4 Troubled Teens Blog

A Canadian teenager has been missing for over a week. He ran away from home after his father barred him from playing his favorite video game because his grades had been falling.

"Dr. Lawrence Kutner, co-author of Grand Theft Childhood, stresses that video games themselves are not the root of a problem, but instead can be symptomatic of more profound issues. 'If you have a child doing anything obsessively, chances are there is something else going on,' said Dr. Kutner... 'In essence, it's a way of self-medicating,' he said."

A parent who feels a child is too wrapped up in a video game should ask the child's teachers if they've noticed any recent changes in behavior or school performance. If there have been changes, the parent should seek help for the child. Source: National Post (Canada)

Labels: video_games, runaways, consequences

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A study of Toronto high school students found that many of them were oblivious to the danger they were in when they engaged in risky behavior.

"Asked about their sense of risk, most students said they believed having youth on their side would allow them to overcome almost any kind of adversity, from poor driving conditions to the effects of alcohol or drugs while behind the wheel."

The study's authors hope the information can be used to improve injury-prevention programs. Source: The Canadian Press

Labels: risky_behaviors, consequences

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It what may be considered an unusual strategy, a school system in England has begun using a soap opera to teach teenagers about issues like gangs, drugs and pregnancy. The series, called "L8r", was developed by the Worcestershire Teenage Pregnancy Partnership.

"The DVD series, designed by young people in London, is backed up with chatrooms so teenagers in Worcestershire can debate the lives of the central characters... The series is designed to encourage youngsters to relate to the characters and see the impact decisions can have on their lives in the hope they will delay having sex."

The Partnership also offers free and confidential advice to both teens and parents. Read more at WorcesterNews.co.uk.

Labels: advice, consequences, teaching

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Florida's State Attorney's Office, in conjunction with the Florida Prison System, has started giving jail tours to teens and their parents, in an effort to show kids what can happen if they get in trouble with the law.

"[Chief Assistant State Attorney Jay] Plotkin says most studies show teens who come through a program like this will not get in trouble with the law and will understand that if they make the wrong choices they will end up in jail."

During the school year, the program focuses mainly on troubled or at-risk teens, but during the summer it's open to everyone. Read more at FirstCoastNews.com.

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Labels: prevention, jails, consequences

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