The question ‘What is adolescence’ is one of the definition, and the precise nature of the definition is likely to vary from culture to culture. Adolescence is generally considered as the stage in a person’s life between childhood & adulthood. It is a stage where many changes are taking place. It is stage, which is confusing to themselves and those around him/her. It is essential to understand the challenges confronting the adolescence in various area’s possible reasons and what one can do to reduce them along with the role the society at large has to play. Adolescence presents many challenges as biological, psychological and social challenges are confronted. When adolescence is unable to confront and deal with the developmental challenges successfully they are likely to be unhelpful psychological, emotional and behavioral consequences. Some may be more successful in facing the challenges, while some may fail to do so. The reasons may be partly related to personality traits, or due to the environment and support he/she receives. The biological challenges in adolescence include physical changes (e.g., changes in height, weight, appearance or development of secondary sexual organs – both for boys and girls), sexual changes (production of sexual hormones that occur during puberty, fantasy etc.) & emotional changes which may be influenced by the rise in sexual hormones.

In the cognitive or the thinking realm they learn to think creatively and critically, can understand or make sense of other people, and develop the ability to think logically.

The psychological challenges involve the formation of a new personal identity (such as who am I sense of personal control, sense of future possibilities and alternative choices) and develop a wide range of emotional responses (shame, guilt, anger, embarrassment, excitement, sadness).

The wider society parents family and peer groups (friends) all have expectations. The combined expectations challenge the adolescent to make changes in the social behavior.

One cannot ignore the moral and spiritual challenges, which are important to the processes of social and psychological, when a wide range of moral decisions confronts them. These development challenges may be daunting and overwhelming for some. For the fortunate ones whom have confronted the task successfully, the role of the support given by parents, teachers and the wider society is to be noted. Unfortunately, in reality, many youths will not experience a smooth, untroubled journey through this adolescent phase. The difficulty may be attributed to a variety of factors - adolescent’s personality and ability to cope, early childhood experiences (e.g., unhelpful parental behavior, physical abuse, neglect), external environmental behavior stresses (family environment like the parental style, functional style, parental relationship, alcoholic parent, domestic violence), educational environment, exposure to sexuality issues (through media, friends) and socio-economic pressures .

The influence of parents is likely to decrease while those of peers/friends are likely to increase. There may be a struggle between peers pressure and parental pressure. Peer groups & gangs can become a part of adolescent behavior. They may be associated with increased levels of problem behavior use of cigarettes & sexual activity. These are some of the hazards, which an adolescent is likely to face. Confronting them is an essential part of the adolescent’s journey towards adulthood. It can become harmful for those who are unable to respond adequately.

Individuals who cope most successfully are those who make the best use of their own personal coping resources & make use of other resources, which may be available, and of value. e.g.; An adolescent might use a friend, parents or a counselor or a peaceful place in which to relax, think and make decisions. The non-productive coping includes worrying wishful coping, ignoring the problem, turning to use of substances like cigarettes or drugs for immediate relief, keeping things to oneself & self-blame.

When adolescent are demonstrating these symptoms, they should be referred to mental health services who can assess and treat their condition.

However, it is also equally important to develop their own coping mechanisms, have a supportive environment. The wider society-parents & teachers can form a trusting relationship & be supportive. Just listening to them & trying to understand their behavior & underlying emotions does a great help to teens.

" It is said that unsophistication makes a man empty & that emptiness makes him carefree. It may be true among those who were born dead & who exit like frozen corpses; but the sensitive boy who feels much & knows little is the most unfortunate creature under the sun, because he is torn by two forces. The first force elevates him & shows him the beauty of existence through a cloud of dreams; the second ties him down to the earth & fills his eyes with dust & overpowers him with fears & darkness" – Kahlil Gibran