Young people in society column

Provided by the Professional Order of Social Workers of Québec (Ordre professionnel des travailleurs sociaux du Québec), these articles are intended to help you deal with everyday life. They could also help you help a friend!

Come back to read it!

Self-respect

By Claire Leduc, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist

Are you one of those teens who like to look sexy and hot? Like them, you use these expressions with humour and adopt a balanced behaviour. This means that you like to wear the latest fashion and show your uniqueness, which is healthy! Your love and sexual life is progressively taking shape, while allowing you to build your personality and finish your studies, which will give you access to the labour market. Your group of friends is very present and your relationship with your parents is rather harmonious.

Others, however, suffer from a distemper of our times called "oversexualization", which means that sexuality is exaggerated and present early on. Sexologists define it as sexuality that begins before the age of 14. Generally speaking, it is a sign of a fragile personality and a lacking fatherly presence. This behaviour can be an indication of sexual abuse that took place at a young age or at the beginning of adolescence.

Sometimes, in the first part of their adolescence, teenagers, who are overly head over heels in love, panic at the thought of being abandoned. Their cell phones ring all the time. They neglect their studies and don't see their friends because they're so worried about their love life. If one of the partners is suffering, it's a sign that the situation is unhealthy.

Every year, several teenage girls get pregnant and decide to keep their baby. They end up pursuing their studies during their pregnancy once they realize the responsibility facing them. The young fathers are also involved. But, isn't it preferable to start a family when you have the means for it?

There are also very young girls who undress in front of their webcam. A teenage girl who touched base with reality finally chose to go out with a boy her age and focus on her studies. Her parents and a family friend, who simply wanted her to be happy, supported her.

The sexual revolution allowed many people to grow, and we should embrace that. However, excess caused by a lack of judgement or maturity can have long-term effects. Simply think of all the sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted children.

The joy of loving starts with self-respect. A bit of modesty can help you set boundaries for how you want people to really treat you.