During adolescence, many teens begin to explore their sexuality. For all teens, this is a challenging situation, but for teens who are questioning their sexual orientation, or who identify as being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, it can be a particularly difficult transition. Did you know? – Prospective studies...
Read moreAdolescence is a natural time for youth to be interested in and experimenting with sexual intercourse. A combination of hormones, peer and social pressure, and influence from the media make the drive to become sexually active even more intense. What the Data Tells Us: The decision for adolescents to...
Read moreTeenagers abuse a variety of drugs, both legal and illegal. Legally available drugs include prescribed medication and over-the-counter medications. These drugs are easily accessible, free or inexpensive, and falsely believed to be safer than illicit drugs. It is estimated that 3.1 million persons ages 12-25 have used an over-the-counter...
Read moreExperimentation with illicit drugs during adolescence is common. Unfortunately, teenagers often fail to see the link between their actions today and the consequences tomorrow. Teenagers often feel indestructible and immune to the negative implications of drug use, such as addiction. Teenagers abuse a variety of drugs, both legal and...
Read moreThe pressure to drink alcohol is at its highest during the adolescent years. According to the CDC, more young people in the U.S. use alcohol than tobacco or illicit drugs. Approximately 42% of youth in 9-12th grade reports drinking alcohol within the past month. The younger a person is...
Read moreRAAPS Question #10 Teen drivers are already at an increased risk of collisions. When they drink alcohol, use other drugs, or text and drive, teens endanger their own lives and the lives of other passengers on the road. Each year, thousands of teens are killed or permanently disabled because of motor...
Read moreRAAPS Question #9 Smoking The number of American youth who smoke has been decreasing over the last two decades. However, rates of cigarette smoking among older teens is still very high, often higher than adults. Every day, approximately 4,000 American youth ages 12-17 try their first cigarette, and an...
Read moreRAAPS Question #8 Weapon Carrying When teens are in possession of a weapon like a gun or a knife, they not only pose a serious threat to their own health, but to other people around them. It is not uncommon for teens to have access to weapons and carry...
Read moreRAAPS Question #7 Abuse Many acts of violence occur at home. Forms of violence may be physical, emotional or sexual. In 2006, one or both parents were responsible for 75.9% of child abuse or neglect fatalities. 5.4% of fatalities caused by abuse and neglect were among youth ages 12-17...
Read moreRAAPS Question #6 Bullying Bullying is unacceptable and preventable, yet it happens every day. Children and adolescents who are bullied are more likely than children who are not to be depressed, lonely, anxious, have low self-esteem, feel unwell, and think about suicide. Bullying also has a negative impact on...
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