NCJ Number
118485
Date Published
1988
Length
40 pages
Annotation
The New York State Senate Minority Task Force on Teen Stress was created in response to high levels of negative teenager behaviors such as alcohol and substance abuse, pregnancy, and suicide.
Abstract
Charged with investigating why teenagers respond with self-destructive behavior in stressful situations, the Task Force has focused on the cause of stress and its impact on the physical and mental health of youth. The Task Force identified a trend of adolescents using alcohol and drugs at younger ages. Further, from 1982 to 1987, the number of adolescents under 10 years of age who participated in a school-based drug prevention program increased by over 263 percent. A total of 416,000 New York high school students admitted they drink at least once a week in heavy or moderate amounts. Half of New York's teenagers between 12 and 18 years of age admitted to using drugs; 28 percent of this age group reported regular drug use. Teenage pregnancy rates in New York increased from 74 per 1,000 in 1975 to 84 per 1,000 in 1985. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among New York adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age. Task Force recommendations include the following: (1) the State should encourage local communities to establish community intervention programs; (2) the State Council on Children and Families should develop a public awareness program on teen stress; (3) school districts should receive Youth at Risk Community Partnership grants and establish coordinating committees; (4) teachers should be trained on how to recognize early warnings of teen stress; and (5) school curricula should incorporate career planning and stress management training. 29 references.