ADDICTION
In order to teach children about the harms of addiction from drinking and smoking, it is first important to understand why they engage in it in the first place. One of the main reasons is peer pressure and seeing other people engage in these behaviors. Whether this be in real life or in the media, teen drinking and smoking is prevalent everywhere. Another reason could be to escape a stressor in their life or use it as a medication to feel happy or confident. Teaching the immediate and long-term dangers can be helpful in preventing these risky behaviors. Addiction is when the brain is chemically dependent on the drug to function normally. This is dangerous because it causes so much damage to the brain.
RISK FACTORS
ENVIRONMENT
Poverty
Peer Influences
Poor School Achievement
Lack of Parental Supervision
INDIVIDUAL
Early Aggressive Behavior​
Poor Social Skills
Lack of Self-Confidence
GENETICS
Genes
Gender
Mental disorders
PROTECTIVE FACTORS
ENVIRONMENT
Anti-Drug Use Policies
Strong Community
Peer Respect
Parental Support
INDIVIDUAL
Self Control​
Positive Relationships
High Motivation & Goals
Positive Mindset
FOCUS ON PROTECTIVE FACTORS
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You can't eliminate all risks, such as genetic risks and some environmental risks.
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Focus on individual factors and improving these.
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Teaching teens about the characteristics of a healthy relationship are important in ensuring they are safe and happy. Healthy relationships should include mutual respect, trust, honesty, communication, individuality, and self-confidence. Many teens tend to lose their identity while in a new or first relationship, monitor their behaviors to ensure they are continuing to be involved in extra curriculars they always have been and are continuing to make friendships a priority outside the relationship. Communication is another key component of a healthy relationship. This ensures all feelings are known and respected. Some key traits of an unhealthy relationship include things like control, dependence, or any kind of violence. There should be a focus on the prevalence of pressure, especially sexually, and the harmful effects it can have on the relationship. Although abstinence should be encouraged for teenagers, options to be safe and where to find help should be noted.
HEALTHY
RESPECT
This is listening and being kind to one another.
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TRUST
Having time apart and feeling secure with the other's decision.
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EQUALITY
There should be compromise and an equal part in making decisions.
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COMMUNICATION
There should be the ability to listen without judgement and an open space to talk about feelings.
ABUSE
This is any kind of abuse. Physical abuse can be seen as hitting or throwing things. Emotional abuse is calling names or making you feel like you don't deserve better.
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CONTROL
This can be controlling what you do, who you hang out with, what you wear.
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PRESSURE
Any kind of pressure that makes you feel as if you have to do something you are uncomfortable with. This can be with drugs, alcohol, or any kind of sexual act.
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UNHEALTHY
SEXUAL HEALTH
ABSTINENCE
This is deciding to not have sex. This could just be because you need to wait until you are ready. You should have a plan in place to say no if the situation arises. Many teens wait until they are older or until they have healthier relationships to have sex.
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WHY WAIT?
1. Sex can lead to unwanted pregnancy.
2. Sex has health risks such as sexually transmitted infections.
3. Sex can lead to emotional distress especially when pressured into it before you were ready.
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STAYING SAFE
If you do choose to have sex, it is important to be safe so you can prevent unwanted pregnancy or an STI (sexually transmitted infection). Remember there is no 100% effective way to prevent either of these besides abstinence.
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CONDOMS
This is the most common way to reduce the risk of an STI or pregnancy. Make sure you also have regular medical checkups if you've had sex to get tested for STIs.
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BIRTH CONTROL
All forms of birth control have different methods, costs, and side effects. Talk to your doctor to explore an option that will work best for you.
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GETTING HELP
If you do decide to have sex and believe you are pregnant or have an STI it is important to tell a trusted adult right away. This can be a parent, if you are not comfortable with that start with a school counselor.
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CONSENT
Everyone has the right to say no to any sexual act. Only yes means yes, if you are unsure stop and ask.
SOCIAL MEDIA
The prevalence of social media in a teenager’s life these days is huge. This is where most of their social skills and interactions take place. In most teenagers, some social media platforms have increased their feelings of depression and anxiety. In addition to this, there is an increase in loneliness and lowered self-esteem. Taking frequent breaks from social media and monitoring the effects it has on one and one’s social circle is an important step to take to maintain safety and happiness while on social media. Understanding the dangers social media can not only have on mental health but also on social health can help in resolving the problems that arise from it.
IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA
INDIRECT COMMUNICATION
Constantly relying on social media to communicate with friends can impact the social cues that are being missed behind the screen. Body language and facial expressions are lost when interactions only happen online.
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PEER ACCEPTANCE
Creating an image for oneself is hard enough in person but with the introduction of social media there is a whole other presence to keep up with. Along with this, the comparison to others and the need for acceptance is a huge impact social media has.
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IMPACTED FRIENDSHIPS
The ability to keep your guard up online is much easier than in person. It is also easier to say things online that you never would've in person. This leads to less genuine communication which can impact the quality of a friendship.
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SAFETY
Without proper precautions, anyone can track where and what you are doing based off what you post online. This can lead to dangerous situations of stalking.