Navigating the Summer
Keeping Teens Safe
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the summer months (from Mem orial Day to Labor Day) are the most dangerous months for teen drivers, with an average of 399 teens dying in car crashes monthly during these months (as opposed to an average of 346 per month in non-summer months). While this is frightening information, there are steps that parents and other influential adults can take to encourage safe behavior among teens year-round. Here are a few offered by AAA:
- Establish an understanding about safe driving. Consider putting this in writing to help encourage both parents and teens to stick to the agreement.
- Consider limiting night driving. The chance of a teen being involved in a deadly crash doubles during the nighttime hours.
- Encourage open communication. Make sure your teens know that you are available to them 24/7, no matter what sort of situation they may find themselves in.
Help to make sure that summer is a time of fun, celebration, and relaxation, and minimize the worries.
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What's Going On In That Head of Yours?
New Resource on Teen Brain Development Available
The National Institute of Mental Health has recently released a free, new guide focused on teen brain development, "Teenage Brain: A Work in Progress." A useful guide for any adult interested in teen behavior and development, the inform ation presented aims to shed light on why teens behave in some of the ways that they do.
To access this free guide, please click here.
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What You Say Matters
Parental Influence Over Teen Sex
Sex is frequently not an easy topic for parents to discuss with their teens, but new research indicates that an open discussion may be exactly what is needed. According to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy, teens report that parents have the most power to influence their decisions about sex. In fact, 87% of the survey respondents indicated that having open, honest discussions about sex with their parents would make it easier for them to postpone sex and avoid teen pregnancy.  Talk to your teens today! To learn more, please visit The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy. |
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College Visits: Get the Facts
What Might Be Happening?
For high school students trying to decide which college or university will be the best fit, a college visit can be a good way to help guide a decision. Visits can clue you in to the atmosphere and vibe of a specific institution, but according to recent research findings presented by SADD and the Center for Adolescent Research and Educat ion at Susquehanna University, some teens may be getting a different kind of introduction. They may be participating in illegal and/or potentially dangerous behavior during these overnight stays.
In a survey of more than 1,000 teens who had all been on an overnight college visit, 17 percent had sex or engaged in intimate sexual behavior during their trip and 16 percent reported drinking alcohol on their visit. Even more alarming, a majority of these students were engaging in these behaviors for the first time (52% and 51%, respectively).
While the majority of college visits do not necessarily result in these activities, what can parents do to help ensure that their teen's college visit is a productive and safe one? Here are two suggestions: - Discuss expectations prior to the visit. Make sure your son/daughter has clear goals for the visit and that you both agree on expectations of behavior.
- Maintain contact and make sure you are reachable throughout the night. Know your teen's plans, where he/she will be, and make yourself available throughout the visit. Check in at various times.
College visits are an exciting adventure and an opportunity for teens to begin to explore their lives after high school. With your support and guidance, they can be safe and productive experiences for everyone. For additional information, visit sadd.org. |
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Would Your Kid Do That?
Dateline NBC Series Explores Critical Teen Decisions
Recently, Dateline NBC produced a multi-part series, "My Kid Would Never Do That," designed to capture tee ns making important decisions around key social issues: bullying, discrimination, and driving and texting, just to name a few. Did they do what parents would expect or hope? What lessons can be learned from the decisions that were made?
We encourage you to check out this series, and also read through the tips offered to parents and teens for facing such issues. Click here for additional information and resources. |
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