It’s important for young people to honor their beliefs
It’s one thing to have beliefs and values. It’s quite another to stand up for them, especially when you feel like you’re sticking your neck out alone. Anytime young people draw on their inner spark of courage and act based on their values, they have integrity. History is packed with stories of honorable people with integrity. The best way to teach integrity to young people may be to practice and model it yourself. Think of the things you do every day: recycle an empty can if you care about the environment; point out something positive about a person who others are making fun of.
Integrity is Asset 28 of Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.
Here are the facts:
Research shows that young people who have integrity feel good about themselves, make thoughtful decisions, and lead others through their positive influence. About 75 percent of young people, ages 11–18, report that they act on their convictions and stand up for their beliefs, according to Search Institute surveys. Help young people gain confidence to act in ways that reflect their values and beliefs, even when it’s difficult.
Tips for building this asset:
Be a role model for the young people in your life: Think about what you believe in and value. Is it being a good friend? Helping vulnerable people? Honesty? Education? Health? Ask yourself whether your daily actions show you are true to yourself and your values. Confidence, trust, and respect are a direct result of integrity, and there are many ways adults can help young people foster these characteristics.
- In your home and family: Tell your child about one adult and one peer who cared about you when you were in school. Help your child identify which adults and friends at school he or she likes best and why.
- In your school, neighborhood and community: If you notice a young person who is being teased for not doing something considered “cool,” because it goes against his or her values, praise the young person for his or her integrity.
Want to know more about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young
people build them? Visit
https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-
assets-framework
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2017 Developmental Assets ® are positive factors within young people, families, communities, schools, and other settings that research has found to be important in promoting the healthy development of young people.