TEEN HEALTH ISSUES

 Adolescents (ages 10 to 19) and young adults (ages 20 to 24) make up 21 percent of the population of the United States.  The behavioral patterns established during these developmental periods help determine young people's current health status and their risk for developing chronic diseases in adulthood.

 Sedentary lifestyles have become the norm in the U.S., with children spending more time in front of the TV, computer or video game console than reading books, playing outside or engaging in extracurricular activities.

 Approximately one-third of young women in the United States become pregnant during their teens.  In addition to increased health risks to mother and baby, there are a number of social and socioeconomic concerns as well.

 Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving more than 6 million children  The United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations – losing on average between four and seven children every day to child abuse and neglect.  The consequences of child maltreatment, which can include physical injuries, low self-esteem, attention disorders, brain damage and violent behavior, can endure well into adolescence and adulthood.

 The Internet is a fun and informative, but dangerous place. With concerns ranging from Internet predators and identity theft to cyber- bullying and Internet addiction.

 Alcohol is the most frequently used drug by teenagers in the United States.  About half of middle school and high school students drink alcohol on a monthly basis, and 14 percent of teens have been intoxicated at least once in the past year.  Adolescents who drink alcohol are more likely to become alcoholics later in life, be involved in drunk driving accidents, attempt suicide, engage in sexual activity, drop out of school and experiment with other drugs.

1. In 2012, nearly 3/4 of students (72%) have consumed alcohol (more than just a few sips) by the end of high school, and more than 1/3 (37%) have done so by 8th grade. 2. The average age teen boys first try alcohol is age 11, for teen girls it’s Teens who start drinking before age 15 years are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after the legal age of Teens who drink heavily are three times more likely to try and hurt themselves (self-harm, attempt suicide etc.) than those who don't. 5. The 3 leading causes of death for 15 to 24-year-olds are automobile crashes, homicides and suicides – alcohol is a leading factor in all The rate of current alcohol consumption increases with age, according to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, from 2% at age 12 to 21% at age 16, and 55% at age 20.

 One-third of teens in the United States feel stressed out on a daily basis.  High-stress teens are twice as likely as low- stress teens to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs.

 One-third of all U.S. youth are involved in bullying, either as a victim, a perpetrator or both.  Half of all children and adolescents are bullied at least once during their school years, with about one in 10 suffering from ongoing harassment.  Teen bullying can be a serious problem. Bullies and their victims are likely to suffer from a wide range of mental health and behavioral conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, low self-esteem and oppositional defiant disorder.

 Although rates of illegal drug abuse among teens have been declining over the past few years, abuse of prescription medications and over-the-counter cough medicines remain at high levels.  The most common drugs abused by children and teens include alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, and over- the-counter and prescription medications.  Only 10 percent of adolescents needing help for substance abuse problems actually receive treatment.  A majority of teens requiring substance abuse treatment also need treatment for co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or emotional or behavioral disorders.

 It is estimated that at least 4.5 million U.S. adolescents are cigarette smokers.  Each day, nearly 6,000 children under 18 start smoking, and nearly one-third of those youth become regular smokers.  Cigarette smoking during childhood and adolescence produces significant health problems, including an increase in respiratory illnesses, decreased physical fitness, and potential retardation in lung growth and lung function.

 Childhood obesity continues to outrank all other health problems as the number-one concern for children in the U.S.  For the first time, all three major ethnic groups (white, Hispanic and black) agree that obesity is the most pressing concern facing American children.  Rates of childhood obesity have tripled in the last 25 years, putting many children at risk for diabetes and heart disease.  Overweight and obese children are also likely to experience a lowered quality of life, an increased likelihood of contracting several serious disorders and a potential reduction in life expectancy.

1. Childhood obesity-55% 2. Bullying-52% 3. Drug Abuse-49% 4. Smoking and tobacco use-47% 5. School violence-44% 6. Child abuse and neglect-42% 7. Alcohol abuse-41% 8. Internet safety-40% 9. Gun-related injuries-39% 10. Teen pregnancy-37%

 Depression  Body Image  Self-Esteem  Self Harm/Cutting  Family life  Sexual relationships  Anger Management  Media/video games  Lack of sleep  Healthy eating habits/nutrition