Help for Troubled Teens

The Sexting Epidemic Among Teenagers

Margery Villetas — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 21:11:44 +0000

MSNBC recently ran a provocative yet unfortunately all too common article on teen “sexting”. In essence, sexting is the act of sending nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit texts to another person. The title of the article gave a staggering statistic that “Nearly 20% of teens admit to sexting”. This study was conducted by Donald Strassberg, of the University of Utah.

The University surveyed 606 students from a private high school in the southwestern United States asking if they had participated in sexting. Nearly 20% admitted to have participated in the increasingly popular phenomena known as sexting. On top of that, 21% of students believed that there should be no consequences for getting caught sexting. Of those that believed there should be punishment, 25% believed that the punishment should be community service.

A real underlying issue is the lack of cell phone safety initiatives. Many of the students in school today are growing up with a level of phone technology that has never been seen before which means that there are more ways for students to get themselves into trouble. Students would gain a lot from the implementation of more safety initiatives such as classes, awareness events, and assemblies. Without these initiatives many fear that the problem will only get worse.

This author grew up in the time when cell phones first became a household item and were brought to school by most everyone. Sexting wasn’t a term at this point nor was it a problem since camera phones were a add on accessory that cost a lot of money. In today’s schools, everyone has an Iphone, blackberry, or other form of Smartphone that comes equipped with a camera. This should be a cause for alarm and needs to make parents think twice before buying everyone a fully accessorized phone since many young people don’t realize the long term consequences of engaging in these sexting relationships.

The best thing parents and schools can do to help stop the sexting craze and prevent it from occurring in the future is to educate their children. Parents and schools need to let kids know what is acceptable and what is expected of them. Without these boundaries and limitations, kids will continue to push the boundaries which could end up harming them long term. The MSNBC article lays out the facts and parents need to heed the warning signs before it’s too late.

Three teens charged with stealing GPS units

Margery Villetas — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 21:02:33 +0000

Charged with steeling a GPS

There may be a few reasons why kids turn to stealing, but many adults tend to forget their childhood days when they try to make sense of it. After three teenagers were recently arrested for being in possession of some stolen GPS units, the question may once again be surfacing. What makes this situation stand out a little more is the fact that they were using an abandoned apartment to store their bounty.

As authorities searched the apartment they found drug paraphernalia, marijuana and a host of other items, making this occupation of a vacant building a little more concerning to onlookers. When thieves commandeer apartments for their illicit activities it is bad enough, but when those thieves happen to be the future of tomorrow, the local police should be sitting up and taking notice.

There are many easier tasks to accomplish than keeping your teenager happy, so when your child becomes a statistical number in county jail, it may take you a little time to recover. Teaching a child to respect the property of others can be difficult, especially if you wait too long, but even if you are successful you could be dealing with other issues like peer pressure from friends and acquaintances.

It is very common to see kids going after items like electronics for their war chest, in fact most of these early criminals could start their life of crime due to a lack of extra cash at home. Teenagers have chosen to steal for simple reasons like needing accessories to complete an outfit for the prom, or something as simple as being influenced by a friend and the pair of sneakers they wore.

The fear of getting caught is a common reason for teenagers committing a crime, especially if they see it as a ride that they can get off when they are ready. The fear of being prosecuted for their crimes does not seem to stop them from stealing regardless of what they are going after. Many of these kids seem a lot more interested in the adrenaline than the possibility of spending time behind bars.

It seems clear that Shannon Logsdon did not consider the fact that she was breaking the law when she involved her two friends in criminal activity, but because there was drugs involved I must surmise that their reason to start a life of crime was to feed a drug habit. Hopefully she has already picked out a good lawyer.

Teen Unemployment: Finding Jobs in a Tough Economy

Margery Villetas — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:55:31 +0000

Of all the ways to spend one’s summer, working is the most productive, most rewarding, and most beneficial method. Of the many skills that a teenager can learn from summer employment, one of the most important is a strong work ethic. This work ethic, when developed early in one’s career, can lead to a life of success in the business world. With these benefits in mind, many teenagers spend their summers working a variety of positions. However, in the last few years, finding a job has become a difficult proposition for young Americans.

