| Teen Issues | Boarding Schools | Wilderness | Weight Loss |
In this issue:
How to Detect and Prevent Dating Violence
Setting a Healthy Model for Your Kids
Should You Test Your Teen for Drugs?
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A Teachable Moment for America's Teens: How to Detect and Prevent Dating Violence
The world has watched in horror as allegations of assault, followed by gruesome photos, have been released in the alleged dating violence case of famous pop star couple Rihanna, 21, and Chris Brown, 19. What's more horrifying is that the overwhelming reaction from some teens across the country has been one of acceptance, and in some cases, approval.
Teen Dating Violence Hits Hollywood
According to a Los Angeles police report, on Feb. 8, 2009, R&B singer Chris Brown allegedly threatened to kill, and then punched, bit, and choked, girlfriend Rihanna until she nearly lost consciousness during a heated argument in the couple's rented Lamborghini. Rihanna suffered contusions on her face and head, bite marks on her fingers and ear, and bruises on her arms, hands, and legs, which required hospitalization, the detective wrote. When she began screaming for help, Brown left the scene. A bystander in the neighborhood heard Rihanna's screams for help and called 911.
Although Brown posted $50,000 bail and was released, authorities charged him with two felony counts of assault and making criminal threats. If convicted, Brown could face a sentence ranging from probation to nearly five years in state prison. He is currently awaiting arraignment.
The Public Response
Recent surveys of teens across America show that while a large portion of teens agree that hitting a woman is wrong, a startling number believe violence is sometimes justified. In an informal poll of 200 Boston teens ages 12 to 19, conducted by the Boston Public Health Commission, nearly half said pop star Rihanna was responsible for the beating. More than half (52%) said both Brown and Rihanna were equally responsible for the assault.
As a parent, what warning signs should you look for and how can you help? Read on >>
Setting a Healthy Model for Your Kids
When it comes to diet and exercise, what is "normal"? For many of us, our concept of "normal" is based, whether consciously or subconsciously, on whatever we grew up with.
Kids who are raised in homes where fruit is considered a dessert, and an evening walk or friendly sporting competition are staples of nighttime entertainment, will likely grow into adults who naturally gravitate toward healthy habits. On the flip side, children from homes full of junk food, sweets, television, and video games may marvel as adults at how one could possibly believe that fruits, vegetables, and daily physical activity are "normal."
While there's nothing wrong with the occasional indulgence, and a night of television watching doesn't instantly spell obesity, one fact is clear: Healthy habits start at home.
Should You Test Your Teen for Drugs?
Once limited to a few elite professions, drug testing has, in recent years, moved much closer to the center of mainstream society.
Olympic athletes continue to be required to take drug tests, as do airline pilots and military personnel. But in more and more cases, so do corporate employees, job-seekers, and even some high school students.
Drug-testing technology has become so prevalent and affordable that many companies are marketing their devices directly to parents, claiming that the tests can ease parental stress and keep kids safe. Some of the products even allow parents to test their teens without the teens' knowledge.
But as just about everyone with a child has advised their offspring at least once, just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should.
About Home Drug Tests
Most drug test kits analyze a person's urine, blood, saliva, or hair.
Learn about the advantages and limitations of these types of tests >>
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