4 Troubled Teens Blog

Research conducted by a public health scholar at the University of Alberta (Canada) found that people who exhibited bad behavior during adolescence were more likely to develop problems as adults. The conclusion comes after Ian Colman analyzed data from a long-term behavioral study.

"The group of subjects has been followed all of their lives through questionnaires and interviews...Of the 3,500 subjects... about 29 percent exhibited some form of behavioral problems [as teenagers], such as disobedience in class, skipping class...."

When those same subjects were interviewed later in life, Colman found that people who'd had even mild issues were experiencing trouble as adults, including unwanted pregnancies, depression, and family problems. Source: Canwest (Canada) News Service

Labels: behavioral_issues, adulthood

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Cincinnati Police are warning a local community about a local gang that has been linked to a series of beatings and robberies. "The gang is implicated in violent beatings and robberies in Westwood. One woman was attacked outside the library, another by a school. Seven teens have been arrested so far." Police say the gang members range in age from 12 to 15-years-old and have likely gotten involved because gang life offers the friendship and protection they don't get at home. Source: Local 12 (Cincinnati)

Labels: violence, juvenile crime, gangs

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According to a 2007 survey, nearly 60 percent of ninth-grade students in a Southeast Michigan school district drank at least once during the previous year. The results of the survey were presented at a Town Hall meeting hosted by the Livonia Save Our Youth task force.

"[Claudia] Rushlow said parents could take steps to ensure children aren't drinking in their home. When children say they are going to a classmate's home, make the call to the other parent, Rushlow said. 'And when other parents call, welcome the phone calls.'"

Livonia police officers reminded the audience that parents and guardians need to take responsibility, and proactive steps, to keep alcohol out of the hands of teenagers. Source: Livonia (MI) Observer

Labels: drinking, teen_alcoholism

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Maria Pesin knows firsthand the dangers of dating violence, which she experienced when she was a teenager. Today, as the New York state leader for MADE (Moms and Dads for Education to Stop Teen Dating Abuse), she's pushing for dating violence curriculum in all New York middle and high schools.

"As estimated 62 percent of 'tweens' (ages 11 to 14) who have been in a relationship say they know friends who have been verbally abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend, and one in three teenagers reports knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped or choked by their partner..."

Few young people realize that harassment (such as calling or texting multiple times a day) is not only unacceptable, but is also a form of abuse. Liz Claiborne Inc, a sponsor of the anti-violence campaign, has developed a curriculum intended for use in health classes. Source: The Journal News (NY)

Labels: violence, schools, dating

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A survey conducted by the Boston Public Health Commission found some chilling results. Nearly half of the kids surveyed said they think R&B star Rihanna was "responsible" for the beating she received during a fight with her boyfriend Chris Brown:

"Every single one of the 200 12- to 19-year-old kids surveyed had heard about the incident involving the two R&B starts that took place hours before the Grammys on Feb. 8... 46 percent of the kids surveyed said they thought Rihanna was to blame for the beating."

Many parents and advocacy organizations expressed their misgivings when Rihanna and Brown got back together again after the fight. Many report being fearful that this is one more incident that "normalizes" relational and domestic violence. Source: The Boston Globe

Labels: relationships, violence, abuse

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Many college girls experience depression. But what affects them in college starts long before they get there, and parents can help prevent those issues by cultivating a close relationship with their teenagers.

"Recognize that to be in touch requires new communications skills, and they have to be learned if you expect to connect with and understand these kids. All the skills that worked up to this point no longer work."

Building the relationship takes time that many parents feel they don't have. But the long-term benefits to both parents and children indicate that time spent in conversation is time well spent. Source: Psychology Today

Labels: parental_involvement, depression, communication

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The 2008 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America has been released, and some of the findings are very encouraging. Among the highlights is a dramatic increase in the number of teens who say they have talked to their parents about drugs.

"The study revealed a major increase in the number of teens who reported 'learning a lot' about the risks of drugs from their parents: 37 percent reported this, a 16 percent increase from the previous year. This is the first major increase in this area since the study began 20 years ago."

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas said this information seems to indicate that parents and teens are finding some common language, and that the conversations are having a real impact. Source: NH Insider

Labels: drugs, risky_behaviors, parents

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The Wayne County (MI) Prosecutor's Office has gotten creative in the way in deals with troubled teens: Young people who commit minor crimes are sentenced by a jury of their peers.

"Teens who are accused of minor violations such as shoplifting or fighting in school and have no previous criminal record are given a second chance... The teens are sentenced by a jury of teens, and if they successfully complete the program without violating the terms of their sentence, Wayne County prosecutors dismiss the case and do not file formal charges."

The teens' parents are required to attend the proceedings, so that the jury can question them as well. Often, the teens are sentence to probation and some kind of community service. Source: WDIV-4 (Detroit)

Labels: juvenile crime, peers, courts

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Two years ago, Troy Crites lost his 18-year-old daughter to suicide. Today, he shares his story, and an important message, with other parents:

"[Mr. Crites] says he regrets letting his troubled daughter quit counseling. 'I'd rather have a damaged relationship than a dead daughter,' he said. 'I just - you have to try to make sure that they're safe.'"

Joan Goodman, an adolescent psychologist, encourages parents to get professional help for teenagers who struggle with self-mutilation, addiction, or other disorders. With therapy and medication, she says, many teens can recover. Source: WJLA-TV (VA)

Labels: suicide, awareness, parents

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According to the U.S. Department of Justice nearly one-third of all teenagers are, or have been, in an abusive relationship. Unfortunately, someone who stays in an abusive relationship long enough begins to feel like there's no way out.

"Is there a way to escape these relationships? Yes, and the first step is asking for help. Talking to your family and being honest about what is going on is a good first step... Close friends are also good to confide in to help take steps toward getting out and can offer support when talking to a professional or parent."

Ending a relationship is always difficult. Abuse relationships can be even harder to escape because the abuser has established control. But there are many ways to get out, and many people are people willing to help. Source: Grand Forks (MN) Herald

Read more about Teen Dating Violence

Labels: relationships, abuse

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