Identifying and caring for red flags when working with teens
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The document discusses the six developmental stages of teens and emphasizes the significant impact of culture on their development, including physical, emotional, social, mental, sexual, and spiritual aspects. It highlights the need for intentional relationship-building and educational strategies that engage students effectively, as well as the importance of addressing issues like abuse and mental health. Resources for youth ministries and guidance on creating safe environments for youth are also provided.
Identifying and caring for red flags when working with teens
- 2. 6 Developmental stages and the Effect of Culture on them 1. Physical Development: Today’s teens are maturing more rapidly yet they are not prepared to handle the situations that correspond to their physical growth. ◦ No life experience ◦ Not emotionally 2. Emotional Development: Ability to make decisions independent of their peers and others; NOT based on others or the influence of others. They need to know how to make healthy choices that are best for them. Want vs Need. Teen mentality is “I am invincible”.
- 3. 3. Social Development: 8th and 9 graders And technology- Pew Research Institute 75% have cell phones Average send 60 texts daily Average make 2 calls daily High schoolers will make 5 calls daily Meaning?=They relate better to technology than to humans. Relationally challenged. As teachers/youth workers we must be intentional in creating opportunities for students to interact and build relationships. ARE YOU RELATIONAL?
- 4. 4. Mental Development: What happens to the information once it is in the minds of our students? Generally, teen students are comfortable with multi-tasking Open your Bibles vs Download Bible app and read. Are we teaching in ways that are designed to reach our students or are we doing what is most comfortable for us? Make sure learning activities are multi-sensory. Include as many senses as you can.
- 5. 5. Sexual Development/Sexual Identity: Average 15 year old has been exposed to 300,00 TV commercials. In the book “Youth Culture 101” a marketing executive was interviewed and he said “We identify a point of lust and we market to it..” referring to marketing to youth. Youth are responsible for $20B in sales and are influential in additional sales of $200,000. Our students influence purchases How many sexual references are made in these 300,000 commercials? The impact of culture on our students is huge. Example of lesson activity: Have your students list all the different places they see logs. Discuss how they are being marketed to. Many times they are marketed to in unhealthy way/ungodly ways.
- 6. 6. Spiritual Development: Focus on students who have never been inside a church building: Research show they can be 2 generations separated from church They are being influenced by different sources, not consistent spiritual development We need resources to keep up with how cultural is impacting on our young people. Here are a few: ◦ Walt Mueller – Youth Culture 101 ◦ Pew Research Institute ◦ Fuller Youth Institute ◦ http://www.YouthMinistry360.com ◦ http://www.Youthministry.com
- 7. Presented by: Glenda M Thomas
- 8. Trusting people because they belong to our church How we apply repentance and confession in these matters Not wanting to offend youth volunteers/workers Not questioning confusing or uncertain behavior Lack of policies to protect children and adults
- 9. Protect our faith community by speaking out Some people think that simply by talking openly about the potential risk of sexual abuse occurring within the community, they are sending a message that children are not safe here. The opposite is true. Child sexual abuse thrives in an environment of silence and denial. Shining a light on the subject protects children.
- 10. A student tells you that they are being abused: ◦ Sexually ◦ Verbally ◦ Bullied Confesses behavior that is criminal? Ask you to “Please don’t tell anyone” Tells you they: ◦ use drugs or alcohol ◦ Suicidal ◦ Eating disorder
- 11. Prevention Tools – see handout Safety Plan – See handout http://www.stopitnow.org/help Let’s Talk Guidebook Sample Journal Page Online Help: http://gethelp.stopitnow.org See Tip Sheet
- 12. Mistake: “I won’t tell anyone.” Our response should be: “Trust me to make the right decision with the information you share with me. You know I care about you. You need to trust me to make the right decision.” 99% out of 100 times the student will probably still disclose to you.
- 13. When abuse is involved there needs to be a chain of responsibility: For example: ◦ Youth Worker/Teacher Principal sheparding these children Pastor Put together a strategic plan for this young person. List scenarios and the contact person such as professional counselors in our community. Reach out and talk to counselors we might refer families to. Dept of Children services- Find out who the Mandatory Reporters are, should an allogation of abuse arise.
- 14. We need to immediately engage the parents Make sure parents are aware. Make sure parents know that we want them to be involved in the well-being of their children.
- 15. Facebook comments Aware of youth culture: (“The quality in a person or society that arises from a concern fro what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc. and a particular form or stage of civilization”…dictionary.com) ◦ Change in behavior ◦ Engage in conversation Signs of depression and hopelessness Lack of interest or energy Changes in eating habits, personal appearance Increased anxiety Preoccupation with death, dying or suicide Dramatic changes in behavior, actions, attitude Hesitance to speak openly about a conversation they had with an adult or older child Hesitance in revealing text messages, social media
- 16. Seek out counselors ◦ Ask them to come and speak to parents on various subjects relating to abuse. Example: How to create a family plan on how to prevent abuse. Etc ◦ Meet with Officials in the community ◦ Doctors: For eating disorders
- 17. Two-adult Rule ◦ Whether at the church building or in a small group meeting or fieldtrip there must always be no less than 2 adults with students. ◦ Why? ◦ So that no crisis can occur that will overwhelm a youth worker. There will be at least 2 adult to handle it together ◦ This is a protective measure for students and workers alike.
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- 19. www.youthministry.com http://www.Youthministry360.com http://www.Youthculture.com http://www.stopitnow.org