The History Of Early Relationships Children And Young People Essay

Published Date: 23 Mar 2015

Dating relationships starts earlier than expected nowadays. According to the teen dating relationship survey, nearly three to four teens say boyfriend or girlfriend relationship usually begin at the age of 14 or younger. The majority of teens have been involved in a romantic relationship, and almost one-half of teens reported that they have had at least one sexual experience. Learning more about how teens view these kind of relationships can provide insights that can help policy program providers, makers, parents, and others promote healthy youth development in general and address the problems of early pregnancy, that is alarming that the number of teenage mothers is increasing, from 7.1 percent in 2000 to as high as 11.7 percent in 2010(Taradji, 2012) and STDs in particular.

Different relationships affect teenagers in various ways. Friends impact teenagers almost the same amount as their parents. Teenagers go to their friends for help or to ask questions that they could not ask their parents about. Most of the time their friends give them good advice but then there is the down side when they put pressure on their friends to do something like to smoke, drink, and do drugs. In most cases they tell their friends how to dress and act when around certain people. Love relationships just make it even harder for a teenager to get a good education. Some start to fail in school because they are hanging out with their boyfriend or girlfriend instead of doing their work. Throughout adolescence, teenagers are positively and negatively impacted by several relationships such as friends, family, and love relationships.

Friends have a big influence on teenagers because they can say and do many of things to teenagers who think they were friends. They also start rumors and take their friends girlfriend or boyfriend and have them cheat on their friend. Some go out to drink, smoke, or to do drugs just to have fun but some think of driving home and most teenagers do not even make it to their driveways. Some teenagers who are so depressed about their social problems even think about committing suicide. Most start to hurt others turns into "goths" by dressing in all black. Many of depressed people show how they feel by dressing differently by acting out and hurting others in school.

Parents have a big influence on teenagers because their children look up to them and 90% of them grow up to act and do things just like their parents did with them. Teenagers who have parents that are in jail, or do drugs do not always have a good education or a household. "Children who have experienced a family break-up may have lower achievements than children brought-up in an intact family" (Ernisch, 1989). Some even get into trouble and end up with their parents in jail. Many teenagers pass away every year from doing drugs because they copy what their parents do like, for example a big one is going out to sell drugs. Research says, "Additionally, it is shown in research that a parent's failures are also "associated with a number of other disadvantageous outcomes for having a higher risk of unemployment, smoking, psychological distressed in early adulthood" (Ernisch, 1989). Families should stay intact or their teenagers will develop many problems, 

Love relationships affect teenagers because some become less interested in their education and more with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Most teenage girls have reported about being abused by their boyfriend. As shown in an article, "They note that over 25 percent of adolescents are victims of dating violence or aggression, and that dating violence precedes martial violence in up to 50 percent of cases"(Rheinheimer, 1992). This is happening at young ages: "The strongest risk factor for sexual intercourse is in grades 7th through 12th" (Rheinheimer, 1992). Many teenagers are abused every day, some die, and others survive by running off with their "soul mate", or every get married because of an unexpected pregnancy. Many teenagers go missing every day of the year because of these reasons. Some teenagers have search parties looking for them but most are never found and if they do 9 out of 10 times they are found dead.

As previously stated, teenagers are affected by many relationships which involve their friends, family, and their love relationships. The relationships affect them so much that most teenagers change their ideas about how they should live their lives in a different way and to change their future goals. They should be influenced to help themselves or to help others.

They should also be role models for young students at school. Teenagers should get more involved with their community as stated in the first few paragraphs. If they get more involved in other activities there will most likely be a drop in teen violence. The community could be a cleaner and safer place for teenagers if they get more involved in their towns and cities. 

They should also volunteer for jobs like being as firefighter, highway trash collector, nurse that goes around and helps the elderly. If teens get involved in those jobs they would be helping the whole community.

Teenage relationships have become increasingly commonplace. While in the older times, people thought about things like love, relationships and sex only after attaining a certain degree of biological maturity, age is no longer a bar for the cupid to strike.

