How would you define self realization. I was just reading today that the virtues necessary to achieve the same is faith and patience....

I agree with it... but what do you feel? You will need a lot of mental strength to actually practice it

I believe the necessary skill is understanding and forgives ( of self ).. Be your own best friend.
The tool.. other people.
Learn to understand others complete to the core, be non judgmental.. you cant be judgmental when you understand it.
You will start seeing a little of yourself in every human, know them, love them, and you will learn to know yourself.
If you understand what you see in others you learn to fear it less when you acknowledge it when you find it in yourself.

Self-realization or self-actualization is a matter that cannot be told, explained or taught to anybody. it is a very innate feeling that comes to your mind when you are old, when you have crossed a substantial phase of your life and have been there and done that. so, what i think is, having a discussion or thought of self-actualization at a young age, is not necessary.

Self awareness knows no age.  When you learn your lessons in life it is through each and every experience.  Sometimes when you are feeling like there are no other choices, stop and examine how you 'feel' about the situation.  You can actualize your own feelings by being aware of who you are and what you truly want in your life.

Do not use other people to define you.  Know thyself is the admonition given to us by many sources.  Knowing yourself is being self absorbed to the extent of knowing what you want and what you don't want in life.  This does not come easily - you must practice and see what works in your life and what does not.  

There is no age limit to where someone can be bamboozled into thinking something is right when it is wrong.  Just look at how many internet scams are alive and working.

Yes, right and wrong as always are so relative.
And realizing what is right and what is wrong does take time. I guess, there is a "right" time for everything. nothing ever happens before it is supposed to happen just because you want it to happen. and realization, doesn't happen overnight and on the way you learn a lot of other things.