ABSTRACT
Adolescence is a transitional stage of growing up that changes a child into an emerging adult and involves biological, social and psychological changes including dramatic changes to the body. The changing nature of family structure and social values play an important part in the adolescent phase of development. The expectation of different cultures and/or families influences young people, especially in the school setting. Important factors that may affect adolescents’ self-image and their schooling relate to the family, including the socio-economic status, employment history and family harmony. In an average class of thirty 15-year olds, three could have a mental disorder; 10 are likely to have witnessed their parents separate; one could have experienced the death of a parent; seven are likely to have been bullied and six may be self-harming (Public Health England, 2015).
