The Environmental Context of Educational Work with the Youth at Risk of Social Maladjustment

Objectives The article aims to moot various problems experienced by adolescents brought up in families and local environment prone to social pathologies. What serves as the grounds for discussion herein is the example of Bytom (a Polish city located in Upper Silesia) which, after 1989, was particularly affected by the transformations connected with the political, social and economic changes following the fall of communism. Material and methods In the course of research, the diagnostic study method was applied together with the following instruments: a questionnaire, document analysis, and observation. The survey was conducted among adolescents over the age of 13 and among their teachers in a selected school located in Bytom Results It was established that both the family and local environment affect the process of social adaptation when it comes to adolescents. The following factors can pose a threat to young people’s development: a low standard of living, bad example set by adults, poverty, unemployment, addictions, loosened family bonds, and peer pressure. Conclusions Growing up in dysfunctional environment may lead to a dearth of interests and life aspirations, limited models of spending leisure time, and a lack of authorities. The youth need support of educational and social welfare institutions.