Experimentation 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...
Read moreRAAPS Question #5 Helmet Use Biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, and riding scooters are all great ways for children and adolescents to get exercise. In order ride safely, they need to wear protective equipment, particularly helmets, but studies show that a majority of children and adolescents are not wearing helmets when...
Read moreRAAPS Question #4 Seat Belt Use Motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of unintentional death among adolescents of all ages – more than alcohol, drugs, and suicide combined. Among adolescents ages 10-14 motor vehicle accidents account for 22% of all deaths Among adolescents ages 15-17 years motor vehicle...
Read moreRAAPS Question #3 Physical Activity Studies indicate that children and adolescents are much less physically active than they were 20 years ago. Statistics report 25% of surveyed high school students do not participate in any kind of physical activity (60 minutes or more) and more than 61% of youth...
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