Teens In Trouble

Are teens in trouble?  What do you think?  I think the question is worth asking and pondering.  Clearly, many are not in trouble, but given recent news reports, there are a significant number who are in trouble.  The CDC, also known as the Centers for Disease Control,  reported that 1 in 5 teens have cholesterol problems.  1 in 5!!  Does that sound incredible or unbelievable?  Another report out this week indicated that the teenage pregnancy rate has risen for the first time in ten years.  In other words, more teens are giving birth to children of their own than have been in the past 10 years.  Teenage pregnancy has always been an issue.  Apparently, it's becoming an even bigger issue among the young.  Violence among teens has increased.  We only have to listen to the news to see too many stories of teens being seriously injured or killed as a result of violence.  The number of teens dropping out of high school is shockingly high.  What are they doing?  Where are they living?  What are the employment outlooks?  There are high numbers of teens who are overweight, spending too much time in front of the television or on the computer and not enough time engaging in any sort of exercise activity. 

Having the opportunity to work with young people on a daily basis is an opportunity to transform a life.  As I walk in the midst of teens I notice many things about them.  Loud voices.  Interesting clothes.  Junk food.  Books.  Cell phones.  Ipods.  Hugs.  Kisses.  Playful behaviors.  Laptops.  Conversations about school.  Conversations about friends.  Conversations about boys.  Conversations about girls.  Conversations about parents.  I wonder if they are aware of the troubles that plague them, so I ask.  The responses I receive are varied.  Some are keenly aware that their generation has many challenges.  Some are more oblivious.  Some discuss "teen stuff" with their parents and are comfortable doing so and some don't and aren't comfortable doing so.  Some feel that the adults in the world don't pay enough attention to what is going on in their lives.  Some feel that they are old enough to make their own choices.  Some feel that the "world" allows them to get away with things that should be reserved for adults and that teens have too much freedom.  Some feel that enormous pressures are placed upon them without adequate support.

Here's what's important for teens to know:  Be conscious and aware of your health.  Stop drinking so many sodas and fruity juices.  They are loaded with sugar.  Drink more water and non-carbonated drinks.  Stop eating so much fried foods, potato chips, cookies, candy and all the other snacks you can't seem to eliminate from your diet.  Pay attention in health class.  You just may learn some useful information.  Take school and your education seriously.  Dropping out of school will not solve any problems.  It will create more.  Without a high school diploma, life will be very challenging and most likely, unfulfilling.  Stay away from places and people who engage in violent activities.  They may put your life and the lives of others in jeapardy.  Consider the serious consequences of engaging in sexual behaviors.  Putting yourself in a position to become a parent is a serious decision.  Child-rearing is a lifetime commitment, meant for adults.  Trust me when I tell you that it is hard for a child to raise a child.  What is the lesson here?  Stay in school.  Listen to your parents, your teachers and mentors.  Ask for help when needed.  Think about the consequences of your decisions before you make them.  Help each other and instead of looking for a role model, be a role model.