40 Developmental Assets for Youth

Research shows that there are 40 Developmental Assets that children need in order to thrive. As an adult with an influence on youth, your presence in their lives could help make a difference in their developmental assets and resiliency throughout adolescence. These assets fit into 8 categories, each one impacting youth in a unique way: 

Support. Children need support from their family, school, and other adults. When it comes to substance use, you can promote communication within your household, especially when it comes to important topics such as mental health and substance use. If you are not a parent, it’s important that children have 3 or more other adults in their lives who care about them and act as mentors. This may be a teacher, relative, pastor, counselor, friend’s parent, coach, or anyone else who has a relationship with a youth.  

Empowerment. Youth are empowered when they are valued. Help build a community that sees value in its youth and gives them purpose. Get your child involved with a community service activity that builds responsibility while also giving them a sense of purpose and achievement within their community. Keeping them busy will also take time away from potential situations in which they may be offered a substance. 

Boundaries & Expectations. Clear boundaries in the home and at school are important for youths’ well-being. This is especially true when it comes to substance use. Make your rules about underage use clear with definite consequences. Express high expectations for teens in your life that will encourage them to maintain a safe and sober lifestyle. Additionally, model this lifestyle for them, living a healthy life to show them what responsible behavior looks like. 

Constructive Use of Time. Youth benefit from time spent being creative. Get your child involved with the arts. Other programs like sports or clubs are also good for youth. Teens need involvement and can learn important life lessons from activities like sports. Religious involvement is also valuable. Limit their time spent at home or out with friends without an activity planned. This gives them less time to end up in a situation where they may have to say no to substance use. 

Commitment to Learning. Encourage youth in their academic achievement. Be invested in them as a student and create an expectation of doing homework and reading for pleasure. These activities greatly help youth. Celebrate school achievements and keep them motivated to do well in school. 

Positive Values. Valuing people and social justice are important for youth. Model these things by caring for others, being involved in the community, and starting conversations about important topics. Cultivate a home culture where honesty is expected and valued. Encourage responsibility and restraint when it comes to alcohol and other substances.  

Social Competencies. Build interpersonal and cultural competence by placing your children to have diverse interactions with others. Have conversations about resisting peer pressure and calmly talking through conflict resolution. These skills will help youth thrive. 

Positive Identity. Youth need self-efficacy, self-esteem, purpose, and optimism about the future. Encourage a healthy view of self by affirming them and their unique personality. Emphasize that your child has the power to make important decisions in their life. Tell them that they have purpose and help them find it by looking at their strengths and interests.