Adolescence is an exciting time of development when careful negotiation of complex situations can lead to immediate and long-term positive results. Teens have important developmental tasks to master, such as learning how to take risks safely, solve complex problems and negotiate new types of relationships. The foundation for this work comes from teens' early childhood experiences, and the results will guide their approach to their adult responsibilities.
Adolescence is a challenging time with profound consequences.
For some adolescents, those challenges can yield serious health risks and health problems. While decreasing, teen pregnancy rates are still too high. Eighty percent of daily adult smokers first tried a cigarette before they were 18 years old. Twenty-five percent of people with HIV contracted the virus when they were teenagers. Adolescents tell us that they are looking for guidance from the health care system to help them navigate through this critical time of life.