The religious culture of Maltese pre-teens

Abstract

The pre-teen is one who is still experiencing childhood but is just entering puberty. It is often understood as covering the ages between 10 and 12 in girls, and 11 and 13 in boys. Given that preadolescence is relative recent phenomenon, it is still very difficult to define it. Adolescence has become a significant long period in the life of the human being, spanning over some nine or ten years. The present research studies and gives a general overview of the issues related to pre-adolescents and investigates the social, family and religious lives of Maltese pre-adolescents. The study was conducted through an empirical research among 582 pre-teens attending secondary schools. The study identified what type of relationships pre-teens have with their family and friends, and established the exposure preteens are getting from technology. The dissertation also sheds light on the practices, beliefs and attitudes of Maltese pre-teens religion. The results of this research will hopefully be beneficial and important for planning and preparation of Religious Education syllabi and useful for dialectic materials and for pastoral planning.