectively. We, both educators and parents have to provide a supportive space, along with fostering helpful peer interactions. ‘Inside Out’ is a wonderful movie that helps develop this bond, and I often recommend it to both students and parents, hoping they watch it together. It also serves as a great starting point for my discussions with students. I am often met with a flood of doubts and concerns from students who seek solutions to their problems. This is where school counsellors become invaluable. While we, as educators, can share our insights, a trained counsellor can help students navigate their concerns more effectively and appropriately. 

In conclusion, adolescence is a challenging phase filled with numerous concerns that require an interactive approach involving all necessary stakeholders.

By: Mr Pranjal Gupta

TGT Science (Biology)

Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park