Teenagers get sick of “old folks” telling them Facebook is a bad influence. They’re right, in part. Social networking sites keep teens connected to friends, give shy kids a shot at a social life, encourage teens to show empathy, and help teens express themselves.
If parents want to keep their teens clean and sober, they may need to look no further than the family dinner table, according to a new study shown in the I B Times. CASA recently released a report that shows the importance of having family dinners. Joseph A. Califano, Jr., with CASA, says that parental …
Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the United States, is coming up soon. This year, the annual week-long event takes place October 23-31, 2011. It’s a time when people and communities can take the opportunity to come together and unite in a visible stand against drugs. The theme of this …
Support Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, 2011 and Help Create a Drug-Free Environment Read More »
A recent survey says parents are expressing a new worry that’s shoving aside fears about dealing with bullies or getting good grades. According to a survey by SpectorSoft, the chief school worry parents expressed toward their children is about sexting, or sending sexual messages and photos out from their cell phones.
Initial abuse of prescription drugs such as Vicodin, oxycodone, and other opiates during adolescence has been found to be a common denominator among young injection drug users, according to a new study. Since prescription opioids are now the nation’s leading class of abused prescription drugs among adolescents and young adults, scientists have been concerned over …
Prescription Drug Misuse Is Common Gateway for Injection Drug Use among Adolescents Read More »
As summer approaches and children are out of school, parents should take the time to warn kids about the dangers of legal “drugs” that are for sale and readily available. These include bath salts, which are anything but safe, as well as a product called Lazy Cakes. Both are legally for sale at convenience stores, …
Parents: Health Risk for Teens in Lazy Cakes and Bath Salts Read More »
A new study has found that exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of nicotine dependence in non-smoking preteens. The study, by researchers from Concordia University and the University of Montreal, also found that preteens who repeatedly observe a parent, sibling, friend, or neighbor smoking cigarettes are more likely to become smokers themselves in adolescence.
If a teen driver shows signs of depression or problems with anxiety, a study suggests they may also have a greater chance of driving recklessly or taking vehicular risks. The study, highlighted in recent news, is one of the first to look at driving patterns and depression or anxiety, and could help experts recognize teens …
Teens With Depression, Anxiety May Also Take More Driving Risks Read More »
A new study has found that teenagers who exercise and play team sports are less likely to start smoking or using drugs. However, these teens often drink more alcohol than their peers.
A new study using rats suggests that adolescents who drink alcohol may have trouble with decision-making in adulthood. Researchers from the University of Washington found that drinking alcohol during adolescence can change the perception of risk but doesn’t affect how rewards are valued.