4 Troubled Teens Blog

A new survey of teenagers reports that they are experiencing an increase in teen dating violence and other types of abuse from within their peer groups.

About one-third of surveyed teens told researchers that they have experienced sexual or physical abuse and threats. Almost half said their girlfriend or boyfriend has shown overly controlling behaviors, and one in four has been a victim of abuse through technology. The survey was conducted by the Family Violence Prevention Fund and the Liz Claiborne Foundation.

Some experts believe that dating violence and peer abuse is increasing because of stress caused by the current economic recession.

Since 2007, all public school districts have been required to have dating violence policies and education for students in grades seven through 12.

Labels: violence, dating, teen_issues

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In Vermilion County, Illinois, a community outreach program challenges young people to encourage healthy lifestyle choices among their peers through creative arts.

"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

Labels: teen_issues, arts, healthy_lifestyles

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A popular belief is that teens engage in oral sex so they can "technically" maintain their virginity. However, a new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health finds that to be untrue.

Dr. Laura Lindberg and her colleagues at the Guttmacher Institute, using a government survey of 2,270 students 15 to 19 years old, found that teens began having both oral and vaginal sex at roughly the same time.

If your daughter is sexually active and enagaing in risky behavior a girls residential treatment program for troubled girls may help. Learn more at Copper Canyon Academy.com.

Labels: sex, teen_issues, virginity

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A recent study found that more than two million U.S. teenagers had a serious case of depression in the past year, with nearly three times more girls than boys having a serious depressive episode.

"They defined a major depressive episode as two weeks or longer of depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, and at least four other symptoms such as problems with sleep, energy, concentration or self-image."

More than 67,000 young people responded to questions about mood and depression. Results of the study showed that 12.7 percent of girls and 4.6 percent of boys were affected by depression in the past year. Source: Reuters

Learn more at About Teen Depression.

Labels: depression, teen_issues, studies

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A recent study in New York State found that students are beginning to gamble at a younger age. Fifty public and private schools were polled for the study.

"The numbers come from the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. It found that one out of every five young people in grades seven through12 gamble - that's 300,000 students statewide."

The DePaul Problem Gamblers Program says blame lies in the ease with which young people can gamble in New York, not just in the lottery, but in casinos and racinos. Ray Scott, from Problem Gamblers, says that in addition to the economic ruin that can occur, gambling has a higher rate of suicide than any other form of addiction.

Teens struggling with risky behaviors, such as gambling or teen drug use, can find the help they need at an adolescent residential treatment center. Find one at BoardingSchoolsInfo.com.

Labels: risky_behaviors, teen_issues, gambling

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Teens don't always know where to go to find answers to difficult questions. Sometimes parents don't know the answers either. That's why the United Way offers a comprehensive "yellow pages" book filled with helpful information.

"The United Way's 211 created the Youth Yellow Pages so that teens won't have to deal with issues such as violence, eating disorders and peer pressure alone. The adults in their lives may not have grown up dealing with these issues. Together, they can count on United Way's 211 to provide the information and referrals they need when facing new problems or concerns. Armed with the facts, adults can help teens make informed choices and reach intelligent decisions for themselves."

A copy of the Youth Yellow Pages can be obtained by calling a local United Way office, or visiting the United Way web site.

The Teen-Help-Directory is another great resource for parents and teens. Learn about teen drug use, research boarding schools, or find programs for troubled teens at Teen-Help-Directory.com.

Labels: support, parenting_help, teen_issues

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