PUBERTY

“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” – Henry Van Dyke, American poet

“What’s the secret to success? Be different from the others.” – Woody Allen, American actor & director

“You are human, you deserve love regardless of the color of your skin, regardless of your religious beliefs, regardless of the way you think, regardless of the difficulties you are going through…” – one of the slogans painted by students on the walls of their schools in Chania, Crete, in order to send messages against racism and bullying

Adolescence is the age at which you form your personal identity. At this age, the image others form about you, is usually important, whether by “others” we refer to a group of people or a particular and important person to you. All human beings have the same need to see themselves and be treated by others in a rather positive and favourable way. Recognition and acceptance of one’s diversity is a basic principle of the society in which we live. It is important to remember that school is a miniature version of society. Bullying thrives when we don’t make an effort to understand and accept the fact that we are different.

On the 10^th of December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed that all humans are born free and are equally entitled to dignity and rights.

Recognition of diversity means:

• We all have the right to be treated in a respectful and polite way.

• We all have equal opportunities: we all have the same right to participate.

• We all have the right to social integration: be accepted the way we are.

• We all have the right to be recognized for who we are.

Discrimination is the unfavorable treatment of a person because it is different and it can be either direct or indirect. At school a student may harass another student because he or she is different i.e. too tall, too short, too thin, overweight, wears glasses, has a certain learning disability or just has a different skin tone. Some people may even harass others for the clothes they wear.

In general, victims of discrimination may be individuals or groups of people who are considered different because of their:

• Race

• Skin colour

• Gender

• Age

• Language

• Religious views

• Political or other views

• National or social origin

• Financial status

• Place of birth

• Disability

• Sexual orientation

People with a certain disability are the largest and yet the most disadvantaged minority, worldwide.

Protecting human rights makes us all wealthier. On the contrary, degradation of the human dignity affects us all. It is important to support and help people who are being harassed and not just stay a mere observer.

Remember to:

• Form your own views, an individual special way of thinking.

• Be yourself, capable of thinking and acting.

• Accept and take care of yourself. Express self-respect and

• Be interested in social issues and accept the obligations and duties arising from the life in a social and school environment.

• Respect others’ ideas and rights.

• Form your own values and not just passively accept common sense or others’ opinion at all times.

• Be flexible in various circumstances and be able to change.

In collaboration with:

Vassiliki Dimitrakopoulou

Psychologist, Scientific Associate of the Greek Society of Adolescent Medicine