In western society, the time of adolescence is the time when young people are confronted with the problem of self definition and identity. These problems are exacerbated by biological changes, as well as social and intercultural differences. One of the most common generalized problems of adolescence is that teenagers are attempting to grapple with the problems of a social system that maintains a particularly ambiguous nature.
Immediately, one must acknowledge that society itself contributes significantly to the way that adolescence is culturally transmitted. Kroger (1989) acknowledged that society was the main contributor to the way that most adolescents viewed themselves and the world. This, of course, engenders many conflicting relationships between teenagers and society, and often puts them at odds with their peers, parents, and other authority figures (Adelson, 1986).
Under that rubric, this paper will examine and overview several problems faced by adolescents in contemporary American society. These problems, while certainly not common to every adolescent, are among the more serious challenges faced by both parents and young people alike. These problems will include alcohol abuse, drug abuse, suicide, communication with authority figures, and problems in school. Using these five aspects, the paper will discuss the way these problems are affecting adolescents, and offer some solutions that parents, clergy, or counselors might use in dealing with them.
Since the 1950s, substance abuse in the American teenage population has been on the rise. Young people are, in fact, being continually bombarded with media and print advertising that sends them mixed messages about the use of alcohol, and an increasing number of adolescents are being swayed into its chronic use (Morehouse, 1989; Oxford 1984).
In fact, alcohol is so prominent among today's young people that they not only get formal education about alcohol in school,...