BUT they can also be times of pressure and uncertainty as many young people face difficulties in negotiating the all too challenging transition from childhood to adulthood. The world is a very different place to the way it was when I was a teenager - young people of today face a range of complex problems and pressures far wider than many of us experienced. The nature of their transition into adulthood has changed. There is pressure to grow up quickly. All of these factors could lead to LIFE LONG problems.
Most teenagers get by.
We are determined to tackle these problems and overcome them. We need to build bridges of mutual understanding, and we are taking steps towards this through my appointment as the first Minister of Youth, through the establishment of the Children and Young People s Unit, and through the establishment of a new Children s Fund. Role of Government in supporting young people Our new focus is on early intervention and prevention to support children s aspirations and help their families break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage. To empower young people to face the challenges of the future. We must not forget that our future is shaped by today s young people - they are our future teachers, scientists, doctors, employers and workforce.