Life is never a straight line, and truly we have to be ready for anything to happen at any moment. But there are certain aspects of life that we can prepare for, and educating our teenagers to certain dangers, situations and aspects of modern life is our responsibility. Here are the top 10 risks that are facing the kids of today.
Automobile Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of teen deaths in the United States. Teens are more likely to speed, drive too closely, not wear seat belts, and drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Parents should teach their teens about safe driving habits and enforce rules such as no texting while driving, no drinking and driving, and no passengers in the car. There are resources for all of you to reference, such as The National Safety Council.
Suicide
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among adolescents. Teens may experience depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, bullying, family problems, or substance abuse that can lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Parents should be alert to the warning signs of suicide, such as hopelessness, isolation, self-harm, or talking about death, and seek professional help for their teens if needed, such as the International Association of Suicide Prevention.
Violence
Interpersonal violence is among the leading causes of death and injury in adolescents and young adults globally. Teens may be involved in fights, bullying, gang violence, domestic violence, or sexual violence that can have serious physical and psychological consequences. Parents should teach their teens how to resolve conflicts peacefully, avoid risky situations, and report any abuse or violence they witness or experience. The CDC has a list of resources for various types of violence that might be experienced.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a common problem among teens that can affect their health, academic performance, social relationships, and mental well-being. Teens may experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription drugs, or other illicit drugs for various reasons, such as curiosity, peer pressure, stress relief, or self-medication. Parents should educate their teens about the dangers of substance abuse and monitor their behavior for any signs of addiction or misuse. The Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine has great resources.
Sexual Risks
Sexual risks are another major health issue for teens that can result in unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or sexual violence. Teens may engage in sexual activity without using contraception or protection, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Parents should talk to their teens about sex and sexuality, provide accurate information and guidance, and encourage them to make responsible and healthy choices. The Trevor Project has resources geared towards teenagers themselves.
Drowning
Drowning is one of the top causes of death among adolescents, especially boys. Teens may drown in pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, or other bodies of water due to lack of supervision, inadequate swimming skills, alcohol consumption, or risky behavior. Parents should ensure that their teens know how to swim and follow water safety rules such as wearing a life jacket, avoiding swimming alone or at night, and staying away from dangerous currents or depths. The Red Cross has links for swim lessons and related activities.
Sending Intimate Texts
Sending or receiving sexually explicit messages or images via electronic devices such as phones or computers is an issue many parents did not have to deal with as a teen but it is something to be concerned about now for your teens. Teens may send sexually intimate texts for fun, flirtation, intimacy, or pressure from others. However, this behavior can have serious legal and social consequences if the content is shared without consent, used for blackmail or harassment, or viewed by adults or authorities. Parents should teach their teens about the risks and implications of sending intimate texts and respect their privacy and boundaries. The Cyberbullying Research Center offers more information.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect how people eat and view their body weight and shape. Teens may develop eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (restricting food intake), bulimia nervosa (binging and purging), or binge eating disorder (overeating) due to low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, social pressure, or emotional distress. Eating disorders can cause severe physical and psychological problems such as malnutrition, dehydration, organ damage, depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts. Parents should support their teens’ healthy eating habits and body image and seek professional help if they notice any signs of an eating disorder. National Eating Disorders Association has more info.
Online Safety
Online safety is a vital issue for teens who use the internet and social media for communication, entertainment, education, and information. Teens may encounter online dangers such as cyberbullying, identity theft, sexual predators, or exposure to inappropriate or harmful content. Parents should teach their teens how to use the internet and social media safely and responsibly, such as by setting privacy settings, using strong passwords, not sharing personal information, and reporting any abuse or harassment. StaySafe.org has resources for you.
Mental Health
Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being for teens who face many challenges and changes during adolescence. Teens may experience mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or bipolar disorder that can affect their mood, behavior, cognition, and functioning. Mental health problems can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, traumatic events, or stressors. Parents should be supportive and understanding of their teens’ mental health needs and seek professional help if they notice any signs of distress or impairment. Take advantage of resources such as The Youth Mental Health Project.
Loneliness: A Growing Health Crisis. Are These 6 Steps Enough To Combat it?
The U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory in May 2023 stating that there is an epidemic of loneliness in our country, and that this lack of connecting can increase the risk for premature death. The report explains that this is not due to COVID, and in fact pre-dates that epidemic. In a study prior to the COVID outbreak, about half of U.S. adults reported that they felt lonely. Read: Loneliness: A Growing Health Crisis. Are These 6 Steps Enough To Combat it?
18 Common Crazy Things Parents Tell Their Children That Aren’t True
Our Moms always said we had to wait 45 minutes after eating to go back in the pool or ocean. Something about undigested food would give us cramps, and we would drown…. That partial hour felt interminably long on hot summer days. Did your parents tell you things as a child that stopped you in your tracks, yet at the same time had you wondering if they were true? Let’s take a look at some of these common myths. And now that you know they are myths, we trust you will not perpetrate them against future generations. Consider this our effort at aiding humanity.
READ: 18 Common Crazy Things Parents Tell Their Children That Aren’t True
18 of the World’s Deadliest Foods: How Many Are You Eating?
Whether you eat to live, or live to eat, let’s make sure you live to see another day! These are some of the world’s deadliest foods. They can bring on extreme symptoms, ranging from paralysis to seizures, choking and even death, so don’t go tucking these into your lunchbox. Click for 18 of the World’s Deadliest Foods: How Many Are You Eating?
10 Of The Worst Tasting Drinks People Pretend To Like
Hold onto your taste buds, because we’re about to embark on a flavor-filled adventure through the realm of beverages! Sure, we all need water to survive, but let’s be real – drinks are so much more than just basic hydration. Recently, the question of which beverages people secretly think taste awful sparked a fiery debate. Boozy elixirs, non-alcoholic refreshments, and everything in between were thrown into the mix. Brace yourself as we unveil the truth behind the drinks we pretend to love. Get ready for a wild ride of taste revelations! Read 10 Of The Worst Tasting Drinks People Pretend To Like
