1. Challenges of Adolescence
Chapter 6.3
Challenges of Adolescence

2. What are the causes and consequences of social problems facing contemporary teenagers?

3. Increased sexual activity
Causes—societal loosening of norms concerning sexuality; birth control; increased exposure to sexual references and discussion in popular culture; low income level; single-parent families; lowered religious participation
Consequences—teenage pregnancy; emotional stress; exposure to STDs such as syphilis and AIDS
FACT: It costs approximately $950,000 to raise a child from birth to age 18.

4. Drug Use
Causes—dropping out of school; having friends who use drugs; social and academic adjustment problems; hostile family setting; feelings of rejection
Consequences—drug addiction; drug- related violence; criminal record; illness; death

5. What do you think is the most used Drug?
Alcohol
Cigarettes
Marijuana
Pharmaceuticals

6. Suicide
Causes—depression, confusion, self-doubt; alcohol or drug use; triggering event such as a personal loss, family crisis, or perceived failure; social isolation, living in an under-populated area; hostile family environment; cluster effect from publicized suicides; low social integration with weakened behavioral norms
Consequences—death; possible cluster effects leading to other teenage suicides
FACT: MIT and Carnegie Mellon have the highest suicide rates of any college in the United States. (percentage-based)

7. Why do kids commit Suicide?
Alcohol and drug use - heavy drug users more likely
Triggered Events loss of family member, bullying
Age is the largest group

8. Why commit suicide? Sex - females 3x more likely than males
Population Density - under-populated, rural areas more likely
Cluster Effect - copycat situations - cult groups that have mass suicides

9. Page 133 Review 5-10 songs you listen to right now
You can do this on your Ipod, phone or use a laptop to find lyrics
Look at the “Issues in Adolescence” on page 133
Decide which of the those issues comes up the most in popular music