Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development, that occurs between puberty and adulthood. Teenagers have many doubts and conflicts in regard to the several changes they go through during these growing years of their lives. Inhibitions and a fear of being ridiculed inhibit these youngsters from sharing their feelings with their parents, teachers or even friends.
To help combat this, a discussion was organised in the School audio-visual room on 8th February 2016 for the students of class VIII. The discussion was led by Dr. Shakuntala Dawesar, Senior School counsellor and an authority in this area. The talk was an extension of the topic Reproduction which is being taught as a part of the class VIII curriculum. She began by assuring them that the changes occurring in them are a normal process. It is not surprising that, with the speed of these changes, some adolescents become very concerned about their appearances. They may feel worried, especially if these changes happen earlier or later than their peers. It is important to remember that there is often a great variation in the ages at which these changes happen for different people and adolescents need to be reassured about this.
Dr. Dawesar invited questions from the youngsters so she could clear their doubts and gain a better understanding of what they were undergoing. Many students expressed their impressions which Dr. Dawesar responded to with great tact and care. She discussed issues like attraction to the opposite sex, infatuation, relationships and their consequences. She also suggested means to overcome these distractions so they would not interfere with studies.
The students seemed to listen intently and absorb what Dr. Dawesar explained. Many students later came and told their class teachers that it was a wonderful interaction and they now felt freer and less confined in their reservations.
Ms. Darshana Srivastava.
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