As the advent of internet exposes more and more teenagers to issues of love and sex, more and more of them are getting into relationships and dating at a young age. However, it has been noticed that teenage relationships are extremely susceptible to quick disintegration. Moreover, teenage relationships lead to numerous other damaging outcomes on the physical and emotional health of the youngsters. While sometimes it is circumstantially unavoidable, teenagers must try to not get into relationships at a very tender age on account of the following reasons: Family problems are one cause of this is Lack of Parental Love, Josh McDowell, a well-renowned public speaker on teenage sexuality and author of The Myths of Sex Education, discussed in an article titled The Cause and Cure of Sexual Promiscuity that children who do not receive love and affection at home, especially from their fathers, often seek relationships early. Fathers are often worse offenders than mothers in failing to communicate love. In this same article, a survey conducted among 1,000 high school students revealed that 50 percent were unsure that their parents love.

Custodial: non-custodial conflicts, a large body of research shows that the support and involvement of both parents is associated with a number of positive child outcomes, including academic achievement, good behavior, psychological adjustment, a positive self- concept, and social competence. Furthermore, when both parents exercise control and supervision appropriate to children's developmental level, children experience a similar range of benefits (Rollins and Thomas 1979; Maccoby and Martin 1983). Given the advantages of having two highly involved, supportive parents, the absence of the father from the household, for whatever reason, may be problematic for children. Following divorce, many children experience a decrease in the quantity and quality of contact with non- custodial fathers (Amato 1987; Furstenberg and Nord 1985). And it is well known that many non-custodial fathers fail to pay adequate levels of child support (Seltzer, Schaeffer, and Charng 1989). For most children, this decline in contact and economic support represents a net loss in parental resources and because of this most teenagers are tempted to engaged in relationships, and now have the same situation with their parents. Another possible reason for teenagers to have an early relationship is economic problems. The way teenagers are exposed to technological advances, I truly believe they are affected by everything that happens in this world. The amount of information that is thrown out there nowadays is so overwhelming to everybody, especially teenagers that is hard to pin-point specific issues. However, Teenage fresh minds are extremely vulnerable, because of their eagerness to learn, not necessary at school, but about life. The speed with which teenagers want to absorb knowledge is detrimental to their capacity of understanding and distorts the very principles of such knowledge.

Lower standard of living is the legal definition of children in most countries is persons under the age of eighteen while biologically the transition from childhood to adulthood is said to occur with the onset of puberty. Culturally defining the end of childhood is more complex, and takes into account factors such as the commencement of work, end of schooling and marriage as well as class, gender and race. According to the United Nations Children's Fund , children living in poverty are those who experience deprivation of the material, spiritual and emotional resources needed to survive, develop and thrive, leaving them unable to enjoy their rights, achieve their full potential or participate as full and equal members of society. The Child Fund International definition is based on Deprivation (lack of materialistic conditions and services), Exclusion (denial of rights and safety) and Vulnerability (when society cannot deal with threats to children). Other charitable organizations also use this multi-dimensional approach to child poverty, defining it as a combination of economic, social, cultural, physical, environmental and emotional factors. These definitions suggest child poverty is multidimensional, relative to their current and changing living conditions and complex interactions of the body, mind and emotions are involved.

Neighborhood, research has documented the magnitude of youth violence and the trends in that violence over time. But what do we know about why young people become involved in violence? Why do some youths get caught up in violence while others do not? There is no simple answer to these questions, but scientists have identified a number of things that put children and adolescents at risk of violent behavior and some things that seem to protect them from the effects of risk. ( Office of the Surgeon General (US); National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (US); National Institute of Mental Health (US); Center for Mental Health Services (US). Youth Violence: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville (MD): Office of the Surgeon General (US); 2001. Chapter 4 -- Risk Factors for Youth Violence. Available from:  (Bursik & Grasmick, 1993; Elliott et al., 1996; Sampson & Lauritsen, 1994).).

