stuff to think about (for working with adolescents)

From Social Problems and Social Contexts in Adolescence: Perspectives Across Boundaries, edited by Klaus Hurrelmann and Stephen Hamilton, 1996

"Adolescents are acutely aware of the societal forces surrounding them. They are stamped indelibly with the marks of the period in which they come of age. Thus, adolescence is something of a barometer for society. Adolescents register impending changes that may not be fully established until they become adults. Extreme differences in access to resources and in future prospects found in modern capitalist economies result in dramatic differences among adolescents. Gender, income, race, class, urban/rural/suburban location, region, physical and mental impairment, and other developmental characteristics distinguish the experiences and developmental trajectories of adolescents across societies...The most consistent thing about adolescents across cultures is adults' view of them, seen in their complaints of their indiscipline, moodiness and self-indulgence. 'The problems of youth' is a perennial topic of researchers, practitioners and policy makers."

A couple pages later, on adolescent risk-taking or dangerous behaviour (what, apparently, the professionals among us call "experimental problem behaviour") :

"Although adults may condemn these choices, adolescents may not believe other choices are available or preferable."

The last part I find particularly thought-provoking, especially with kids who have dropped out. That other options are perhaps desired but not available.