Youth Eastside Services Lifeline Online
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 February 2014 
Love in the time of technology

February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention & Awareness Month

 

In July 2013, the Urban Institute published a report about the types of violence and abuse experiences youth  have via technology. It showed that more than 1 in 4 youth in a relationship experienced some form of cyber dating abuse victimization in the prior year. This type of abuse involves social-networking accounts hacked without permission, texts about unwanted sex and pressure to send sexual or naked photos.

 

Teen dating violence (TDV), defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as "the physical, sexual or psychological/emotional violence within a dating relationship," can lead to problems in adulthood.  
 
Here are questions you can ask your teen in evaluating the possible signs of an abusive relationship:
  • Are you frightened by your friend's temper, or are you afraid to disagree? 
  • Does your friend put you down?
  • Have you ever been hit, kicked, shoved or had things thrown at you?
  • Are you afraid to break-up a friendship or dating relationship because the person has threatened to hurt you or himself/herself? 

Love shouldn't hurt. Learn more about YES programs on TDV prevention here. 

In the News 
Important information you want to know 

 

contemplative teen A new study by the American Psychological Association shows teen stress rivals that of adults, and teens seem to underestimate the potential impact stress has on their physical and mental health. According to the study, "In order to break this cycle of stress and unhealthy behaviors as a nation, we need to provide teens with better support and health education ..."

Nearly one-third of U.S. adolescents consume high-caffeine energy drinks, and these teens report higher rates of alcohol, cigarette or drug use, according to a study in Journal of Addiction Medicine. The research suggests that the same characteristics that attract young people to consume these beverages, such as being "sensation-seeking or risk-oriented," may make them more likely to use other substances as well.
 
A study in the March 2014 issue of Pediatrics offers more evidence that bullying can affect mental as well as physical health. Intervening early to stop bullying is important because the effects, including anxiety, depression and impaired self-worth, can persist even after bullying stops. The study will be available online on February 24.
We're putting the final touches on our Invest in Youth Breakfast and I'm thrilled to say we expect record attendance when emcee Meeghan Black takes the stage on March 12. This event just keeps getting bigger and better every year, thanks to all of you who care about kids in our community.
 
The deadline to reserve your seats is this Monday, February 24. If you haven't been contacted by a table captain, please register here.
 
Our keynote speaker is Brandi Carlile, internationally recognized singer and songwriter. I recently gave her a tour of our Bellevue office and it was great to see her reaction to our programs and services. It made me proud all over again of the work we do and I'm really looking forward to hearing her remarks.
 
My favorite part of the program is when our client speakers share their stories. I always learn something new from them, and they inspire me with their honesty, courage and resilience.

I hope to see you on Wednesday, March 12, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. Thank you in advance for your generosity and contribution toward our uncompensated care and underfunded programs.

With gratitude,

 

  

Patti Skelton-McGougan 
Executive Director  
  
 
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