There’s a popular slang in Nigeria, “problem no dey finish”, meaning; problems don’t end. The world is full of changes and influences from society, family, friends, and teachers that affect the average Nigerian teenager.
They are often misunderstood, can’t wait to experience adulthood, can’t wait to not do as they are told, and also make decisions on their own.
These changes are also connected to their attitude, perception of issues, mental health, and relationships that they keep. However, in the midst of all of these changes and desires they deal with, there are issues that they face.
The following are the challenges teenagers face and how they can be supported.
1. Peer pressure
This is a common challenge teenagers face in the real world. There’s always the pressure to conform to a certain kind of life, a friendship group, or just anything that satisfies their desire to belong and not miss out.
That’s why you’ll see some individuals trying out things; dumb or not, and indulging in specific behaviours like smoking, dressing a specific kind of way, or doing things they are not cut out for because of the fear of missing out.
Well, this is where we need parents and teachers especially, to help them develop good self-esteem that’ll enable them to face pressure and not bow to it.
2. Pressure from academic expectations
The average Nigerian teenager is often subjected to certain academic expectations and standards regardless of their capabilities. They are expected to succeed, and success is often subject to the standards that society, parents, teachers, and even classmates define it to be.
Well, in the midst of all the challenges teenagers face, teachers and parents can support them by being encouraging, not projecting their expectations unhealthily. If anything, they should communicate their expectations graciously, and give encouragement from time to time.
3. Social media and the internet
One of the many challenges teenagers face in the real world is the overwhelming hold that the internet and social media have on them. They have access to a lot of information, a larger percentage of which is not healthy or beneficial for their overall well-being.
That’s why you’ll see teenagers who have great potential and their whole life ahead of them dealing with low self-esteem and setting unrealistic expectations for themselves because they are trying to pattern their lives based on what they see on the internet.
Well, they need all the guidance they can get from parents and teachers to ensure healthy and safe consumption of information on the internet. They can monitor their use of social media, and educate them from time to time.
4. Economic challenges
The average Nigerian family faces the heat of economic downturns facing the country that may affect teenagers in one way or another. Poverty and unemployment can get in the way of them getting a quality education and a good life.
This is where the government can step in to preserve the future of teenagers. The government and communities can offer programmes that will allow teens to learn, and grow even though they have limited resources.
Read Also: What Mental Health Challenges Do Teenagers Face in Nigeria?
5. Poor educational system
In the education system today in Nigeria, there are limited extracurricular activities that help to engage the other capabilities that a child possesses aside from engaging with school work. Some of them don’t have the privilege to engage in other activities apart from books, and it can be burdensome for them, especially because it defeats the desires they have to explore.
Teachers and school owners should introduce extracurricular activities that will help teenagers explore other talents that they have.
6. Bullying
Teenagers can be vulnerable to bullying most when they cannot meet the standards of society or their peers because of their appearance, attitude, or status. It can happen at school, outside school, or through technology. This could do great damage to their self-image.
Schools should set strict measures against bullying and leave no room for corrupt practices to cover them up if they ever arise.
7. Pressure to choose a career early
It’s not all teenagers that are lucky to choose a career at a young age and see it through till the very end. Society has a funny way of forcing teens to choose careers that suit their own definition of responsible and reputable eg., law, medicine, engineering, or other professions without regarding what the teenager truly wants. Parents, teachers, and guardians should guide their decisions and not impose anything on them.
These challenges teenagers face today are real, and they need all the support they can get to survive this stage of their lives
