Sweeteens - who are they? And what are they?

Adolescents

Introduction 

Often, I come across teenagers approaching me with doubts on issues related to ‘adolescence’ to get clarifications whenever I take special sessions for such groups on ‘growing up’ at educational institutions and social organisations. Indeed, it is true that teenagers are in a state of confusion and dilemma on this subject. Truly, they are not in a state of understanding what is happening to them. Their needs are many. 

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions in their minds, especially on health issues and specifically on sex issues. Very few get clarity. Most are in the dark. They do not know where they can get answers to such ‘anomalies’!. Moreover, many provide unscientific information that threatens them. A teenager told me, ‘I asked my friend about a peculiar problem that I met while asleep, but I did not get a convincing reply, or else his answer was not clear to me. I did not want to consult my parents. I fear they think ill of me. I am thoroughly confused. I consulted some books. They all frightened me instead of clarifying. It is clear from this example that adolescents are in a state of confusion and dilemma.

By the way, many are unable to distinguish between the two - ‘myths’ and ‘misconceptions’. ‘Myth’ is a commonly held belief that is untrue. There is no foundation to it. There is no concrete evidence to prove it. People pass it on from one to one, from one place to another, from one society to another, etc. As such, it is necessary to clarify the facts.

‘Misconception’ is an erroneous idea. It is totally incorrect. Mostly based on the myth. Commonly and very widely prevailing wrong ideas. One can come across many myths and misconceptions about sexuality in any society/any country. Foolish ideas make one miserable. Hence, we should get clarifications/scientific facts from experts to save ourselves from falling into unknown pits. We should get rid of misconceptions from our minds. Then only one/society/country can progress.

With my long experience associated with this target group in dealing with the many issues in the field of reproductive health, I attempt here to clarify the so-called ‘doubts’ and want to remove ‘myths and misconceptions’ among adolescents/youth for clarity in understanding the scientific facts behind such issues and thereby want to ensure a quality of life. I hope to clarify doubts of adolescents/youth through this site with a weekly schedule, as many doubts are pouring in day by day. I receive many questions related to this subject from young people through email and through the post.

Teenagers ask:……….

The other day I was taking an educational session to a small group comprising of 25 boys of 8th Standard students of a reputed school in the city on ‘Growing Up’ on the invitation of the school authorities, endorsed by the Parent-Teacher Association. The session was going on interestingly, as I was explaining to them the stages of adolescent development during that period. I observed that a few boys showed signs of shame by putting their heads down while explaining the male reproductive organ. (I noticed it and preserved it for later explanation). 

Then the discussion turned to the myths and misconceptions of adolescents about their sexual practices. A boy hesitatingly stood up with a doubt. Immediately, the whole group went into loud laughter. Immediately, the boy withdrew his action. I already correctly judged what the boy wanted to ask. To safeguard the boy, I did not immediately jump to his quarry openly. I encouraged him to come personally to address his doubt, which he did. After explaining the meaning of myths and misconceptions, I started explaining the facts behind them. 

You may guess what the student would have asked about, something personal, which is a misconception 

I observed from my experience that many adolescents did not receive/have access to a correct & scientific explanation of this issue. Is it not relevant here to know the answers that I gave to the group?

Conclusion 

As such, this blog is created to explain scientific facts, especially the issues that adolescents and youth have in their minds and tries to provide factual information for the benefit of all. The following posts will carry more information on the subject matter in a simple and easy-to-understand way. 

I invite your esteemed comments and suggestions to take this blog to the needy at right step and direction.