TEENS’ ISSUES

Hi  guys!

Welcome to ours  teens’ issues.

Our intention in this project is to analyze teens’ issues and create awareness among them.

Before we make a  start let us introduce ourselves.

Kesha

    I’m Keshajini Balasubramaniam.I’m interested in watching cartoons & jokes. Janu, Kiru, Vithu, Priya, Laksi are my peer group. We all are studying at Jaffna             Vembadi Girls’  High  school in grade 11.

Vithu

    I’m Vithusha Baskaran. I’m interested in playing computer games.I like to play puzzle,IQ games and also chess.My friends joint me for playing.

Lakshi           

 I'm Lakshika Sivalokanathan. I like to do projects.I have so many ideas to create project.It is my hobby.My friends help me to do projects. 

     

Priya

I’m Priyanthini Sivasubramaniam. I’m interested in reading story books.I feel better relief when reading some sort of books.I like fairy tales specially snow white.

     

Kiru

I’m Kiruththika Thiraviyanathan. I like cricket.I like Indian team very well.Especially Sevag,Ravid,Dhoni.I think they are the main support of Indian team.

I’m Januja Thiruchelvam.I like to watch nature.I find pleasure in watching the gift of nature.I miss my nature now because of pollution and threats .I love nature than my soul.

 

ABOUT OUR PROJECT...........

   We are doing this project for the Oracle Think Quest 2012 Competition.Think Quest was created in 1996 by Allan H. Weis under his nonprofit Advanced Network and Services. The service was acquired by the Oracle Education Foundation in 2002, which has operated the competition ever since. The Oracle Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization funded by Oracle Corporation.
ThinkQuest Project is a protected learning environment where students and teachers create web-based projects and engage in collaboration with peers globally. It is available in 11 languages, including Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, and Turkish.    
   
  We think that this is a great opportunity for us to express our views on teen issues and to create awareness among the teens.Our aim is not to win the first place but to make an effective change among the teen society.You can imagine that, why these students had selected this kind of a topic even-though they have lots of choices in the society.Why we chose this topic is that as WE ARE ALSO TEENAGERS and we are familiar with these issues.As the leaders of the future generation it's our duty to implement this project.

What do you mean by Teenagers?

Kesha: Those who are between the ages of 13 and 19, where they are not a child anymore but they are not yet an adult too.

Vithu: Age between thirteen to nineteen.This is the age where you are transferring from minor to major.This is the age at where your future life is shaped.

Lakshi: I think it is the number which contain teen in last. Example 13-thirteen.



Priya: Really teenage means the age suffixing 'teen'. That means the age between thirteen & nineteen. I hope you got my simple an lucid answer.




Kiru: "Teenage" applicable to those aged 13 through 19. In this time frame...the chances of adopting bad habits are too high. It’s a very crucial period of life...!!! I am not saying that you should not enjoy but there are different ways...so choose the best one of them.



Janu: Hey guys, simply it’s the age between 13 and 19.

LET’S   GO  THROUGH  THIS  JOURNEY………

We've all missed our "Cheeky Monkey"
 Now you're back we're very glad

Hope you had a smashin' time

                 At teenage
 

You love the Spice Girls and that other lot

       Who play the football game

Silly Narners just prancing about

       And Sunderland's just the same        

     

TEENAGERS’  INTERESTS  ON  ENTERTAINMENT

"Teenagers today are only interested in entertainment."Do you agree?

 It is undeniable that teenagers are interested in entertainment. Like people of all ages, teenagers enjoy activities that bring us pleasure or help us relax, like watching television, seeing movies, listening to music, and playing sport or computer games. However, it is not true that our thoughts are only centered on pleasure and relaxation. 

                                           Young people have aspirations about their future. Most of us realize that we will have to fend for ourselves adults. Therefore, we are concerned about what jobs we will be able to secure after leaving school. For this reason, we are not only interested but very concerned about our studies. There is keen competition among my classmate, for example, in school tests and examinations. It is only when a young person believes that he has no hope of achieving any academic success, when he has been convinced that he is a "no-hoper", that he loses interest in his studies. 

