"Impulsive and aggressive behavior, frequent expressions of rage, exposure to another's suicidal behavior... family instability...change in eating pattern... neglect of academic work..."If these or other signs become apparent in a young person's life, take it seriously, watch them closely, and get them some help. Source: Bucks County Courier Times
"The findings of the report, The Culture of Youth Communities, echo a warning by Barbara Wilding, the Chief Constable of South Wales, made public last month, that tribal loyalty had replaced family ties for a generation of angry young people..."Paul Brown, a Prince's Trust Charity director, said the report proves that young people need a sense of security and acceptance in their lives, and will look for it anywhere they think they can find it. Source: The Time (United Kingdom)
"To prepare them for life in the real world, members of the La Verne Chamber of Commerce participated in mock interviews with the teens... Each of the six boys sat across from a panel of two business owners in each of the two conference rooms."The boys were asked such questions as "What qualifications do you bring to this job?" and "What would you do with your salary?" Following the sessions, the boys were given tips regarding everything from body language to overall appearance.
"Every two years, Vermilion high school students take a health survey... Students are then invited to create original works of art that address the top five issues revealed by the surveys. For the past four years, that list has included alcohol and drug use, teen sexuality, body image, and depression. The students can create anything... as long as it's original."Dottie McClauglin, the program's coordinator, displays the projects at area schools, libraries, health fairs and businesses. Since the program began, McLauglin said, the region has experienced a 24-percent decrease in the number of teens who drink and drive. Source: AHA (American Hospital Association) News
"T, like many other dads, balances fatherhood with work - a challenge he says he had no idea was so difficult. 'If you're having a kid right now and you're very young, get ready to stay up, all through the night,' T said. 'It's frustrating but you gotta stick in there, you gotta hang in there. You gotta know that you put yourself in that position, so take care of it,' T added."Though T, whose full name is Travore, is still with his baby's mother, he's the exception. Eight out of 10 teenage dads don't stick around. All the teen parents interviewed agreed that if they knew then what they know now, they would have done things differently - either using protection when having sex or waiting to have sex until they were older. Source: NewsChannel 11 - Lubbock, TX
"Some parents miss the warning signs: a sharp drop in the amount of communication, excessive requests for money, weight fluctuations, depression and fatigue, along with failing grades... According to Outsidetheclassrom.org, a Boston-based company... the introductory weeks are when many abusive habits are formed among college students."Parents can catch these problems early by communicating regularly with their children to find out how they are really doing. Listen for warning signs of stress or anxiety, such as if the student says he is having trouble sleeping, or refers to a sudden change in appetite. Source: Channel 7 News (Denver, CO)
"Regardless of what is happening in [Massachusetts], teen pregnancies are problematic across the United States. Aside from these girls going up against a myriad of stereotypes and discrimination, they'll fight an uphill battle to provide everything from financial stability to emotional maturity for their unexpected family."Young girls who have babies because "they want someone who'll love them" are in for a rude awakening. Not that children don't love or need their parents, but most parents will tell you that they give much more than they ever receive. It's a reality that many teen parents aren't ready for. Source: Telegraph Herald (Iowa)
"The American College Health Association's 2006 National College Health Assessment found that nine percent of students enrolled in a higher education institution had seriously considered suicide within the past year, and that 1.3 percent actually attempted suicide."Grant availability is contingent on fiscal year 2009 funding, and average annual awards will be up to $100,000 a year for up to three years. Grant eligibility is limited to public and private institutes of higher learning. Source: Medical News Today
"The Internet medium was chosen because of its popularity among young people, who will find blogs, music, quizzes, polls, games, fact sheets and more at www.myspace.com/nycteen_mindspace. The MySpace page aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and eliminate the stigma that keeps teens silent."An estimated 30 percent of teenagers in New York City say they've experienced sadness that interferes with daily activities, and eight percent report attempting suicide in the past year. Dating violence and substance abuse were also prevalent enough to be of concern. Source: Queens Courier
"In his study, the results showed that Black girls and boys showed similar levels of externalizing and internalizing behavior, once family dysfunction was taken into account. In these families, boys and girls were more likely to show outward aggression if they lived in families with higher levels of dysfunction. Such a relationship was not found in white families."Gavazzi says the findings shouldn't be surprising. People who study ethnicity and culture have long stated that the importance of family is different for African-American youths than it is for white youths. Gavazzi also believes his results are vital for organizations that help troubled teenagers, though he noted that more research needs to be done to determine how best to use the information. Source: MediLexicon.com
"Among tweens that have dated, 62 percent say they know friends who have been verbally abused; 41 percent know friends who have been called names, put down, or insulted via cell phone, instant messaging or social networking sites; and 20 percent have been struck in anger by a boyfriend or girlfriend."The survey's alarming results have prompted the National Association of Attorneys General to pass a resolution requiring teen dating violence and abuse curriculum in every school. It has also prompted child psychologists to remind parents about the important role they play in educating their children about sexual health and appropriate relational behavior. Source: CBS News
"If the program claims to be licensed, get the name of the state agency that issued the license and contact the agency to verify that the license is current. Often, the licensing will be through a state Department of Health and Human Services or its equivalent. If the program's representative can't provide the name of the licensing agency, consider it a red flag."Unlicensed programs aren't necessarily bad, but you'll want to check with the state attorney general and the Better Business Bureau to check the program's validity and track record. Also, follow up on any claims the treatment facility makes about accreditation and staff credentials. Source: Federal Trade Commission
"When classes begin in August, parents will be offered free take-home drug testing kits through the school, and not surprisingly, students are overwhelmingly opposed. But students aren't the only critics of the bold measure, which some parents believe is not only excessive, but also misguided."The concern is that students will be so fearful of punishment that they won't admit to having drug-related problems, nor will they seek help. Instead, parents would prefer that the schools focus on education and prevention. Source: Louisville (Kentucky) Eccentric Observer