Education, some students nowadays are not getting the quality education and engaged in some sexual relationships, maybe it is not their fault why they cannot study in a good school, but teenagers nowadays are just so curious about many things and try everything they want to try without thinking of its consequences. The next possible reason for having early relationships is peer pressures. Peer pressure is one of the most common reasons why high school students start relationships early. The pressure to fit in and to be considered normal is at the forefront in the mind of teenagers. High school is usually the time period in a teen's life when they start forming groups by associating with other teens that are most like them. The need to belong to something and not be an outsider is a very big deal in the identity of teens. The need for acceptance, approval, and belonging is vital during the teen years. Teens who feel isolated or rejected by their peers  or in their family are more likely to engage in risky behaviors in order to fit in with a group.  In such situations, peer pressure can impair good judgment and fuel risk-taking behavior, drawing a teen away from the family and positive influences and luring into dangerous activities. Media influence is also a factor for having these kinds of problem, media influence from internet, magazines, movies, and televisions. The opportunity to engage in sexual activity as a result of media influence is a contributing factor in high school teens forming early relationships. Many television shows often depict teens in relationships that involve sexual activity. The desire to be in a relationship, or to "hook up" as it is often called by teens, usually involves some form of sexual activity

The use of technology is frequent in teen dating violence. Excessive text messaging, instant messaging or inappropriate postings to social networking sites, such as MySpace or Facebook, constitute teen dating violence.

"One in four teens in a relationship (25%) say they have been called names, harassed, or put down by their partner through cell phones [and] texting"(Liz Clairborne, Inc/Teen Research Unlimited, 2007). Additionally, 19% of teens in relationships say their partner has used a cellular device or the internet to spread rumors about them (Liz Clairborne, Inc/Teen Research Unlimited, 2007).

The use of technology also involves fear and the threat of violence. Seventeen percent of teens reported "their partner has made them afraid not to respond to a cell phone call, email, IM or text message because of what he or she might do (Liz Clairborne, Inc/Teen Research Unlimited, 2007). Additionally, "one in ten (10%) claim they have been threatened physically via email, IM, text, chat, etc" (Liz Clairborne, Inc/Teen Research Unlimited, 2007).

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In a study conducted by RAND, a research and analysis company, they found that teens who have significant exposure to sex on television often engage in activities like "making out" oral sex and intercourse. The study also revealed that teens who watch sexual content on television frequently, were twice as likely to engage in intercourse than teens who have little exposure to sex on television. There are many effects of having a relationship at a very young age. There are positive and negative effects, and some ot its negative effects, some of its negative effects are PMS or the pre-marital sex, STDs or the Sexually Transmitted Disease, which are many of the youth today are affected, with the ratio of 1 of 4 girls who admitted to have sexual intercourse have sexually transmitted disease. (Daily news, 2008).

Quantitative and qualitative research alike suggests teen dating violence can start as young as age 11 and carry through to the early 20s, when young adults have intimate relationships but do not cohabitate.[1] While teen dating violence is not dissimilar from domestic violence, and often involves similar acts, a distinction is made because tweens, teens, and young adults face unique barriers to addressing the violence they are experiencing. Dependence on parents (for housing, clothes, other basic needs), education (required attendance, limited ability to switch schools even if their abuser attends the same one), and age (under 18 and legally a minor) all affect the ways in which a tween, teen, or young adult may seek help to stop violence. Because of barriers, it is not uncommon for tweens and teens to underreport their victimization.

Teen dating violence can start early; "One in four tweens (24%) say dating violence-physically hurting relationship partners-is a serious problem for their age"(Liz Claiborne, Inc/Teen Research Unlimited, 2008).Surprisingly, many parents lack awareness of their tweens' victimization. Only 24% of parents know of a child in their children's peer group who has experienced emotional abuse by a partner, yet 40% of their children know a peer who has experienced it (Liz Claiborne, Inc/Teen Research Unlimited, 2008).