                                      Teenagers are also interested in extra-curricular activities, like sports or school clubs. Sometimes, this is a genuine interest in the sport or hobby; "Art for Art's sake', as it were. However, sometimes, our efforts in school societies or sports may be only a means to an end. We know that achievements in these areas will help us gain entrance into good universities. This is really quite sad, the extra-curricular activities, which are supposed to bring pleasure or relaxation, should cause more pressure. Another issue that preoccupies both boys and girls is their future life partner. Actually, seeking a mate is also part of preparing for stable future. Teenagers, especially girls, may worry about being left on the shelf. Thus, it could be argued that when teenage girls pore over romance novels or fashion magazines, this interest may not be purely for entertainment. It may be a means to secure a stable and happy future. Furthermore, during the teenage years, our hormones are especially active; our emotions see-saw wildly; and we begin discovering our sexuality. Much of a teenager's emotional energy is spend trying to come to terms with these changes that are talking place in us. In the midst of the turbulence around and within us, there is a need within us to find peace and clam. 

......Though we have so many instances to enjoy in our life  we are also forced to face some critical situations in our life which are known as the 'teenage issues'.

                                     Problems that teenagers faced today can take so many forms. Even in stable and solid family units, teenagers may face confusion and uncertainty with themselves and life. But in nowadays it is world of divorce, broken homes, unsafe sex and alcohol abuse. so teenagers face many issues than before, that show themselves in different ways from different individuals.

As  we  are  teenagers  we  face  so  many  problems, such  as :-

• Psychological problems
• Sexual abuses
• Love
• Peer pressure/Friends’ problems
• Depression
• Parents' problems
• Poverty
• Health problems
• Identity
• Misuse of internet and mobile phones
• Use of Drugs
• Teen drinking and smoking
• Teens pregnancy

                                     

Psychological  problems

Being a teenager is much hard for all. Teenagers 're under stress such as want to be liked, do well in school, get along with their family and make big decisions. You can't avoid most of these pressures, and worrying about them is normal. But feeling very sad, hopeless or worthless could be warning signs of a mental health problem.

Mental health problems are real, painful and sometimes severe. You might need help if you have the signs mentioned above, or if you;

• Often feel very angry or very worried,
• Feel grief for a long time after a loss or death
• Think your mind is controlled or out of control
• Use alcohol or drugs to forget ill memories
• prefer not to eat or hate it
• Hurt other people or destroy the properties
• Do reckless things that could harm you or others

Mental health problems can be treated. 

To find help, talk to your parents, school counselor or health care provider about it.

Mental stress

When we say about psychological problems,mental stress is currently present among teenagers.

 Teens, often have stress in their lives.

Whether it is cause by a loss of a friend or loved one, a recent move, being teased or bullied, difficulties at home, or problems at school, childhood stress.These can lead to behavioral problems, anxiety,  headaches and drug use. Other symptoms of stress can include mood swings in a younger child, withdrawing from friends and family, and aggression.They offer like to be alone.Severe condition can lead to suicide attempt too.

Stress is characterized by feelings of tension, frustration, worry, sadness and withdrawal that commonly last from a few hours to a few days.The natural way to decrease mental stress (actually, the only way)is to eliminate limitations in the human nervous system (our stresses).This is to improve our life by removing the effect of stress (for example, by getting treatment for a medical condition), then expose the nervous system to deep rest. 
                 We know that the deep rest we gain through sleep is refreshing; there is no doubt that it helps eliminate stress. But it is clearly not enough to prevent the loss of creativity, intelligence, and joy that seems to plague many of us as we grow older. If we experience a traumatic experience, we may have nightmares for years before sleep finally dissolves the resulting stress.
                   What we need is a natural method of gaining deep rest that is much more efficient, because the rest is deeper. 

1. Does such a method exist?                                                           
yes, and it's called transcending(meditation).In only 15 minutes of practice twice a day, stresses that were incurred many years ago and that have prevented our full functioning are automatically released. Not only that, but the unhappiness, frustration, or tiredness resulting from our activities yesterday and today are washed away, leaving us relaxed and energized.so meditation is the best way to prevent stress.                               

