Research the range of contemporary issues teenagers face today. In a 500-750-word paper, choose one issue (besides teen pregnancy) and discuss its effect on adolescent behavior and overall well-being. Include the following in your submission:
Describe the contemporary issue and explain what external stressors are associated with this issue.
Outline assessment strategies to screen for this issue and external stressors during an assessment for an adolescent patient. Describe what additional assessment questions you would need to ask and define the ethical parameters regarding what you can and cannot share with the parent or guardian.
Discuss support options for adolescents encountering external stressors. Include specific support options for the contemporary issue you presented.
You are required to cite a minimum of three peer-reviewed sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. Within text citation and references please paraphrase to avoid plagiarism
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In today’s society, teenagers face various contemporary issues that have a significant impact on their overall well-being and behavior. It is essential to identify and understand these problems to provide appropriate support and care for adolescents. In this paper, I will discuss one contemporary issue besides teen pregnancy and its effect on adolescent behavior and well-being. The chosen issue is cyberbullying. I will describe the contemporary issue, explain the external stressors associated with this issue, outline assessment strategies to screen for cyberbullying in adolescents, discuss support options, and define ethical parameters regarding information sharing with parents or guardians.
Contemporary issue: Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs through the use of technology. It involves the use of electronic devices like phones, computers, and social media platforms to harass, intimidate, or threaten another person. Cyberbullying can have significant consequences for victims, leading to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and even suicide.
External stressors associated with cyberbullying
Some of the external stressors associated with cyberbullying include social isolation, fear, anxiety, and shame. Victims of cyberbullying may feel that they are alone and have nowhere to turn for help. They may fear retaliation from their bullies or be reluctant to report the issue to parents or guardians.
Assessment strategies to screen for cyberbullying
Adolescent patients should be screened for cyberbullying during routine visits. Nurses and healthcare providers can ask the following questions to identify potential victims:
1. Have you ever been bullied online or through social media?
2. Have you ever received hurtful, threatening, or insulting messages online?
3. Have you ever had your pictures or videos shared online without your consent?
4. Have you ever felt scared or ashamed because of something that happened online?
Additional assessment questions
If an adolescent patient reveals that they have been a victim of cyberbullying, the healthcare provider should ask additional questions to assess the severity of the situation. These questions may include:
1. How often does the bullying occur?
2. How does the bullying affect you?
3. Have you told anyone about the bullying? If so, who?
4. Have you ever had any thoughts of harming yourself?
Ethical parameters
When discussing cyberbullying with adolescent patients, nurses and healthcare providers must respect their privacy and ensure that they maintain confidentiality. However, when there is a risk of harm to the patient, providers have a legal and ethical obligation to inform parents or guardians. It is essential to explain to the patient beforehand the limitations of confidentiality and what information will be shared with their parents or guardians.
Support options for cyberbullying
Several support options are available for adolescents encountering cyberbullying. These include counseling, therapy, and support groups. Victims of cyberbullying can also seek assistance from trusted family members, friends, or school staff. Additionally, healthcare providers can provide information about online safety and how to report cyberbullying to the relevant authorities.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, cyberbullying is a contemporary issue that has significant consequences for adolescent behavior and well-being. Healthcare providers must be equipped with the necessary knowledge and assessment strategies to identify cyberbullying victims. Support options must be explored to assist adolescents encountering external stressors caused by cyberbullying. When providing care to adolescents, nurses and healthcare providers must remember the ethical parameters about information sharing with parents or guardians.
