In response to the interesting article about the decline of substance abuse among teenagers in today's society in today's issue of the Vancouver Sun, I felt compelled to write. As a recent graduate from UVIC and a new high school French teacher, I have seen the effects of substance abuse in youth in B.C.’s educational settings: withdrawal from routine activities, failure in courses due to deterioration of performance, lack of confidence, motivation, and drive, health issues both short and long term, and alienation from social circles and family ties. Tragically, I have even seen death as a result from the overindulgence of certain substances.
As I was driving to work this morning, the article caught my eye and seeing as how we are studying Health and Wellness as well as Media Influences in my 11 and 12 groups, I thought I would ask my students for feedback on the article. After reading the entire article aloud, shushing giggles when reading the bits about sexual orientation and experimentation, I found that the students had a lot to say about this topic. As a teacher and observer of this fascinating age, I would like to share with you some of the responses that I received today, which I’m sure, will make both adults and parents re-evaluate the strengths and abilities that lie within today’s youth despite the incessant negative attention they are constantly fighting. I have taken bits of their conversations and written responses and am forwarding you a light compilation which has been translated from French to English.
“Teenagers and young adults turn to substance abuse because they want to reduce stress caused by today’s world. They think that their world is horrible and want to escape work and personal problems. In addition, people are influenced easily by television and advertising where youth is portrayed as sophisticated, tranquil, and comfortable while drinking certain types of beverages and taking certain drugs. People of all ages have to find a more successful road to manage stress.”
“At the same time as researchers and the media publish information pertaining to youth abusing alcohol and drugs, these same people forget to look at the majority of criminals and their age range which is mostly between 30 and 40. The media sends the message to citizens that adolescents are doing drugs but at the same time, they continue to sell legalized drugs such as alcohol and cigarettes to young people.”
“There are many reasons that young people try alcohol and drugs. One reason is that they are bombarded with images of celebrities that take drugs and drink in excess. [Paris Hilton, Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, etc.] These images influence youth because they want to be hip like these celebrities. Another reason for substance abuse is boredom; in smaller cities, there are less opportunities for young people to have fun so they turn to drugs and alcohol for entertainment.”
“Youth today is living in a world that is full of stress; being popular, looking good, loneliness and depression, homework, and part time employment are just some things that cause stress. Teenagers start to use drugs because they are facing those pressures alone and feel neglected by the lack of support and attention from their peers, parents, and teachers.”
“The effects of television and media are not considered by many parents. Information is easily accessible; good or bad. Young people do not realize that rappers in music videos or characters in movies are only figures; people playing a role. They are not real in terms of reality.”
“Celebrities are horrible role models for young people. Everyone wants to live a glamorous lifestyle full of accomplishments; yet, many of the most successful people, particularly those who are most influential, do not endorse safety, social responsibility, class, or health and wellness.”
“T.V. shows such as “TMZ” or “Extra” show many celebrities when they are at their most vulnerable point. Teenagers and young adults watch these shows and enjoy the endless antics lived by these celebrities. What we consider normal in television, especially in teenagers, is quickly becoming the norm in real life.”
“The information that the media conveys to the public has a great influence on teenagers because they adapt to the environments that the media creates for them.”
“Just like adults, teenagers want to escape reality when faced with peer pressure and stress of life. Drugs and alcohol offer an evasion of present reality. The problem is that after they feel good, they return to the realities which they were escaping and feel worse. They feel the need to drink and do more drugs to remain disassociated; and the cycle continues.”
“Even when media and Internet influence so much, we have more information about the effects of drugs and alcohol available through those same mediums. We are more aware of the effects of substance abuse in many forms than previous generations.”
Enlightening as both the article and our class discussions were this morning, I feel as though more can be done in society as a whole to promote empowerment and success in British Colombians. Young people today are faced with enormous pressures mounting from the many messages they are receiving from parents, friends, educational authorities, and society as a whole. For students who come from different cultures and countries to study are caught between two worlds, old and new, and seem to be the most isolated; yet, the most successful at staying away from substance abuse.
The importance of educating young people about the effects of substance abuse is obviously crucial to their development as a successful member of society; and therefore, should be seriously considered by all of society not simply parents, teachers, or friends. We are all responsible for the world that we are creating every minute and each one of us, in his or her way, is responsible for the many issues, problems, and tragedies that demand immediate attention, improvement, and prevention.
After the heated discussions we had this morning, I feel that youth today are aware of the dangers of substance abuse and illiteracy, and therefore, are better prepared to face the realities, both positive and negative, they will undoubtedly face outside of high school as they continue their path into adulthood. Consequently, this gives me hope that our future as a province, a country, and maybe even a world, will be filled with people who strive not only to make the right choice, but also help others do the same. After all, we are all in the same boat, right? Let’s not rock it too much.
is this ms.b from southpointe academy?
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