As the economy soared during the mid-2000s, teen employment reached some of its highest levels in recorded history. In 2007, over 6 million teens were employed in some form of work. As the economy stalled, teen employment followed in the wake of traditional employment. Less than 3 years later, teen employment had dropped to 4.5 million. This loss reduced the 2007 numbers by one-fourth. Due to an inability to secure employment, many teens fell out of the workforce, but for those who did remain, unemployment also increased.
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, teen unemployment increased by approximately 100,000 persons from 2007 to 2010. This figure does not mean that only 100,000 people lost work between 2007 and 2010. Millions more were transferred from the teen unemployment rolls to the adult unemployment rolls. Others stopped looking for work and were dropped out of the labor force.
Teens often feel the bite of economic collapses even more than their adult counterparts. Often employers will fill their positions with skilled adults rather than teens to increase the productivity and skill of their employees. In the drive to replace younger workers with seasoned employees, many teens are left unemployed. All hope is not lost, though. Many young workers can find labor online in a variety of fields from graphic design to writing. In addition, young entrepreneurs can create their own employment through hard work and innovation.
In this economic downturn, many teens are unable to find work, while those who can find employment are saddled with low-skill, low-wage jobs. For those looking for better positions, they must present themselves as capable, skilled, enthusiastic job candidates. Regardless of the economy, teens should be confident that by improving their skills and work ethic, they too can find work in many forms. In the end, some of these summer opportunities may turn into sources of permanent employment.

Sources
US Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://data.bls.gov/pdq/querytool.jsp?survey=ln
Query 1: Both Sexes, All Races, All Origins, 16 to 19 years, All Education Levels, All Marital Statuses, Employed, Seasonally Adjusted, Not Seasonally Adjusted, Quarterly
Query 2: Both Sexes, All Races, All Origins, 16 to 19 years, All Education Levels, All Marital Statuses, Unemployed, Seasonally Adjusted, Not Seasonally Adjusted, Quarterly

The Sexting Epidemic: Nearly 20 percent of teens admit to ‘sexting’

Margery Villetas — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:24:29 +0000

Teen Pregnancy Rates in Mississippi Cuase focus on Sex Ed

Margery Villetas — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:50:50 +0000

Mississippi has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the nation. Leaders are beginning to use a new method to change this problem by changing communication patterns about sex.

Donyell Hollins in the town of Marks, for example, is enduring sleepless nights taking care of her infant daughter while trying to complete high school. She benefits from frank conversations about parenting, life goals, and contraception led by instructors from Delta Health Partners Healthy Start Initiative.

Instead of allowing Donyell to drop out, these conversations hope to stimulate conversations about links between poverty and teen pregnancy. Donyell hopes to use the power of these conversations to teach her infant daughter the lessons her mother never taught her.

Above National Average

The program has been run through Tougaloo College since 1999. It is also a symbol of things to come. For years, schools in Mississippi only had permission to talk about sex in terms of abstinence. A new state law will change that paradigm. It will bring the lessons Donyell is receiving to all teens. 55 out of every 1,000 births in Mississippi are to 15- to 19-year-old girls. This is far above the national average of 34.3, according to the most recent figures from the federal government’s National Center for Health Statistics.

Experts say Mississippi’s high teen pregnancy rate stems from a culture of silence around teen pregnancy. Teenage girls who became pregnant were expected to drop out of school and even leave town. Experts like Phillip Levine of Wellesley College and Melissa Kearney of the University of Maryland, however, are challenging the idea that these teenagers must inevitably fall into poverty because of their pregnancy. They say the evidence does not show this has to be the case.

In these classrooms the teen mothers discuss this theory and discover they can still have ambitious goals. They learn there is no real reason they should give up on education simply because they have a child.

Is this an effective way to teach sex education? It might very well be. Teen sex is linked to a host of factors and they should be discussed jointly. For example, researchers report many teen girls see no chance of ever escaping poverty anyway, so the traditional stigma of poverty and pregnancy mean little to them. These conversations link empowerment with complete sex education, not simply abstinence. Utilizing both will help teens avoid unwanted pregnancies and move up out of poverty.

To Read More about this subject click here.

Maps and Charts at CDC.gov

Camp Counselors Can be More Effective Than Parents

Margery Villetas — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:41:05 +0000

Almost all parents will identify with a situation where their kid / kids throw up tantrums getting out of bed every morning or setting up the breakfast table or for that matter to clear the dishes and clean the table.

If the above is not bad enough, we also have to deal with the games whether it’s the video or play station. They can text away without blinking their eyes and every time you try to ask them to shut of their devices, they will sulk or indulge in meaningless confrontations which are much more difficult o handle than turning off the TV moments..

Many parents end up feeling they are either parenting the wrong way or have pampered their children so much that they have gone completely out of control. How we wish we could bring up our children in a well behaved, well mannered and well disciplined way just as the French Parents. It seems by the time children reach the age of 8 or 9, they are tired of listening to our commands and our advice making us wonder what we should be doing differently.