A national longitudinal study of adolescent teen dating violence found 32% of teens reported emotional abuse or physical violence in a relationship over the past 18 months; approximately 12% of this was physical violence (Halpern, Oslak, Young, Martin, & Kupper, 2001). Additionally, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide have experienced physical dating violence (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2006).

In a study of high school and college students, the prevalence of partner violence was found to increase with age (Malik, Sorenson, & Aneshensel, 1997). This suggests that, over time, individuals who date are increasingly likely to encounter a violent partner.

Some emotional and Psychological problems are caused by many of the youth today are experiencing the so called, broken hearted. But for every negative effect, there will always be positive effects and some of them are; Confidence, Dating increases a teenager's overall self-confidence and standing with her peers. Teens feel good when they realize they are attractive to the opposite sex. Going out with a partner reinforces the positive feelings and sense of attractiveness. This can spill over into higher self-esteem and better performance in school and other activities. Compromise, Dating teaches teenagers about compromise. A healthy relationship requires both parties to sometimes make a sacrifice. They must each give a little to meet the other person's needs. This is learned hands-on through the dating process to maintain the relationship. It is a valuable skill that can be used in adulthood in family and workplace situations. Trust Teen dating teaching youngsters the importance of trust and honesty. These two things are the basis of a healthy relationship. Children's Hospital Boston explains there may be breaches of trust. This teaches the teen how to resolve problems or draw boundaries when necessary. Fun, Dating is a social activity that gives teenagers an outlet to go to movies, dances and other enjoyable places and share the fun with a significant other. This is a good outlet that offsets some of the pressure of schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

Compatibility, Teenage dating is an opportunity for a young person to figure out what he is looking for in a partner. Teens learn which traits they find most attractive in others and the things that are annoying. This information is valuable in the eventual search for a marriage partner. Rejection, Life is not perfect, and teens must learn to deal with rejection, because they will face many disappointments in adulthood. Many teen romances do not last long, and break-ups provide youngsters with experience in handling hurt and rejection. They learn to go through the grieving process and eventually move on. Maturity, Teens are in the transition from child to adult. Dating helps them to feel independent and mature. It is a step forward into "grown-up" behavior. (Nefer, 2011)

Relationships have ups and downs.  Some relationships have an effect on teens' lives and emotions.  They can also cause problems with family interactions. 

Being in a relationship changes teens.  "Some people change who they are to make someone stay with them," (Acosta, 2009).  This is true.  Everyone does change who they are when they are in a relationship. 

Changing who you are can be good or it can be bad.  It can be good because you probably can find out new things about yourself, like understanding feelings we have only heard about.  It can be bad if you change into a person you do not want to be or do not like. Just be completely you, the majority of teens let down their guard and falls into confusion with their thoughts and feelings.  Just because you have a boyfriend or girlfriend does not mean you are automatically in love. When problems occur in a relationship, they can affect the family and friends.  "Teens will act differently with the people surrounding them," (Moctezuma, 2009).  "They take their anger out on their family and friends," said Acosta.  Being in a relationship can make you or break you.  Be careful with whom you choose to be with and don not let if come between you, your friends, and your family. However, it is important to note that not all teenage relationships are disadvantageous. If they are lucky, teenagers may find true love at their young age and hence enjoy a consistent support system from their partner.

Teenage relationships, even when they go wrong, provide a lot of experience to the youngsters and make them stronger, more mature and more armed to deal with relationship issues in future. They also help them decide about what kind of man/woman they actually want in their life. A successful teenage relationship can do wonders for the self-assurance of a person and make them feel much happier and positive about life.

As a matter of fact, the entire issue is extremely subjective and boils down to the attitude and nature of the teenager. If the teenager can intelligently take decisions about such important issues, handle problems with calm and composure, and multi-task and devote time to every aspect of life without side-lining any, then a teenage relationship shall cause none of the above mentioned problems. However, such a situation is very rare and most teenage relationships are, regrettably, plagued by many teething troubles, and hence, must be avoided as far as possible.