Sheila L. Jett, NBCT – Montevallo Middle School

 What are some ways that you can show more responsibility?

 Growing up means taking on more responsibility. Your parents recognize that you can make decisions for yourself and choose right from wrong. This additional responsibility also leads to more freedom. You might be allowed to do things and go more places by yourself or with your friends.

 According to Students Against Destructive Decisions, teens with favorable self-image are more likely to avoid alcohol and drug use. Teens with favorable self-image are also more likely to feel positive about themselves and have good relationships with their parents and peers. Teens with poor self-image are more likely to have feelings or stress and depression and weaker relationships. These teens are more susceptible to peer pressure.

 Risk is a part of life. (Making friends, playing sports, choosing careers, places to live, etc.)  Risk behaviors are actions are choices that may harm you or others.  By abstaining from risk behaviors, you can avoid serious negative consequences. Ex. When teens abstain from sexual activity, they don’t have to worry about unplanned pregnancy or exposure to STD’s.

 Alcohol and other drugs 1. Avoid dependency 2. Protect the physical body 3. Staying focused on goals and dreams 4. Avoiding legal consequences 5. Avoiding the state of mind that leads to other bad decisions

 The decision to become sexually active requires maturity and responsibility. Abstinence until marriage is the best choice for teens. By choosing this way, teens can focus on building healthy relationships and fulfilling their dreams and goals.  Abstinence is the only responsible choice.

 It not only leads to avoiding STD’s and unplanned pregnancy but it gives teens the freedom to get to know people without the pressure of engaging in sexual activity. They can develop appropriate feelings of love and trust without the emotional worries that come with sex.  Practicing abstinence reflects respect for yourself and others. If you want to show others that you care for them, you can do so in healthful ways. What are acceptable forms of affection?

 To practice engaging in risky behaviors, you need to know and practice refusal skills.  Refusal skills are strategies that help you say no effectively.  You can use the S.T.O.P. formula to help you say no.  Make sure your body language matches what you are saying. If pressure persists, leave the scene. That immediately takes away the power of someone to pressure you.

 Although the media makes it seem as though all teens are engaging in risky behaviors, statistics show that the opposite is true. According to the CDC, 92% 8 th graders are not using marijuana, 80% are not using alcohol, and 90% are not using tobacco. By the age of 16, 66% of girls have not engaged in sexual behavior and 94% have not had a baby.