Thursday 21 May

Make time for youth!

Youth Week organisers say research has dispelled a widespread myth, and that in actual fact teenagers want to spend more time with their parents.

The Youth 07 study of 10,000 secondary students showed that almost half of young people wanted more of their caregivers time.

Youth Week is organised and coordinated by New Zealand Aotearoa Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD).

NZAAHD president Trissel Mayor says Youth Week (23-31 May) is an opportunity for adults to reflect on their relationships with young people.

“Specifically, this year we want caregivers to think about the quality and quantity of time they spend with their older children.” “We want them to make more time, because 1000’s of secondary school students have said they don’t get enough of their parent’s attention.” “The participants thought their parents were too busy with work or younger children. For many they no longer lived with one or both parents, providing another barrier.” Young adults need parental support in a different way from younger children, she said.

“We know there are profound benefits of a supportive, non-judgmental, loving relationship with a caregiver or parent, which extend to the ongoing life-long health, success and wellbeing for that young person.” Youth Week is a great time for parents to initiate a conversation with older children about what quality time together would look like, and to work out how to make it fit into busy, modern lives and family structures, Ms Mayor said.

Children’s Commissioner John Angus said: “It’s easy to presume that teenagers aren’t interested in spending time with parents and other adults. We’ve all seen the stereotype of the teenager who grunts an answer when asked how their school day was. But young people I talk to tell me they often crave time with their parents and want to be listened to.

“Young people have a lot to contribute to our lives and we gain a lot by listening to what they have to say. I’d encourage everyone to get involved in events around the country for Youth Week and make an effort to spend some time with young people in their lives.”

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