Modern Approaches to youth problems in contemporary society

Abstract Book of the 9th International Conference on Modern Approaches in Humanities and Social Sciences

Year: 2025

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Modern Approaches to youth problems in contemporary society

Prof. Dr.sc. Marijana Majdak

ABSTRACT:

The new European strategies about the Rights of Children and Strategies for the Youth emphasizes the value of youth in contemporary societies and demand more investment in policies that has influence on the youth (more empowerment, more educational and employment possibilities, more solidarity and more participation of youth).
Starting from the ecosystem model (Bronfenbrenner, 1979.) complex interactions of personal dispositions of the youth and the risks in different social environments can led to two types of youth problems: externalized behavioural problems (bullying, aggression…) by which youth mostly create problems for the others in environment and which are usually under-controlled (by parents) and internalized behavioural problems (anxiety, depression…) which represent a self-directed behaviour and are mostly described as overly controlled (by parents). There are also behavioural problems which can be both externalized and internalized (addiction problems, problematic internet use and internet addiction, challenges on the internet…) and therefore represent a special challenge for both public and professional society.
Due to these multi-problem behaviours more and more professional effort is put in positive developmental approach and well-being of youth (which is a multidimensional construct) and in the role of resilience.
That is why the preventive and treatment strategies and professional work with youth today should be focused on the new creative approaches which are consisted of positive and protective factors as well as on the new forms of help within the youth work and youth reach through different organizations and professionals which are in everyday contact with youth. These approaches should combine the services from different sectors (multisector cooperation).

Keywords: behavioural problems, youth, modern approaches