Challenges of Adolescence Chapter 6.3 Challenges of Adolescence

What are the causes and consequences of social problems facing contemporary teenagers?

Increased sexual activity Causes—societal loosening of norms concerning sexuality; birth control; increased exposure to sexual references and discussion in popular culture; low income level; single-parent families; lowered religious participation Consequences—teenage pregnancy; emotional stress; exposure to STDs such as syphilis and AIDS FACT: It costs approximately $950,000 to raise a child from birth to age 18.

Drug Use Causes—dropping out of school; having friends who use drugs; social and academic adjustment problems; hostile family setting; feelings of rejection Consequences—drug addiction; drug- related violence; criminal record; illness; death

What do you think is the most used Drug? Alcohol Cigarettes Marijuana Pharmaceuticals

Suicide Causes—depression, confusion, self-doubt; alcohol or drug use; triggering event such as a personal loss, family crisis, or perceived failure; social isolation, living in an under-populated area; hostile family environment; cluster effect from publicized suicides; low social integration with weakened behavioral norms Consequences—death; possible cluster effects leading to other teenage suicides FACT: MIT and Carnegie Mellon have the highest suicide rates of any college in the United States. (percentage-based)

Why do kids commit Suicide? Alcohol and drug use - heavy drug users more likely Triggered Events - loss of family member, bullying Age - 13-17 is the largest group

Why commit suicide? Sex - females 3x more likely than males Population Density - under-populated, rural areas more likely Cluster Effect - copycat situations - cult groups that have mass suicides

Page 133 Review 5-10 songs you listen to right now You can do this on your Ipod, phone or use a laptop to find lyrics Look at the “Issues in Adolescence” on page 133 Decide which of the those issues comes up the most in popular music