ZCZC
BSS-04
ADOLESCENT-LEARNING
Adolescents need proper care, affection, health related knowledge
RAJSHAHI, Nov 28, 2018 (BSS) – Adolescent boys and girls need care,
affection and need-based health related knowledge including the reproductive
health for their proper grooming both physically and mentally.
Health experts, academics and development activists told BSS here that
the adolescents constitute over one-third of the total population.
Quoting findings of different research papers Dr Sabina Sultana,
professor of Department of Psychology of Rajshahi University, echoed this.
On the issue, rational interactions between mother and children should
be in the families, she suggests.
She said maximum five percent mothers share the adolescence related
changed issues with their teenage sons and daughters that lead slash negative
physical, emotional and social consequences for young people.
Prof Sabina said, more than 95 percent parents hesitate to share the
changed matters. But, they are the key players to give actual ideas about the
change factors among the teenaged children.
She added that adolescent period is remarkably a sensitive period for
boys and girls. This is the time when many of them commit mistakes due to
curiosity and ignorance. Changes in their body structure and hormonal
activity surprise them unless proper knowledge on physiology is imparted to
them.
Due to proper guidance and suggestions from their near and dear ones
especially mothers the adolescents fell prey to various fallacies.
Dr Sabina, who teaches child and adolescent psychology, said the
adolescents need decent behaviors from their surroundings especially parents
and other near and dear ones for their sound grooming.
She, however, said many of our families, even some of the educated
ones, remain reluctant to their teenage children along with their physical
and mental changes.
Dr Anisur Rahman, Divisional Director of Health, said the adolescent
age from 13 to 19 is very important for the boys and girls as they feel
physical and mental change during this period.
‘Surrounding people and the parents in particular should extend
cooperative attitude and affection towards the boys and girls so that can
feel free to discuss with their parents and elders about the changes in their
bodies and mind they experience during puberty’.
Dr Anwarul Hassan Sufi, a senior professor of Department of Psychology
in Rajshahi University, said ensuring youth-friendly healthcare services to
the teens are essential for enriching their knowledge relating to the
reproductive health.
Referring to various research findings Prof Sufi said many of the
adolescents suffer from indecision due to ignorance and misconception over
the reproductive health issue.
Referring to the prevalence of child marriage among ethnic minorities
Raj Kumar Shaw, executive director of Anagrasar Samaj Unnayan Sangstha, said
education should be given a utmost priority rather than marriage, for young
girls.
Dr Nasim Akhtar, Deputy Director of Department of Family Planning,
informed that they are working with a small group of adolescents who usually
suffer from identity crisis. They are giving more emphasis on counseling.
She added that there should be provisions of making all the adolescents
aware of social norms and values.
BSS/SPL/AH/SA/ 1135 HRS