The international environment in early childhood compared to adolescent development can vary significantly, mainly due to the stage of development at each age group and the increasing exposure to the wider world as individuals grow older.
Early Childhood:
1. Social Environment: In early childhood, the international environment primarily revolves around the immediate family and close social circles. Children at this age are primarily influenced by their parents, siblings, and extended family. Cultural values, traditions, and beliefs are transmitted mainly through these close relationships.
2. Exposure to Diversity: Early childhood is a time when children are beginning to explore and understand the world outside their immediate environment. Depending on their family's lifestyle and opportunities for travel, they may have limited exposure to different cultures, languages, and traditions.
3. Language Development: Early childhood is a crucial period for language acquisition. At this stage, children are typically more receptive to learning multiple languages. If children are exposed to an international environment with diverse languages, they may have a greater chance of becoming bilingual or multilingual.
Adolescent Development:
1. Peer Influence: During adolescence, the influence of peers becomes more significant compared to early childhood. Adolescents spend more time with friends and develop strong bonds with their peers. The international environment in adolescence can be shaped by diverse groups of friends, classmates, and teammates who may come from different backgrounds and cultures.
2. Global Connectivity: Adolescents have greater access to information and technology, which enables them to connect with individuals from around the world. Social media platforms and the internet provide opportunities for cross-cultural interactions, exposure to different perspectives, and learning about global issues.
3. Cultural Identity Formation: In adolescence, individuals begin to develop their identity, including their cultural identity. The international environment can play a role in shaping cultural identity as adolescents have more opportunities to engage with diverse cultural practices, explore their heritage, and understand global issues. They may embrace or reject certain aspects of their upbringing depending on their exposure and experiences.
4. Mobility: Adolescents may have greater opportunities for travel, study abroad, or exchange programs, which expose them to a wider range of international experiences. This can further impact their worldview, language skills, and understanding of different cultures.
In conclusion, while early childhood primarily involves the immediate social environment, fostering language acquisition and limited exposure to cultural diversity, adolescence brings more extensive international experiences, peer influence, and global connectivity, which shapes identity, expands cultural understanding, and promotes interaction with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
