Exercise in trust can help all teens

THEY are the inbetweeners — no longer children, not yet adults.

For them, every pimple is magnified, every increase in weight a major issue.

There is pressure to fit in, conform and achieve.

Yet the future looms large when there is still so much to learn.

And no one can tell their story better than they can.

Geelong Advertiser journalist Mandy Squires spoke to 150 Belmont High year 9 students earlier this year and asked them what was a seemingly simple question . . . What does it feel like to be in your skin, as a 14 or 15-year-old living in Geelong?

The students opened the floodgates, sharing feelings that were honest, raw, compelling and often confronting.

They bravely revealed the things that mattered to them, and what worried them most. Some were funny and optimistic, others heartbreaking.

Today, part one of the In My Skin project focuses on peer pressure and friendship groups.

A recurring theme is that fitting in is one of the hardest parts about being their age.

‘‘Being 14 is hard, trying to live up to everyone’s expectations, trying to be like everyone else so you don’t feel left out,’’ writes one student.

The Geelong Advertiser and Belmont High School have worked closely in recent months to bring this special project to life.

It was an exercise in trust, and we have tried to repay that by putting the students’ welfare first at all times.

In addition to sharing stories and providing a valuable insight into what is a challenging time in anyone’s life — In My Skin will also lead to action.

The school is looking at broader concerns that were raised through the project and which will help shape future policy and guide curriculum development.

It is also possible the writing activity will become part of the standard year 9 curriculum in schools across the country.

Importantly, we also talk to child-development experts who have advice for parents, share research that documents trends and places to turn to for help.

Every day at 1pm this week, parents or students with questions can blog with our experts on each of the topics covered.

We congratulate Belmont High School, English department head Barbara Daff, principal Garry Shultz and assistant principal Julia Love.

Foremost are the students who were willing to share something of themselves.

Their work reminds us of what we once were and may help bridge that generation gap; helping parents guide these future leaders through a turbulent and exciting period in their lives.