At-Risk Behaviours
Addiction is a commonly used term these days. We’re addicted to sport, addicted to TV, addicted to chocolate and so on. But, note, there is a distinction between what is merely a bad habit and an addiction. When habits become compulsive and harmful, these habits have probably become addictions.
Addiction can take many forms. In today’s society the most commonly treated addiction is substance abuse, such as alcohol, nicotine and cannabis. But it isn’t just psychoactive drugs that risk harmful addiction. Engaging in risky behaviours, or even addiction to something like work, can be just as damaging to the family as alcoholism. And when addictions begin to hurt us and those we love, it’s time to turn to someone to help us break the cycle of dependence.
But prevention is far better than the fight to break addiction. There are many factors that increase our susceptibility to becoming addicted or engaging in at-risk behaviours. Community factors, such as availability of the substance, lack of community spirit or poverty are highly influential. Family influences include low parental interest in education, family history of drug or alcohol use, family conflict and family-management problems. Social pressures, such as peer usage, early initiation and a lack of belonging contribute to poor self-worth, in turn lowering an individual’s resilience.
what is resilience?
Resilience is the ability to maintain competent functioning in the face of major life stressors. That is, being able to survive through all the problems life throws at us, without succumbing to at-risk behaviours as a way to “get through” it.
Resilience develops over time, coming from others through family, community and school interactions. A major source of resilience, especially in children, is having a good relationship with an adult outside the family, such as a teacher or youth leader—anyone who believes in you.
Achievement at school, work or some other important aspect of our lives, combined with a sense of belonging, can build self-esteem. Family values, connectedness within the family, maintenance of family rituals and a warm relationship with even one parent greatly enhances resilience.
circle of courage
The Circle of Courage (see at www.reclaimingyouth.com) is one model of youth empowerment based on contemporary research and Native American philosophies of child care. This model is encompassed in four core values; belonging, mastery, independence and generosity.
Belonging. We can nurture a feeling of significance in others through communities that celebrate the universal need for belonging. Historically, treating others as family, in village or community groups, forged powerful social bonds that drew each individual into relationships of respect. Unfortunately, in today’s hectic society, this sense of community has often been lost.
So what can we do? One simple step for parents is to get involved with children through involvement in their school, church or sports team. The environment you put your children in is important, so why not get involved, and make sure it’s what you want for your child.
Mastery. It is important to identify the talents children have and develop those talents so they have a sense of value. We all feel more significant when we know we have something to contribute. Humans have an innate drive to master their environment. When success is met, the desire to achieve is strengthened. Identifying talents and skills and encouraging each other to develop these skills instils a sense of individual value.
Independence. Children who are encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and show personal responsibility develop self-worth and confidence in themselves. As adults, we need to model, nurture, teach values and give positive feedback, providing children with the opportunities to make choices for themselves.
Generosity. In our materialistic society it is important to instil in our young people the gift of generosity. In helping others, young people create their own proof of worthiness; they have the power to make a positive contribution to another human life.
being a significant person in a young person’s life
Studies have shown having a significant adult in a child’s life can make a huge difference in that child’s life experience.
Every child needs significant adults in their lives, including adults other than their parents. As self-worth is built through the love, acceptance and affirmation of others, significant adults play a crucial part in a child’s self-esteem and therefore their resilience.
What can we do? Simply connect with a child; spend time developing a close relationship with a young person. Listen, read and play with children. Let them know they are worthwhile. When you believe in someone, his or her strength and self-value grows. And this belief encourages them and gives them reason to believe in themselves.
Whether you are a parent, friend, still at school or a part of a community, you can believe in someone. It can be as simple as learning their name.
Resilience can be built in young people who participate in at-risk behaviours, and we can prevent them from falling into those behaviours in the first place. It takes only one person to believe in someone, and that one person may inspire enough self-worth to encourage change. You could be that person. Ask yourself what you need to do to become the significant adult in someone’s life. Who needs your support? Think of a child in your social network. Can you be a significant person in their life?
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Articles of interest:
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This is an extract from June 2004
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