What's All the Hype?
Latest Info on Energy Drinks & Teens
Red Bull, Monster, 5-hour ENERGY...these are all drinks that teens seem to be consuming at a growing rate, as their popularity increases. Whether for an added boost of energy, for fun, or in an attempt to stay up late t o cram for a test, concerns are being raised about the safety, and the lack of government oversight pertaining to these popular beverages .
Teens & Caffeine. While the caffeine content of these drinks vary, one of the biggest concerns pertaining to teens and the use of energy drinks is the fact that young people tend to drink the cold beverages much more quickly than other caffeinated beverages, like coffee. This quickly increases the concentration of caffeine in the blood, and its strength. Additionally, they often have more than one serving, adding to the level of caffeine intake.
Discuss the Risks. As the government begins to take steps to investigate the potential harm and risk factors associated with energy drinks, adults should be aware of their teens use of energy drinks. Discuss the reasons that they may be drinking them, talk about the potential risks, and explore ways that these drinks can be enjoyed safely.
To read more about the current concerns surrounding teen use of energy drinks, please click here for a recent MSNBC story. Additional information can also be found here.
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Teens Speak Out
What Their Parents Told Them...
As parents or adults deeply concerned about keeping our teens safe, we are full of advice for the teens in our lives. It's hard to know what they take to heart and what simply goes in one ear and out the other.
Well, the advice they are hearing does seem to register. Here's w hat a few teens had to say when asked what their parents or other influential adults say or do to encourage safe driving behavior when it comes to texting and other cell phone use.
Deanna: My parents try not to use their own phones when they drive, which encourages me to do the same. I also speak up if someone is texting and driving in my presence. Usually, people listen!
Patrick: My mom always tells me not to text and drive, and she normally knows when I am driving, so she doesn't call. No one really influences me to not text and drive, I think I influence myself the most. I just know better.
Emma: Ever since the law in our state was passed, my mom has been big on it. She encourages me to not take the risk, because it isn't worth it. Any text can wait until you're done driving. I think teenagers don't think about the worst outcome if it really did happen.
The bottom line? Talk to the teens in your life, they are listening.
For additional information and resources on Parent-Teen communication, click here. |
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One Semester Down...
The Importance of Communicating with your College Student
College is an exciting time for young adults and a welcome opportunity to explore new opportunities and experiences. While freedom and independence are important to first-year college students, recent research also suggests that parent communication with their first-year college students is more important than ever.
According to a national survey conducted by the Center for Adolescent Research and Education (CARE) at  Susquehanna University and SADD, approximately one-third of teens are experimenting with risky behaviors during their first semester at college. Among these teens, one-quarter to nearly one-half report engaging in these behaviors for the first time:
- Drinking alcohol - 26%
- Using other drugs - 46
- Driving impaired - 35
- Having sex - 27%
While these results are disconcerting, not all students are putting themselves at risk. As Penny Wells, SADD's President and CEO, explains, "even those students who are [drinking or using other drugs] can still learn to reduce undesirable risk behaviors. Parent expectations and communication play an important role in helping their children through this transition period."
What can you do specifically for your teen? For specific tips, click here, and begin the dialogue, or continue it, with your college student today.
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Tagging? Timeline? Statuses?
Deciphering Facebook Terms
Timeline: This is your main personal page. It contains all your stories, photos, videos, and your list of friends, as well as a variety of other bits of information. This used to be called your "Wall". This is where you share whatever you want to  share with your "Facebook world."
Newsfeed: A continuous stream of updates about your friends' activities.
Status: A short statement or phrase that you post to your timeline, which can then be seen (in most cases) by your Facebook Friends. Status updates appear on your own timeline and in the Newsfeed of all of your Facebook friends.
Friend or Friending: This is someone you are connected to on Facebook. He/she can see your timeline and you can see his/her timeline. "Friending" is the act of sending someone a friend request. Each request has to be confirmed or approved before two people are connected.
Tagging: The act of linking a person or place to a picture or update posted on Facebook. These then appear on your timeline and in the newsfeed. For example, you may be 'tagged' in a photo that your son/daughter posts of the two of you, meaning that your name would appear next to it as someone in that photo. |
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