Why do some teens successfully manage growing up, while others struggle?

Why do some avoid dangerous situations and activities, while others become involved in risky behaviors?

Many factors influence young people’s abilities to be successful in life. Two studies can help us understand some key factors. The CDC has identified Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that can lead to risky behavior. As parents/guardians and a community we can work together to reduce our students’ risk factors.

The Search Institute of Minneapolis has also identified specific, practical things that have significant and lasting impact on youth. The study focused on “assets” – positive things that help young people thrive. It identified 40 assets that youth need to help them make healthy decisions. Half of the characteristics are described as “internal assets” – commitments, attitudes, values and skills that support our youth from within. While we can’t dictate or force these characteristics, we can nourish and impact them by modeling a lifelong commitment to learning, volunteering in the community, and involving teens in family decisions. The remaining 20 are “external assets” – those that come from parents/guardians and the community that surrounds our students with support, limits, and the structure they need to thrive. We build these assets when we spend time with our teens, set clear expectations and boundaries, keep track of how they spend their time, and appropriately discipline them when the boundaries are crossed.

The Search Institute study clearly shows that the more of these assets youth have, the less likely they are to get involved in problem behaviors. It is our hope that the information contained in this booklet will help you to partner with The Link Together Coalition and District 214 as an “asset builder.” Our teens need all of us.