Stress Warning Signs and Symptoms

Cognitive Symptoms

•  Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor judgment
• Seeing only the negative
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Constant worrying

 Emotional Symptoms

• Moodiness
• Irritability or short temper
• Agitation, inability to relax
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sense of loneliness and isolation
• Depression or general unhappiness

Physical Symptoms  

• Aches and pains
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea, dizziness
• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
• Loss of sex drive
• Frequent cold

Behavioral Symptoms

•  Eating more or less
•  Sleeping too much or too little
•  Isolating yourself from others
•  Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
•  Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
•     Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

Keep in mind that the signs and symptoms of stress can also be caused by other psychological and medical problems. If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of stress, it’s important to see a doctor for a full evaluation. Your doctor can help you determine whether or not your symptoms are stress-related.

Let’s  look  at  the  solutions………..

 Teenage Stress Relief

Now that we are aware of the causes and signs of teen stress, what can we do to alleviate it? Most stress can be dissipated by some simple everyday methods. If stress has overrun their lives it's best to seek further professional help for them. 

• Talking - Talk about what's bothering them. Talking and working out one's problems with somebody else will help reduce built up tension. Encourage them to talk to their friends or other adults as well.
• Take time out to relax - Have them find some activities that they enjoy doing such as reading a book or listening to music. 
• Exercise and eat healthy - Exercise (non-competitive) can help reduce built up muscle tension among other things. Eating properly along with good exercise can keep their bodies healthy and prepared to deal with the stress. Avoid too much caffeine as this increases anxiety.
• Be prepared/organized - Don't allow them to wait until the last minute to do assignments or study for a test. Feeling prepared and ready for things can reduce lots of built up stress. Have them create a daily schedule to follow to keep them more organized.
• Learn relaxation techniques - Breathing exercises, meditation and muscle relaxation are great techniques for alleviating physical and mental tension.

The teenage years are an especially stressful period of our lives. So much is changing around us which we are forced to deal with all at once. Whether intentional or not, we as parents might be putting too much pressure on our children as well. Regardless of the cause, it's important to get down to the root of the problem before it gets out of control. If left untreated, stress can lead to further problems down the road which may be harder to deal with. Teens may turn to drug or alcohol abuse to alleviate their stress. They can become depressed or suffer other types of anxiety disorders.

•  so parents, siblings and elders,don't put teenagers in trouble.relief them from stress and lead them to live happily.

To relief from all kind of psychological problems,try these................
                                               

•  Engaging in meditation
•  Participating in prayers
•  Make the environment pleasant
•  Interaction with the nature
•  Listening to melodies
•  Counseling
•  Watching night sky
•  Engaging in social welfare activities
•  Helping others
•  Doing aesthetic activities

 

• 
  

        Sexual abuse, also referred to as molestation, is the forcing of undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another. When that force is immediate, of short duration, or infrequent, it is called sexual assault.When it comes to teen sexual abuse, the problem is more common than one might think. While not considered terribly common, the problem is not considered uncommon. And, because less than half of sexual abuse is reported, it could be more prevalent than most people are willing to admit. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider teen sexual abuse, and how to stop it.
        One way is education. It is important for teens and adults to understand that sexual abuse of teenagers is wrong, and that it can encompass a variety of sex acts, and that fear, impaired judgment (due to drugs, alcohol or mental state) and coercion can lead to sexual abuse, even though the victim may not actively resist. A victim whose compliance is due to factors other than a desire to engage in sexual activity has not actually consented.
Statistics regarding teen sexual abuse
While female teenagers are more likely to be sexually abused than male teenagers, cultural, racial and economic factors do not seem to have an effect on the likelihood of becoming a victim of teen sexual abuse. Here are some teen sexual abuse statistics: 

• 1 in 4 girls (25%) are sexually abused by the age of 18. 
• 1 in 6 boys (17%) are sexually abused by the age of 18. 
• Most teen sexual abuse victims (7 in 10, or 70%) know their abuser. It is generally a family member, or someone close to the family. 
• Of female Americans who are raped, 54 percent of them experience this type of sexual abuse for the first time before they are 18. 
• A victim of one incident of teen sexual abuse is likely to experience further sexual abuse. 
• Teenagers account for 51% of all reported sexual abuse 
• Teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 are 3.5 times more likely than the general public to be victims of sexual abuse. 
• 69% of the incidences of teen sexual abuse occur in a residence. 
• 23% of all sexual offenders are under the age of 18 

• Female victims of teen sexual abuse while in grades 9 through 12 are more likely than others to experience eating disorders, suicidal behavior, pregnancy and risky sexual behaviors.

