04 Mar Adolescence Awareness Programme
Adolescence is a critical period during which significant personality reorganization occurs. The suddenness and rapid pace, with which the changes take place in the body and mind of adolescents, generate a number of problems and special needs which they find difficult to understand on their own.
In view of this, an Adolescence Awareness Programme (AAP) was organized for classes VIII and IX students in collaboration with the A. J Institute of Medical Sciences on March 2nd and 4th, 2016 at Mount Carmel. Dr. Santhosh Soans, Head of the Pediatrics Department and Dr. Amritha Rao, Professor in Pediatrics were the resource persons.
The important aspects related to adolescents like: Family values, Nutrition, Personal hygiene etc; were discussed. Issues like Peer pressure, Sex Abuse and Media Literacy were also highlighted to prepare the students to be vigilant and to be aware of their surroundings. The session was conducted separately for the boys and the girls.
“Teenage is the Golden Era in one’s life. It is very important that we mould ourselves in a right manner for a better future.” said Dr. Rao while addressing the girls. She began the session by posing a question “What is adolescence?” She educated the girls about personal hygiene and areas of concern in today’s fast developing world.
She asked them to be aware of the Pros and Cons of Social Media and take extra measures to keep themselves safe from the fraudsters who take advantage of the vulnerable age group. Adolescent girls in particular continue to be the victims of gender-based discrimination. They are victims of crimes such as rape, kidnapping, abduction, trafficking, and domestic violence.
While addressing the boys, Dr Soans spoke about the fast growing incidents of smoking, drinking, tobacco use and other substance abuse among the their age group as a matter of grave concern. He urged the boys to say NO to all these acts though they are tempting.
The students were given an opportunity to clarify their doubts on the topics that were discussed earlier in the day. All in all, it was a very informative and interactive session. Students enthusiastically took part in the programme.
The aim of the programme was to provide opportunities for the reinforcement of existing positive behaviour and strengthening of life skills that enable the teenagers to protect themselves from and to cope with risky situations they encounter in their lives.