As a Parenting Expert, Michael Thomson wonders how American parents think that doing more or doing better or doing differently will bring an end to their parental dilemmas. He strongly disagrees and believe that parents instead of doing more for the children should actually do less all the times and most specifically in the summer. During summers, they should turn their kids over to 20 / 21 year olds at summer camps who can transform the unruly and most misbehaved kids magically.

These students who are barely in their early 20s possess an all different kind of authority which they put to good use and get children to do all such things they hate to do at home such as making beds, taking turns at doing chores, accepting challenges and taking risks. They also teach your children complex and challenging skills such as horse riding, rock climbing, sailing, white water kayaking and some survival techniques. Children also learn about caring, sacrificing and community service at summer camps.

Before you start wondering what is it that these young people possess that makes your children to listen and pay close attention to them.

Erik Erikson in his master work “Childhood and Society”, reminds us that it is not necessary for all of the learning to come from “systematic instruction.” He further points out, that children learn a lot from adults who themselves learn from experience and interest and perhaps children find it easy to learn from children who are older to them by just a few years.

Children are quick learners and love learning, but after a point they get tired of adults teaching them.

Click Here to Read more

Study Reveals a Wide Misuse of Prescribed Painkillers by Teens

Margery Villetas — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 04:33:54 +0000

Parents need to be alarmed that 13 percent of teens recently surveyed report using drugs for non-medical reasons. The most commonly chosen drugs are opiods such as oxycontin and codeine that have peen previously prescribed by a doctor. The Center for Disease Control reports that 15,000 Americans died from taking opiods last year. While the amount of illegal drug use is going down, this trend is increasing at a rate three times that found in 1988. Teenagers still prefer the use of marijuana, but they will choose prescription painkillers over any other drug such as cocaine.

The first study reported in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine was conducted by researchers with the University of Michigan. They surveyed more than 7,000 high school seniors in 130 schools, both public and private. The surveys were conducted in two years ending in 2009. In this survey the vast majority of the 13 percent that admitted to taking the medicine on their own for non-medical reasons say it was originally prescribed for them by a physician. In further analyzing the results researchers found that those teens admitting to taking opiods such as oxycontin for non-medical reasons were more likely to use other substances such as marijuana. The teens were also more likely to become binge drinkers. The report also pointed out that the use of the opiods started at 16 or 17. Researchers say this is much earlier than previously believed. The use of opiods for non-medical problems has been recognized in adults for a number of years now.

In the same issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, researchers from Michigan State University reported on their research. That research found that one out of 30 teens had reported taking painkillers prescribed by a doctor at least once before they turned 16 for non-medical reasons. Researchers say that the trend may be caused by the availability of these opiods in the child’s home. Opiods are often prescribed for back and knee pains in teenagers. Parents are urged to discuss the findings of this research with their child’s physician. Recognizing that there is a problem is the first step in stopping a problem.

Stagering Rise in Pot Use Among Teens

Margery Villetas — Tue, 29 May 2012 23:09:01 +0000

Popular among many teenagers back in the late 1970′s, smoking pot is on the rise once again. Teenage pot use is the most used drug in persons aged 12 and over. Smoking pot can typically be seen from 8th graders to 12th graders. Pot is an illegal drug that can be rolled into a cigarette-like joint or smoked straight out of a pipe or bowl. Teenagers commonly partake in drug activity in social situations with their friends, while some choose to smoke alone to help them wind down and relax. Because pot is so readily available by dealers all across the country, it gives teenagers the opportunity to purchase and smoke weed on a regular basis.

Teenage Pot use Escalates

In the late 1970′s, over 50% of 12th grade students had tried smoking pot on at least one occasion. Through the years, teenage pot use dwindled and by the 1990′s, only a little over 20% of 12th grade students were smoking pot. During this time, the drug became more available to younger teenagers starting in just 8th grade. During the years to come, the percentage of drug use in teenagers grew rapidly and then declining slightly. Once again, teenage pot use is escalating. In 2010, nearly 40% of 12th graders were again trying out this drug, while 30% of 10th graders and 16% of 8th graders trailed behind. These statistics were taken from a survey of over 42,000 students, coming up with a conclusive result. Because teenagers are getting into drugs at an earlier age, it is more likely that they will stay dependent on the drug through their later years. Marijuana legalization efforts could play a large part in the rise of pot use among teens.

