Justin Karmann NJ: The Benefits of Youth Development Programs for Children
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Youth development programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters or YMCA tend to vary greatly in terms of their program models. However, all positive youth development programs offer important benefits for the children involved.
Justin Karmann of New Jersey explains that not only do these programs reduce the likelihood of substance use and reckless behaviors among at-risk teens, but they also encourage positive relationships while promoting the attributes that are necessary for success in adulthood.
While it would be quite an undertaking to analyze every positive youth development program available, the general benefits of programs such as 4-H and Boy Scouts deserve to be expanded upon.
Reducing the Chance of Risky Behaviors
Even children from good homes are sometimes led astray, but the risk of problematic behaviors more often rises among children from lower-class households. This especially applies to those from crime-riddled parts of the inner city or those with absentee parents. Several studies show that, for these kids, youth development programs reduce the risk of problematic behaviors, such as:
- Criminal or antisocial activity
- Gang activity
- Substance use
- Teen pregnancy
- Developing STIs
Naturally, the effectiveness of various in-school or out-of-school programs differed from one study to the next. However, in all studies, the outcome for at least one youth was affected. Some would argue that even the least effective programs still matter because they have the potential to save at least one life from despair.
Encouraging Positive Relationships
Many young people fall into problematic behaviors due to negative social influences. A parent may be incarcerated, absent, or they may work multiple jobs, leaving the children to latch onto any relationships they can find. Even if those relationships may be unhealthy, they will be inclined to connect with whoever they can. Positive youth development programs provide two alternatives:
First, these programs typically allow participants to benefit from the guidance of a positive role model. Some, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, make this their primary focus. Other options, such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, provide adult leadership in the form of a scoutmaster. In either case, the children benefit from a healthy adult influence.
Second, youth programs typically involve healthy peer interactions. Many of these curriculums focus on more than mentorship alone by hosting events in which participating children can meet and interact with each other. This provides an alternative to the negative peer influences they may encounter in their schools or neighborhoods.
Promote Success
Positive relationships merely scratch the surface of the benefits provided by youth programs. In fact, research shows that positive youth development programs provide at least 40 different assets that help teens and adolescents succeed later in life. Some of these include:
- Building self-esteem
- Developing creativity
- Appreciating honesty
- Learning responsibility
- Experiencing equality
- Academic development
- Hope for the future
As children develop these assets within their youth programs, they learn over time how to apply these assets to life outside of their programs. This will help mold them into the unique, achievement-driven individuals they’ll need to become in order to thrive as they enter adulthood.
Conclusion
Parents who wish to give their children as many advantages as possible may do well to consider enrolling them in positive development programs. While not all programs are created equal, knowing the possible benefits will help parents to choose a program that focuses on those assets and drives youths toward a brighter future.
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