Tag: Pre-Teens and Teens

Caregivers, Caseworkers, and Biological Parents: Risk Factors for Foster Teen Pregnancy and Ways You Can Make a Difference

Woman with her two daughters.

Many teens exhibit risk-taking behavior. That said, the past experiences of foster care youth in particular make them likely to engage in activity that could cause teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. This 9-page fact sheet is designed to provide kin and foster caregivers, caseworkers, and biological parents of children in foster care with information about the physical, emotional, and psychological concerns related to teen reproductive health in the foster care system. It also aims to help all involved identify the risk factors associated with foster teen pregnancy and explains legal rights regarding foster teen health. Written by Nora Del Giudice, Stephanie C. Toelle, David C. Diehl, and Jody S. Nicholson, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, May 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1464

The Risks of Obesity, Weight Control Behaviors, and Disordered Eating on (to) Adolescents

UF student gets ready to eat fudge topped with toasted crickets and mealworms.Over the past 15 years, unhealthy weight-loss behaviors among U.S. adolescents are becoming more widespread. This 5-page fact sheet addresses the consequences and risks associated with risky weight-control practices and discusses the prevalence of eating disorders and the role of body image in weight practices. The publication also provides references that can be used to help practitioners educate youth on the importance of setting realistic goals and enhancing body satisfaction. Written by Emily Johnson and Kate Fogarty, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2014. (AP Photo/University of Florida/IFAS/Josh Wickham)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1452

Enviroshopping for Teens (FCS8756/FY342)

young hands hold model of earthEvery day, we make choices that impact our environment. This 3-page fact sheet will help you make environmentally friendly choices whenever you make purchases and encourage you to take a second look at items before throwing them away. Written by Linda B. Bobroff and R. Elaine Turner, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy342

Teen Binge Drinking (FAR1201/FM362)

teen with beer and head down on table“Raising teenagers is a tough job. I know I’m not the only mom who worries about the challenges our children face, including the issue of teenage drinking. There are many reasons to be concerned: Youth who use alcohol are at greater risk for unprotected sexual intercourse, coerced sexual activity, use of marijuana, and poor academic performance.” This 2-page Family Album Radio transcript was written by Suzanna Smith and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, August 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm362

Factors of Adolescent Suicide (FAR1203/FM385)

sad teenage girl“The loss of a child to suicide can be particularly devastating to parents, friends, and others in the child’s life. When my daughter came home one day telling me of a classmate who was contemplating suicide, the flood of fear for her friend and for the fact that my daughter was so closely exposed to such pain was one of those life-stopping moments.” This 2-page Family Album Radio transcript was written by Donna Davis, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, August 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm385

Adolescent Bullying and Family Therapy (FAR1204/FM399)

three teenage girls laughing at a sad girl in foreground“As much as parents like to think that bullying is something that’s outgrown in childhood, unfortunately it’s actually on the increase in adolescence. There are various individual and school-based approaches to dealing with bullying, but a new intervention that you might find surprising is none other than family therapy. ” This 2-page Family Album Radio transcript was written by Kate Fogarty, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, August 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm399

Teen Birth Rates Decline (FAR1208/FM420)

Figure 1. Credits: Hemera“Parents and others who are concerned about teenagers having babies have reason to celebrate. According to the nonprofit research organization Child Trends, the teenage birth rate for 15-19 year olds is at the lowest point in over 40 years. This drop began in 1991 and has roceeded steadily so that it is now one-third lower than the 1991 peak. The other good news is that it continues to fall.” This 2-page Family Album Radio transcript was written by Suzanna Smith, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm420

Teen Dating on the Decline (FAR1207/FM409)

movie theater date“Ah, the first date! This is coming up soon for some of my teenage friends. Chances are they will be excited—and nervous, too. And it’s no wonder. Child and family experts say that dating is a major change and one of the more challenging adjustments teens face.” This 2-page Family Album Radio transcript was written by Suzanna Smith, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm409

Teens and Dating: Tips for Parents (FAR1211/FM438)

passing love note in class“I’ll never forget the initial shock I felt when my second grader came home from school one day to tell me that one of her friends was “going out” with one of the little boys in her class. “Going out?!” I asked. “What does that mean?” She couldn’t really answer, much to my relief. Many parents might likewise find themselves unprepared when they first learn their elementary and middle schoolers have developed perfectly normal crushes on their classmates.” This 2-page Family Album Radio transcript was written by Kate Fogarty and Donna Davis, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm438

Music Lyrics and Influence on Teen Sex (FAR1213/FM449)

Figure 1. Parental Advisory Explicit Content“As a baby boomer, I was part of the generation that grew up with rock and roll. I recall the first time I heard my mother respond to explicit lyrics my older brother was listening to and thinking what a renegade he was. They weren’t nearly as explicit as the lyrics of today’s music, and while I swore that I’d never become my mother, I now find myself fighting with my children to turn it off! Perhaps mom was not so far off-base after all!” This 2-page Family Album Radio transcript was written by Donna Davis, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm449

Helping Your Teenager Discover Spirituality (FCS2303/FY1228)

Many life transitions and transformations occur during the teen years (ages 11-19). Bodies mature, thinking ability improves, and teens learn to manage many new emotions. Teens are striving to “find themselves” and to answer the question, “Who am I?” The answers to such questions often include a spiritual search for meaning and purpose in life. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Larry Forthun and Angelica Johns, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1228

Discovering Spirituality: A Guide for Teens (FCS2302/FY1227)

Who am I? What is my purpose? Have you ever asked yourself these questions? You’re not alone. Every teenager at one time or another has asked these questions. It’s the answers that are hard to figure out. Searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in life is not easy. However, you can do a few things that will help you discover the answers. One of the most important is discovering your spirituality. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Larry Forthun and Angelica Johns, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1227

Teen Safety in Cyberspace (FCS2248/FY848)

If you believe e-mail, blogs, text messaging, instant messaging, social networking sites, and 3-D virtual worlds (with avatars) are a completely harmless way for teens to communicate, think again! This revised 5-page fact sheet defines online sexual solicitation and cyberbullying; explains the risk factors and negative effects of these communications; and outlines effective ways to protect youth from harm. Written by Kate Fogarty and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy848

FCS7241/FY1110 Teens and Media Use: Cell Phones – What’s the Plan?

FCS7241, a 5-page fact sheet by Michael S. Gutter, Selena Garrison, and Marina Fayer, assists family communication about wants and needs for cell phone features and plans, with checklists to help decide on the best options. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1110