Why are Youth Vulnerable? The National Youth Policy, defined ‘youth’ as persons in the age group of – years. Those between and years are called adolescents. Our national progress depends, crucially, on the ways and means through which youth are encouraged and nurtured as a positive force for national growth and are enabled to contribute to socio-economic development.
Youth is a vulnerable period due to many reasons. During this period an individual is trying to come to terms with many biological changes in her/ his body which have an impact on the person’s sense of well-being and identity. This is also the period when the individual is preparing to take on adult roles, two of the foremost being earning a livelihood and marriage, followed by raising a family. Peer pressure and pressure to excel in an increasingly competitive world are other factors that can cause a lot of stress and turmoil.
When the family/environment is unable to provide positive support to the adolescent, some adolescents may consume alcohol and drugs (also termed substance abuse). Such maladjustive behaviour for combating stress is on the rise. Health is another aspect which is of critical concern. Youth face significant risks related to sexual and reproductive health, and many lack the knowledge and power to make informed sexual and reproductive health choices.
Within the broad category ‘youth’, there are some groups who are especially vulnerable. They are: Rural and Tribal Youth; Out-of-school Youth; Adolescents, particularly female adolescents; Youth with disabilities; Youth under specially difficult circumstances like victims of trafficking, orphans and street children. In order to be socially useful and economically productive, youth need appropriate education and training, gainful employment and adequate opportunities for personal development and advancement. They also need requisite shelter and a clean environment, as also basic health services of quality, social defense and protection from all manner of exploitation.
Suitable participation in decision-making bodies which are concerned with issues relating to the youth, and with socio-economic and cultural matters, as well as access to sports, physical education, adventure and recreational opportunities are other requisites.