ABSTRACT
Identity and a sense of belonging are of utmost importance to 10- to 15-year-olds. Young adolescents ask, “Who am I?” Who do you think I am? Where do I fit in this society? Where can I make a difference?” In response to the turbulent changes they experience in their physical and intellectual development, young adolescents experience dramatic changes in self-concept. Their loyalty is shifting from family to peers. They use social comparison to compare themselves with others and measure their sense of self-worth. Young adolescents want to be identified as individuals, yet conform to dress, attitude, and activities of their peer groups. More than anything else, young adolescents need to develop views of themselves as valuable, able, and responsible people. With all the challenges they encounter, young adolescents deserve honest and straightforward answers from adults. Technology allows for virtual connections to be made with students from all over the world. Skyping, emailing, social media, and other forms of online communication can be effective tools to help students build broad social networks and encourage cultural exchange.
