Key things that youth are looking for in adults

A new research proves that every second young person trusts an adult who is a volunteer or a paid worker. The study involves six communities from Australia and presents the characteristics that young people are looking for to find in adults for developing significant relationships. Lead author, UNSW researcher Associate Professor Kristy Muir, says interestingly many significant adults did not realize the impact they were having. "A lot were surprised. They just thought, 'I'm the soccer coach', but they were really pleased to learn they were making a difference to these young people's lives," says Muir. Here`s how the list of key traits looks like: Trust: Young people must inherently trust the significant other adult. How conversations are constructed: 'Talking' not telling. Discussions are generally reciprocal, not forced and there is a level of equity, but also recognition that the trusted adult has wisdom. The way advice is delivered and on what basis: Trusted adults ask young people questions and are interested; the relationship is respectful and non-judgmental. How adults make young people feel: Young people feel listened to, understood and important. "Very few young people identify school counsellors as a trusted adult because they are doing what they expect of them, but there were cases where young adults would turn to their early childhood teacher for advice," she says.