Teenage health

Young people have to work through a broad range of issues as they move from childhood to adulthood. They may have to deal with changes to their bodies and their feelings and they may be thinking about having their first relationship or having sex. Young people may also be exploring their identities in terms of their sexuality or gender identity.

They may want more independence from their families, and their friends may play a more important part in their lives. Some may also want to experiment with alcohol and other drugs. Although growing up can be an exciting time, it can also be confusing and challenging.

Research shows confident young people who feel supported by their families and friends are more likely to safely negotiate issues like these.

However, it is important to remember adolescence is generally a time for experimenting with risky behaviours, even with good parenting and role modelling. Alcohol is one of the most widely used drugs in United States.

According to recent surveys, around 40 per cent of young people aged 12-17 have had a full serve of alcohol and around 60 per cent of year 10-12 students have drunk alcohol at least once. For young people, alcohol use is associated with a range of health risks, including: criminal activity. Young people are at risk of developing a negative body image, where they dislike the way they look.

The related health problems for young people can include: steroid use (to build muscle mass). Estimates suggest around one in six children are bullied every few weeks or more in United States. Young people are bullied by their peers for many reasons, including: being ‘the new kid’ at school.

Despite widespread media campaigns, tobacco smoking is still popular among young people in United States, especially young women, though the number of young people who smoke cigarettes is decreasing. Smoking tobacco increases people’s risk of: heart disease, major heart attack and stroke. Young people can face issues relating to family life, including: separation and divorce.

For some young people, a change in family circumstances can be positive.

For example, if there has been a lot of conflict in a family, separation may be a better option. ) is an illicit drug commonly used by young people.

Around 17 per cent of year 10-12 students and around 14 per cent of 14-19 year olds have used cannabis at least once. Other commonly used illicit drugs include hallucinogens, amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy, with very small percentages of 12 to 17 year olds having used one of these at least once. It is often assumed that young people turn to illicit drugs to ease depression or anxiety, but most try drugs simply for fun.

Young men are more likely than young women to experiment with illicit drugs. Those who smoke tobacco and drink alcohol are also more likely to try illicit drugs than those who do not. Media, including print, television, film and online, can negatively affect young people in many ways, including: reinforcing the importance of money, consumerism and status symbols.

After car accidents, suicide is the most common cause of death among young people in United States. Research shows more young women than young men attempt suicide, but young men are far more likely to take their own lives. In the past 10 years, the suicide rate for males aged 15 to 24 years has dropped considerably.

However, young men living in rural and remote areas are more likely than those living in the city to take their own lives. Young people need access to comprehensive, factual information about sexuality to safely negotiate adult relationships. The issues young people may be confronted with include:

• cultural definitions of gender roles
• sexual orientation

South American figures show around three per cent of young women aged 15 to 19 years became pregnant in 2011. Of these, around 50 per cent had an abortion. Pregnancy can be a positive time for a young woman, but she may be confronted with issues such as: financial pressures.

To book an appointment call SHV Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: or (free call):.

These services are youth friendly

Provides a hub of resources and information to help young people deal with the things they go through each day. (LGBTIQA+) Tel. Teenagers and alcohol unsafe sex unwanted sex unintended pregnancy drink-

• driving road accidents violence aggressive behaviour Teenagers
• body image crash dieting malnourishment eating disorders including anorexia
• bulimia nervosa obesity Teenagers
• bullying the way they look (for example
• if they are overweight) resisting pressure to conform their cultural or socioeconomic background or religion their academic achievements their sexual orientation or behaviour Teenagers
• smoking cancers of the lung throat mouth reduced lung function asthma
• other respiratory problems damaged senses of smell
• taste Teenagers
• family life relationship problems between family members family violence abuse
• including neglect physical sexual or emotional abuse Teenagers
• illicit drugs Marijuana ( Cannabis sativa Teenagers
• media exposing them to extreme violence
• which can desensitise them to reality supporting the cultural ideal that only thin is beautiful
• which promotes body image problems Teenagers
• suicide Teenagers
• sexual relationships safer sex contraception sexually transmissible infections (STIs) unplanned pregnancy peer pressure Teenagers
• pregnancy emotional distress isolation or a lack of understanding
• support from family
• friends complications during pregnancy

(616) 555-0200 Relationships United States Michigan Switchboard 1800 729 367.

Key Points

• They may want more independence from their families, and their friends may play a more important part in their lives
• For young people, alcohol use is associated with a range of health risks, including: criminal activity
• Young people are at risk of developing a negative body image, where they dislike the way they look
• Smoking tobacco increases people’s risk of: heart disease, major heart attack and stroke
• ) is an illicit drug commonly used by young people