Adolescence is a stage of development where people from the ages of 10-19 undergo some changes. During this period, teenagers tend to form or choose the values they want to live by. In this article, we’ll be talking about the top 10 values adolescents must have.
Top 10 Values Adolescents Must Have.
1. Responsibility
Responsibility is about doing the thing we are supposed to do and accepting the positive or negative outcomes of our actions. Adolescents should learn how to take ownership of their actions no matter the consequences. Adolescents should learn to take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and commitments. This value instills accountability and prepares them for the challenges of adulthood. I remember the time I was made group leader of my group at a girl’s teen camp. I felt a sense of responsibility to ensure my group won all the activities prepared for us. This experience taught me the importance of responsibility.
2. Self-Discipline
Self-discipline also means self-control and it is the ability to avoid unhealthy excess of anything that could lead to negative consequences. Adolescents need to learn how to exercise self-control. Adolescents must develop self-discipline to manage their time effectively, make responsible choices, and work towards long-term goals. In school, balancing my academic life and my social life required self-discipline. By setting priorities and maintaining a consistent study routine, I achieved academic success.
3. Honesty
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines honesty as a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way. Adolescents need to learn how to live an honest life in their financial dealings, their relationships with people, etc. Adolescents are meant to be truthful and trustworthy in all situations
4. Perseverance
According to Merriam-Webster, perseverance is the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failures, or opposition. In life, there are a lot of obstacles, adolescents will experience a lot of failures but that doesn’t mean they should give up.
5. Kindness
According to Wikipedia, kindness is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistance, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return. Adolescents are meant to show kindness to everyone without expecting a reward. When a friend was going through a tough time, I empathized with their feelings and offered support. This strengthened our friendship and taught me the power of kindness.
6. Teamwork
Teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal or to complete a task. It involves working respectfully and effectively with others. No man is an island of knowledge and no one made it to the top alone, teamwork is essential for success and adolescents should learn how to work with people.
7. Tolerance
In a diverse world, adolescents need to embrace tolerance and acceptance of people who are different from them. This includes people of different backgrounds, cultures, sex races etc. It promotes open[1]mindedness and reduces prejudice. Attending a diverse school exposed me to various cultural backgrounds. Engaging with classmates from different cultures and traditions broadened my perspective and taught me tolerance.
8. Gratitude
Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation by a recipient of another’s kindness. Adolescents need to learn how to be grateful to the people and experiences that have impacted their lives. They should not take the kindness of people and the impact of experiences in their lives for granted. As an individual, I try to express gratitude to people who help me and one of them expressed how because of my gratitude the person is encouraged to do more for me.
9. Integrity
Wikipedia states that integrity is the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. Adolescents need to understand the importance of honesty and doing the right thing, even if no one is watching. It builds trust, both in oneself and among peers. At a particular time in school, I faced a moral dilemma when tempted to cheat on a test. However, I chose integrity over dishonesty, and this decision improved my self-esteem.
10. Respect
Respect is a positive way of treating or thinking of someone. It involves recognizing their value and importance as human beings and treating them accordingly. Adolescents should learn how to respect themselves and others. Respect is the cornerstone of healthy relationships and societal harmony. As an adolescent, I learned the value of respect through my interactions with diverse peers. Treating others with kindness and consideration, regardless of their background or beliefs, not only fosters positive relationships but also contributes to personal growth.
Adolescence is a phase where values play an important role in shaping one’s character and preparing them for adulthood. The top 10 values discussed which are responsibility, self-discipline, honesty, perseverance, kindness, teamwork, tolerance, gratitude, integrity, and respect, serve as guiding principles that equip adolescents with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of life. Through my personal examples, we have seen how these values can influence the lives of young individuals, helping them become well-rounded, compassionate, and responsible members of society. As adolescents embrace these values, they embark on a journey of self-discovery that not only benefits themselves but also benefits the world.
