Social Factors causing adolescent health problem

The leading causes of illness and death among adolescents are both behaviorally mediated and linked to multiple social factors.  Some factors are:

FAMILY

·         Adolescents who have good communication and are bonded with a caring adult are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

·         Parents who supervise and are involved with their adolescents’ activities are promoting a safe environment for them to explore opportunities.

·         The children of families living in poverty are more likely to have health conditions and poorer health status, as well as lower access to and use of health care services.

SCHOOL

·         Student health and academic achievement are linked. Healthy students are more effective learners.

·         Academic success and achievement strongly predicts overall adult health outcomes. Proficient academic skills are associated with lower rates of risky behaviours and higher rates of healthy behaviours.

·         High school graduation leads to lower rates of health problems and risk for incarceration, as well as enhanced financial stability and socio-emotional well-being during adulthood.

·         The school social environment affects student attendance, academic achievement, engagement with learning, likelihood of graduation, social relationships, behaviour, and mental health.

NEIGHBORHOOD

·         Youth are growing up in distressed neighbourhoods with high rates of poverty are at risk for exposure to violence and a variety of negative outcomes, including poor physical and mental health, delinquency, and risky sexual behaviour.

MEDIA EXPOSURE

·         Adolescents are exposed to media portrayals of violence, smoking, and drinking are at risk for adopting these behaviors.

·         Although social media use offers important benefits to adults, such as health promotion, communication, education, and entertainment, it also increases risks for exposure to cyberbullying, engagement in “sexting,” and depression.