Statistics regarding the report and prosecution of teen sexual abuse

• Only about 31% of teen sexual abuse incidents are reported. Social stigma, fear of retribution and the trauma of not being believed stymie reports of teen sexual abuse. Additionally, the low probability of an arrest or substantial prison sentence for the perpetrator can cause reluctance on the part of teen sexual abuse victims to report. Here are teen sexual abuse reporting and prosecution statistics: 
• When sexual abuse is reported, the probability that an arrest will be made is 50.8%. 
• When teen sexual abuse does occur, the overall probability that the perpetrator will be sent to prison is 16.3%. - The average sentence for the perpetrator of a teen sexual abuse crime is 128 days. 
• Of men incarcerated for rape, a form of sexual abuse, 80% of them reported that their victims were under the age of 18.

What are the effects of sexual abuse?

The effects of sexual abuse can vary a great deal. You could be reminded of the abuse in many different ways and at different times, and often this might feel out of your control. Even if you have access to help that you find supportive, it will not take the past away, but may lessen the long term negative effects and help you to develop more coping skills. Choose someone you feel completely comfortable with, who respects you and listens to you, to help you through this very difficult time.

• Relationships

The abuse may have been perpetrated by someone you knew, making you feel unsure and afraid of trusting anyone again.

•  Poor self-perception

Your self-esteem or view of yourself may have changed, and would be different to that of someone who has not experienced such trauma. You may feel really bad and lose confidence in yourself.

• Nightmares or flashbacks

It is common to experience nightmares, and for memories of what happened to come at unpredictable times. Things such as places, smells, rooms, or clothes can remind you or trigger memories of the abuse.The topic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may be useful if you have these sorts of feelings.


         Sexual abuse also puts people at risk of sexually transmitted infections, and for girls, an unwanted pregnancy.

BE AWAY FROM SEXUAL ASSAULT................

Rape is a growing threat and the best defense is to be aware and prepared.  Not every rape situation can be anticipated, but recognizing potentially dangerous situations may help you avoid an assault.

• Be aware that alcohol is a risk factor for sexual assault.  If you consume it, you are in greater danger of being assaulted.

• Consider going out with a group or in public rather than being alone on a date with someone you do not know very well.

• Be aware of men who invade your personal space, come on too strong, or otherwise make you feel uncomfortable.

• Remember that you have the right to say "No".

• Learn how sedating substances like Rohypnol and GHB can be used against you by a rapist.

• Trust your intuition:  if you feel like you are being pressured, you probably are.

• Learn more about your risk of sexual assault by having a staff member from Turning Point at your group’s next meeting.

• Remember that only a rapist can prevent rape, but the more you know the better your chances are of reducing your risks.

                Driving

• Lock your car when driving and parked.
•  Avoid isolated or poorly lit parking spots.
•  In 1999, one in every 10 rape victims was male.
• Scan the area when approaching your car.  Check the back seat as well.
• Have your keys ready when approaching your car.
• If your car breaks down, lock the doors and stay inside.  Ask anyone who stops to call for help.

            In Social Situations.

• Learn about a man's attitudes before you go out on a date or as you talk.
• Express your limits clearly.
• Avoid secluded places.
• Avoid alcohol and other drugs. (See Date Rape Drugs)
• Arrange your own transportation.

               At  home

• Leave lights on when you are out.
• Ask for a salesperson's, repairman's, policeman's credentials before allowing them in your home.
• Vary your daily routine, if possible.
• Install and use quality dead-bolt locks.
• Make friends in your neighborhood.
• Install a peephole in your door.
• Do not enter your home if it looks like it has been broken into.

                  Walking

• Plan your route and walk confidently.
• Don't walk in isolated areas, especially at night.
• Never accept a ride from a stranger.
• If you are being followed, go into a store or other area with people or knock on a door for help.