Well, it’s the start of a new year and while we look ahead to what 2007 has in store for us it is also a traditional time to take a look back on the year that has just concluded. In that spirit, we thought it might be fun to look back on some of the topics we discussed during 2006 and see if there have been any new developments.

January 2006 – Teens and Alcohol Abuse

There have been some new studies concerning teens and their use of alcohol and unfortunately, the news isn’t good. According to a recent study authored by the Centers for Disease Control, teens who succumb to drinking typically are not casual drinkers but rather binge drinkers who stop only after raising their blood alcohol percentages to dangerously high levels. And if that weren’t bad enough, these binge drinking episodes usually occur more than once a month.

Further, another study conducted by researchers at the Rand Corporation found that teens who are “closet” drinkers, that is, those who drink alone, are less likely to complete college and are more likely to develop substance abuse problems and serious health issues in their later years.

Aside from the obvious concerns of addiction and driving while intoxicated, teen drinkers are more likely to engage in sexual and criminal activity. Organizations such as SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) have gone a long way toward educating teens about these dangers and are a terrific tool for allowing young people to learn about the dangers of alcohol use.

March 2006 – Social Networking Sites

As many of you will recall, social networking web sites such as MySpace and Xanga spent a great deal of time in the public eye during 2006. Enormously popular with teens and young adults, these sites quickly provided an outlet for young people to connect with friends, chronicle their lives and share photos.

And while the premise behind these sites is good, as we discussed in our March 2006 newsletter, there are certain dangers and concerns associated with them as well.

While the original furor over these types of sites has died down in recent months, this recent CNN article describes how some organizations are continuing to educate the public about the potential hazards that can come from using sites such as these.

Perhaps one of the most interesting points made in this story is that many colleges are now offering courses designed to increase student awareness of the possible consequences that can arise as a result of their use of these sites. While it’s true that the pages created by the sites’ users are supposed to be personal reflections of their tastes and interests, the fact is that they exist in the public domain and are therefore fair game for anyone who chooses to view what is on them.

Even so, as this article points out, it appears that an increasing number of teens are beginning to see how their online activity can impact their off-line lives and are taking the steps needed to clean up their virtual act. Hopefully this will not only bode well for their futures, but will also help to keep online predators at a safe distance.

August 2006 – Cell Phone Pros and Cons

In the August newsletter, we discussed the pros and cons of letting children have cell phones. This is a highly divisive issue with plenty of valid arguments on both sides. From a safety standpoint, giving a child a cell phone equipped with GPS (global positioning system) affords parents the peace of mind that comes with not only knowing they can reach their child when needed, but also pinpoint their exact location.

Later this spring, parents will have another option. Thanks to the ingenuity of shoe designer Isaac Daniel, the Compass Global 1000 sneaker will allow parents to track their children’s every step. Carrying a price take of in excess of $300 per pair, these sneakers aren’t cheap. Yet, for those who worry about their children or suspect they may be involved in harmful or destructive behaviors, it is a small price to pay. The manufacturer also plans to market these shoes to hikers, campers and the caretakers of Alzheimer’s patients.

The coming year promises to be an exciting one. And, with the help of the many organizations that exist for the sole purpose of protecting our children, we also hope that it will be a safe year.

Happy New Year!

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