Workshop held to enable adolescents to cope with stress and develop life skills

University of Mysore workshop addresses adolescent challenges, resilience, and life skills for high school students.

The Department of Studies in Food Science and Nutrition of the University of Mysore organised a one-day workshop for high school students on ‘Life Skills at Crossroads of Risks and Resilience in Adolescence’, on Thursday.

The workshop addressed the complexities adolescents face in modern world, which is influenced by evolving social norms, digital exposure, academic pressures, and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, binge eating, and addiction. The digital age, with its attendant issues like cyberbullying and online addiction, was discussed for its impact on adolescent development, a release said.

It highlighted the concept of resilience—defined as the ability to cope with stress, adapt to change, and recover from adversity, trauma, or significant life challenges. It emphasised that resilience is not a fixed trait but a set of skills and attitudes cultivated through life skills education, the release added.

The sessions focused on equipping adolescents with critical competencies such as self-awareness, empathy, creative and critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, coping with emotions, and stress management.

Participants included high school students and teachers of Manasagangotri Educational Institute, postgraduate students and research scholars of Human Development and Family Studies and professionals from the field of Home Science.

Manjunath H. G., Director and Dean, Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Chamarajanagar, inaugurated the workshop. In the release, M. Komala, chairperson of the department, said adolescence is a transformative stage from childhood to adulthood, and is marked by rapid physical, emotional, and psychological development.