Mentoring: It's Power in You!

Mentoring has always played an important role in prevention. But a recent study has shown that mentors, particularly those who teens consider “natural” mentors are extremely influential in impacting positive risk taking and good decision making skills.

Mentoring fosters a strong sense of self . But what mentoring also fosters is “challenge” in teens. Teens who are mentored tend to challenge themselves more frequently.

“Natural” Mentors include family members, parents, aunts, uncles etc, other adults, such as teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, neighbors and clergy.

Mentoring is important in that it fosters the formation of identity, independence and peer relationships. Teens with a high sense of self are more likely to avoid alcohol and drug use. When compared with teens who do not have a high sense of self are more likely to try drugs and alcohol and cite boredom and depression as reasons to have sex.

 In addition the depths of mentoring that a youth receives relates directly to decision making. These teens are less likely to drive a car under the influence of alcohol.

  

What do teens look for in mentors?

They rank family members, friends, teachers, counselors and coaches among the most influential people. They look for characteristics such as trustworthiness, caring, understanding, respect, helpfulness, dependability, fun, compassion, and responsibility. In addition being a good listener and offering good advice were also seen as key skills of a successful mentors.

How to facilitate mentoring.

• Parents play the most influential mentoring role in the lives of their children, it is also clear that peers and other adults play a role as well.
• Stay involved.
• Encourage teens to communicate with and seek advice from adults in their lives.
• Get to know your teen’s other mentors.