UNICEF Adolescence

Adolescents are getting increasing attention in the news, in speeches of politicians, on the agendas of development agencies and in the concerns of religious leaders.

There is also a growing recognition of the threats faced by adolescents around the world, including lack of access to education, vulnerability to illness and infections including HIV/AIDS, inability to establish a secure livelihood, violence and early pregnancy. In this context, adolescence is considered a "window of opportunity" to break the vicious cycle of risky behaviour and to promote lifelong health and development.

http://www.unicef.org/adolescence/index.html