The Adolescents, the Vulnerable Group: A Case Study of the Informal and Formal Settlements in Epworth

Adolescence is a fascinating, interesting and challenging period of human growth and development. This is a period of great physical, social, emotional, physiological and psychological change. The adolescent is neither a child nor an adult but is on the threshold of adulthood. The adolescence period is characterised by the search for and consolidation of identity. In different cultures, it is a period of initiation characterised by circumcision (boys) and with girls, it is a time they experience their growth spurt (menarche). It should be noted, however, that this is not a chance phenomenon: it occurs as a result of the fact that girls are born with more mature skeletons and nervous systems, Mwamwenda (2003). This article concentrates on vulnerability and child abuse, especially the girl child because girls are the most vulnerable group in all cultures and societies of the world. It is estimated that 25-50% of adolescents are exposed to risk behaviours with negative health and behavioural outcomes such as drug abuse, crime, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Topics covered in this article are: 1. Child maltreatment 2. Substance abuse 3. Delinquency 4. Sexuality 5. Suicide ideations Due to the paucity of literature regarding parent attitudes toward adolescent problems, the subject is covered only in a limited fashion. However, there is a growing concern that young people need to be aware of the interventions available to them regardless of the little knowledge of adolescent perceptions of these problems. Although education can teach the young people what support is available, they will not seek help if they, themselves, do not perceive the existence of a problem. Therefore more research is needed to survey adolescent attitudes toward the various high at-risk behaviours as well as determine how to promote help-seeking behaviours and positive youth development, WHO (2016).