Compared to previous generations, today’s at-risk youth are facing increased and more serious risks.
According to the NRPA definition, at-risk youth refer to individuals who encounter negative influences from their family, environment, peers, and social factors that hinder positive mental and social development. This category also includes those with limited financial resources or lacking the ability to create positive change in their family, environment, or economic situation. In addition, an at-risk youth may lack access to a supportive role model.
Various sources such as journals, websites, magazines, and books agree that an at-risk youth commonly confronts challenges including lack of parental guidance and positive role models; financial instability; overall instability; and exposure to a violent environment.
The use of the term “at-risk youth” to describe young people in impoverished neighborhoods is common, but do they really face more dangers than their peers globally? Drugs, alcohol, sex, and violence are prevalent throughout the United States. Personally, I believe that single-parent households, dysfunctional families, and societal issues impact all individuals equally. Therefore, I agree with an article found on familyfirstaid.
According to an organization, all children are considered “at-risk” regardless of their background or resources. The article highlights that from a young age, children are exposed to negative elements like sex, drugs, violence, and harmful influences. It also mentions the possibility of encountering individuals who smoke cigarettes or marijuana, consume alcohol, or engage in sexual activities. Despite parents’ efforts in raising their children well, they may still make unwise decisions.
At-risk youth, aged 10 to 18, can be of any gender, ethnicity, or background. It is crucial to acknowledge that troubled young individuals can emerge from diverse environments and family situations. They are not solely restricted to being offspring of gang members, drug dealers, or high school dropouts.
At-risk youth can come from various backgrounds and living circumstances, including the children of a minister, a teacher, and a surgeon. Statistics show that a greater proportion of at-risk youth are from low-income communities with impoverished single-parent households. However, similar figures exist for at-risk youth who belong to two-parent households in suburban areas with financial stability. Despite their diverse backgrounds, most at-risk youth share common characteristics like struggling with life’s challenges and having limited involvement with parents, guardians, and mentors.
The younger generation of today lacks understanding of how their current actions can affect their future. They have a mindset of invulnerability, thinking that they are unaffected by the challenges faced by others. At-risk youth show distinct characteristics, and a higher presence of these traits suggests a greater probability of engaging in problematic behaviors. For example, they may initially see a decline in grades which could eventually result in failing grades. Consequently, this could lead to them distancing themselves from sports teams, clubs, organizations, and youth communities.
At-risk youth, who exhibit defiant behavior and participate in criminal activities like stealing from their own residences and other locations, also typically withdraw socially and display indications of depression, such as having a low sense of self-worth. Numerous factors contribute to the susceptibility of these young individuals. For example, in modern society, economic pressures frequently lead to children being raised in households where both parents hold full-time jobs or where a single parent must juggle two occupations.
As industrialization and urbanization increase, the traditional family unit and community social structure are disappearing. This results in a lack of support for many young individuals from their parents or guardians. Consequently, during the hours of 3pm to 6pm, when juvenile delinquency is more common, these young people often find themselves alone. The demanding lifestyle imposed by their parents can cause them to feel neglected. Because they don’t have a strong family or feel isolated at school, youth are drawn to the “family” lifestyle provided by street gangs.
Teenagers are driven to engage in inappropriate behaviors and activities due to their strong desire for acceptance from peers. The influential impact of peers is further reinforced by factors such as living in densely populated urban areas, an unstable educational system, insufficient academic abilities, being non-native English speakers, and having parents who did not complete high school.
At-risk youth, who face negative self-perceptions and encounter alienation, low self-esteem, abuse, and consistent boredom, are also susceptible to risks. In my personal experience as an at-risk youth, I was raised in poverty and a negative environment. Throughout my early teenage years, my family faced severe fragmentation caused by my mother’s severe illness, the devastating divorce of my parents, and numerous other challenges.
In spite of facing drug exposure, addiction within my family, and emotional and physical abuse, I achieved remarkable accomplishments during high school. Despite the difficulties at home, I excelled as a three-sport varsity athlete for three years, served as the ASB President, was in the Madrigals choir, maintained honors student status while taking multiple AP courses, and was considered for the future leader of America award. Additionally, I gained popularity among my peers and recognition as a standout figure in my town.
Despite facing difficulties at home, I occupied myself with school and extracurricular activities to divert my attention. Dealing with the challenges in my life became increasingly hard, resulting in engaging in inappropriate actions. These included associating with popular peers, excessive alcohol consumption, experimenting with drugs, and purposefully staying out late and away from home. Although I may have seemed put together on the outside, internally I was crumbling little by little each day. Eventually, I successfully distanced myself from the negative environment and joined a college ministry group consisting of positive individuals. This transition allowed me to function in a significantly healthier manner.
I didn’t need to fake or hide my issues with drugs and alcohol any longer. I had a problem, and fortunately, someone stepped in before it became too late and I harmed myself, my family, or an innocent person on the road during one of my usual drunken drives home. I was a troubled young person, but I express gratitude to God daily for the necessary intervention that many youths never receive.
