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addiction. Would you prefer to
have a former drug user as
an educator?This is a risk. If
the person has not yet fully
overcome his addiction,
he can have a negative
affect on others. This
person has to convince you
that he is no longer using
substances. Therefore, the
most important criterion is to
choose someonewho has good
communication skills, is respected by
others and is an influential person.
Peer education is more effective in fighting against
substance addiction, isn't it?
Absolutely. This is because substance addiction
progresses secretly, unlike nicotine addiction. People
can smoke in front of their parents and friends and
it is easy to access cigarettes. You can buy them at
any market while other substances are not widely
available. Therefore, peer education is more effective in
fighting against substance addiction.
HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS PLAY AN
IMPORTANT ROLE
Parents, teachers, friends… Who is more effective
during the various periods of human life?
Parents are effective when their children are of
preschool age. Teachers are miportant during primary
school while friends have more of an impact on
children in high school. It is easier to reach students
through teachers in primary school period.
Who influences young people during their university
years? Is peer education beneficial on this age group as
well?
University period is a bit strange. Experts are still
discussing whether or not this stage is adolescence.
In the past, adolescence age limit was 23-24 but that
threshold has decreased to 18 years of age according
to recent studies. For example, if you ask a university
student, “what is your occupation?” he/she will
answer, “I am a student.” However being a student is
not an occupation. We call this period the emerging
adulthood period. It lies between adolescence and
adulthood – not exactly an adolescent or an adult.
Peers and other factors outside of the school
environment have proven effective during this stage.
PEER EDUCATION ISAN IMPORTANT PART
OF THE FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION
“Student clubs at universities are a part of peer
education, in a sense. For example, the Green
Crescent Club at one university helps their peers
take certain measures to prevent addictions. Peer
education is an important part of fight against
addiction.”
Parents
are effective in
the preschool stage of
development. Teachers take
center stage during a child’s
primary school period, while
friends have a more profound effect
during the high school. It is easier to
reach students
through teachers in the
primary school
period.
PEER EDUCATIONWORKS
FOR ADULTS ASWELL
Addiction is not a problem that affects
adolescents and young people alone; it impacts
adults as well. For example, alcoholism. Can peer
education be effective for adults?
Peer education can be practiced for adults, too. When
it comes to educating adults, a professional educator
is a necessity. However, peers are different. Adults
can reach out to their peers and friends whenever
they need to. Psychological counseling and therapy
is implemented for adults' problems. You need to
pay a certain amount of money for the time your
psychologist spared for you. However, you can meet
your friends and peers easily so that's why peer
education is important for adults. Adults pay attention
to the words and advice of their peers but not as much
as adolescents do.
Does peer education result in different levels of suc-
cess between male and female adolescents?
It is important to emphasize that females reach
puberty before males. Friendship among females is
generally closer than male friendships. Males reach
puberty two years later compared to females of the
same age and their relations with their peers are
different. Males share their private lives more openly
with their male peers. I think peer education may
show results faster with females.
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YEŞiLAY
•
October-November-December 2015