Teen Issues
These sites are about common issues that teens face, such as drinking and driving, gangs, television influences, and suicide. Read statistics about each of these issues and tips on how to cope. There is also information about conflict resolution and links to eThemes Resources on AIDS/HIV, drugs, smoking, and peer pressure.
Grades
- 5,
- 6,
- 7,
- 8,
- 9,
- 10,
- 11,
- 12
Links
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ThinkQuest: Welcome to TECH
Click on "Virtual Library" to read about some problems that teenagers face. Topics include substance abuse, eating disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, gangs, and more.
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Discovery Health: Teen Center
Here are several articles dealing with teenage issues, such as drinking, smoking, and using drugs. NOTE: There is a link to information on herpes and a link to moderated discussion boards that include postings about relationship issues. NOTE: The website includes ads.
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TeensHealth: Alcohol
Learn more about the dangers of teenage drinking.
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PBS: Just One Night
Learn about Tom Boyle, whose life was ruined when he chose to drink and drive. Click on "Drinking and Driving" for tips on how to keep friends from driving drunk. Also learn the myths about drinking and read what teenagers think about this issue.
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Drug Use is Life Abuse
Click on "Home" for information on teenage drug abuse. Click on "Project: No Gangs" for information about gangs.
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National Youth Gang Center: FAQs
Read answers to frequently asked questions about youth gangs. There are also links to many of the sources used on this site.
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PBS: It's My Life: Eating Disorders
Learn about anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders that teenagers could have. Learn why they are harmful and how to prevent eating disorders.
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CNN Health: Television Study
Read about a scholarly study that found a positive association between amount of TV viewing and violence.
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Teen Health and the Media
This site for high-school students has facts about TV viewing. The links at the top lead to information on media and tobacco, sexuality, alcohol and other drugs, violence, and body image. NOTE: Many of the external links are broken. Teachers should view before sharing them with the class.
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NPR: Teenage Radio Diaries
Listen to teenagers tell about their lives in their own words or read the transcripts.
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PBS: It's My Life: Suicide and Self-Injury
Find out what to do if someone says they are considering suicide or injuring themselves.
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Surgeon General
Read statistics about teenage suicide.
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eThemes Resource: Drugs: Prevention Tips
These sites explain the effects of different types of drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, heroin, and cocaine. Learn tips for saying "no" to drugs and the dangers of using these addictive substances. Includes online quizzes, games, and movies.
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eThemes Resource: Peer Pressure
These sites focus on teaching children how to combat peer pressure. Read examples of peer pressure and help students discover ways to deal with it. Includes topics such as pressure to try drugs, alcohol, and other risky situations. An eTheme Resource on character education is referenced.
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eThemes Resource: Health: Smoking Dangers
These sites explain the negative consequences of smoking. Includes how tobacco endangers your health and the high costs of cigarettes. Learn the ingredients in a cigarette and why nicotine is addictive. There is information about Kick Butts Day, which takes place April 2, plus tips on how to stop smoking. Includes movies, illustrations, lesson plans, and classroom activities. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on drugs.
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eThemes Resource: Health: AIDS/HIV
These sites are about AIDS and HIV. There is information on how the disease is transmitted and how it is treated. Includes statistics on how many people worldwide are infected and the number of U.S. teenagers diagnosed with the disease. There is also information on prevention and testing. Includes maps, timelines and videos.
Education Standards
