Adolescence vital time for children

By OGIA MIAMEL
Adolescence is a crucial time in children’s lives and they need to be properly guided to develop their behaviours well, according to consultant psychiatric Dr Uma Ambi.
“Adolescents need to develop their capacities. Schools have policies and helpful teachers, they must have access to a range of services and they must live and learn in supportive environments and must be encouraged to participate in decision making,” Ambi said in a presentation at a workshop on mental health yesterday in Port Moresby.
“Parents must bring children to talk so you understand what is in their heads and you guide them and also convert the issues they have.”
She highlighted that 10 to 19-year olds faced development issues including nutrition, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, substance abuse (drug, tobacco, and buai), education and employment.
She said children needed nutrients for their intellectual development and it was important for parents and mental health workers to be aware of the symptoms of mental health issues in teenagers.
“Anything to do with children, make them understand, explain to them the situation,” she said.
“It’s an inclusion of the kids not to talk big man but make them understand so that it leads them also to make right choices and right decisions.
“These are problems of mental health disorder in teenagers’ poor physical health, deliberate self-harm, suicide, risky sexual behaviour, physical inactivity, school or education drop-outs, vocational failures and risky behaviour (unsafe sex, drunk driving).”
She further added that teenagers must therefore, be given accurate information on the how to overcome their problems, be accepted to access health services and be given counselling whenever necessary so that they develop a positive mindset.