Benefits of Teen Mentoring for Kids Exposed to Risky Behavior

In urban communities there is an increasing isolation of youth coupled with the growth of single parent families. This situation has led to increased involvement of youth in risky behavior such as aggression, violence and drug addiction. This has created an urgent need for teen mentoring programs that can help the youth to avoid risky behavior and give them hope of a secure future. Teen mentoring programs also help to restore and build self esteem, the loss of which is usually at the root of risky behavior in today's youth.

A well designed and effective teen mentoring program encourages positive development in youth to become assets rather than liabilities for the society. Successful teen mentoring programs across the nation have demonstrated less violence and aggressive behavior, better attendance in school, improved family and parental relationships and also a positive inclination towards helping others. Not only does teen mentoring improve self esteem among youth, it also helps in preventing smoking, addictions and depression among the youth. This assumes great importance as it is estimated that in the near future 5 million American teens will die before turning 17 from causes that are tobacco related.

In a school teen mentoring program an older student, usually 14 years or older is paired up with a child who is in primary school and in need of mentoring. Also peer teen mentors can be of the same age. Usually teachers select the children who will participate in the program, with parental approval. Also teen mentors may be selected from a particular group or from a non-profit organization. Teen mentoring relationships can also develop naturally from sports activities or volunteer groups.

Teen mentors usually help with individual problems ranging from drug addition to poor studying habits. It is not necessary for teen mentors to guide or teach all the time. Just being together, going for an ice cream or playing basketball together can benefit the mentoring relationship. Although quitting or never starting to smoke in the first place is an important benefit of teen monitoring there are many other benefits. One of the other major benefits is to help in preventing unwanted pregnancy in teens. School dropouts have decreased and university admission rates have improved as a result of teen mentoring and this is no mean achievement.

Kids who are in teen monitoring develop better self confidence and self esteem and as a result they are able to say no to experimenting with drugs and smoking and are able to better resist peer pressure in this regard. Teen mentors don't need any special skills, only an eager willingness to spend time and share with someone younger. They need to be positive role models for kids they are mentoring. Many teen mentors undergo a formal training process and others rely on their instincts. Although anyone can benefit from teen mentoring, children belonging to poor and broken families can benefit the most.