The Gateway Drug Statistics

While pot use has been on the rise, binge drinking and use of other dangerous drugs has taken a fall, something that could be considered a good thing. Compared to 1988, when more than 31.5% of teenagers admitted to binge drinking, only about 23.2% today have had more than five drinks in a row. After marijuana use among teens, pain killers are the next most abused substance in the country, followed by cocaine, hallucinogens, heroine, and inhalants. While many feel that marijuana use among teens is a major concern, it is known to be less dangerous than some legal substances, such as inhalants and pain killers.

Reference Charts For Pot Use In Teens Incline:

http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/Teen-Addiction-Statistics.asp

http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/02/marijuana.aspx

3 Reasons Why Tommy Jordan Isn’t A Crazy Parent

Margery Villetas — Mon, 28 May 2012 22:39:30 +0000

Tommy Jordan recently took Facebook parenting to a whole new level, destroying his daughter’s computer by putting bullet holes into it. A lot of parents are in agreement with him and are backing up his actions. After providing her with a computer, putting $130 worth of new software onto it and otherwise giving her everything a teen could possibly want, she went onto her Facebook page and ranted about how unfair her life was because she was expected to do household chores.

Extremely disrespectful to her parents and to all adults in her life, she did this in a very public way. Teens today spend a lot of time on social networking sites. Facebook is the most dominant site, and of all the teens online, 80% of them have Facebook accounts. It’s been found that 95% of teens aged 12 to 17 are online so this is something that is here to stay.

How does a parent undertake Facebook Parenting then is the question asked by many. This teenager had blocked her parents from being able to view her Facebook page, but since Tommy Jordan is a professional IT person blocks did not work and he was able to view his daughters rants.

People have tried to accuse Tommy Jordan of being “crazy” when he was basically trying to use tough love type discipline on his daughter by destroying the computer and not allowing her to have another laptop until she’s able to buy one for herself. I believe any parent might have done something similar to what he did, on a lesser level than actually shooting the computer, but they would have been upset by the rants that his daughter posted.

Previously he had tried “grounding” her and not allowing her to be online but that did not work, since kids are pretty adept at getting around things like grounding punishments. I read recently on shine.yahoo.com/parenting about kids and social media. One 15 year old was quoted as saying that she sometimes felt like she was losing control and she wanted her parents to take away her computer, by force if necessary, because she felt she could not stop her actions by herself. This is a cry for help, basically the same way that Tommy Jordan’s daughter was also calling out for help. He is not crazy. He did what caring parents do, provided discipline for his child.

Original Video: Facebook Parenting

An Incredible Look at Teenagers Texting While Driving

Margery Villetas — Sat, 26 May 2012 23:47:41 +0000

Statistics of Texting While Driving

Lacking better judgment, 43% of teenage drivers admit they read and send test messages while driving their vehicles. Using a mobile phone for texting while operating a vehicle is one way for an individual to lose their life as a result of a car crash.

Although statistics show that young drivers are aware of the issues with texting and driving, they are still text messaging on their Androids and iPhones while operating a 3000 pound vehicle that could potentially be a death trap. Although text messaging is known to be the preferred method of communication for young adults, car crashes are 23 times more likely to happen while texting and driving.

Survey Results of Teenagers Texting and Driving

Teenage drivers who were recently surveyed said they blame their parents for teaching them habits that are dangerous. Over 70% of the teen drivers surveyed who admitted to texting while driving said that, even though adults are constantly trying to make teenagers avoid texting while operating a vehicle, they also indulge in this dangerous behavior. Over 41% of these teen drivers reported that they have witnessed either one or both of their parents send emails or text messages while behind the wheel of a vehicle.

The results of the survey suggested that there will not be a decline in texting while driving anytime soon. Texting is the most popular conversation means for teenagers. The study also found that around 89% of the group expects that their emails and texts will be responded to within less then five minutes, which implies that they will be awaiting a response.

Distracted Driving Warnings

Law enforcement authorities have been issuing warning tickets for driving while distracted. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a nationwide campaign warning about the use of cell phones while driving. Certain states have enacted laws and regulations to prohibit the use of cell phones, especially for texting and surfing the Internet, while driving a motor vehicle.

Teenage Death Rate

Reports from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicated that motor vehicle crashes were the number one cause of death for 13-19 year old females and males within the United States in 2009. The death toll reported 3,466 teenagers, ranging in age from 13-19, perished in car crashes in 2009. These statistics are the most recent data available. This death toll recorded by this data is 60% less than the year 1975, and 15% less than the number of teenage deaths in 2008. Eight percent of the deaths of teens from auto accidents in the 16-24 year age range was directly attributable to these teenagers texting while driving.