Recently, unfounded claims that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating pets have been reported by both Ohio and national news outlets. Regrettably, these unfounded claims became a point of discussion during the September 10th presidential debate. As a result, residents of Springfield, Ohio, have been inundated with threats of violence, security concerns, and hateful flyers…
It’s no secret that politics and elections are stressful for many Americans. More than two-thirds of registered voters in the United States say politics is a “source of stress” for them.1 Young people, even those who aren’t eligible to vote, are not excluded from feeling stressed about politics. Almost half of young Americans report that…
As we approach the end of the year and the start of the holiday season, we often reflect on what we are grateful for. Practicing gratitude is an essential skill for adults and young people alike. By showing and feeling appreciation for others, we can build and strengthen our relationships, develop empathy, and even increase…
Collective grief occurs when a community or society experiences extreme change or loss. We often experience collective grief after mass tragedies, crises, and violence. Like individual grief, we may feel a lack of control or powerless to prevent the loss or change. During an ongoing crisis, we might also experience anticipatory grief – mourning and…
Identity development is a key aspect of adolescence. Young people are particularly conscious of their personal identities and changes to their identities. Dimensions of identity include race, gender, family, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and faith. In the process of developing their identities, young people may begin questioning values, setting personal goals, and experimenting with various…
Summer is typically a wonderful season for outdoor activities and spending additional time with family and friends. For some people, these activities include drinking alcohol beverages. This summer, take measures to protect your own health and that of your loved ones. Swimmers Can Get in Over Their Heads More drownings occur in July than in…
Summer is in full swing, and with summer comes messaging about appearance and being “beach body” ready. For young people and adults alike, this kind of messaging can be harmful and lead to unhealthy body image. Body image is a person’s “thoughts, perceptions, and attitudes about their physical appearance.”1 Healthy body image is seeing your body…
Summer is a time for many young people to take a break from the stress of school, enjoy their increased freedom, and have some fun. More free time and less adult supervision can make summertime particularly exciting for young people, and it’s important to encourage them to have fun during the school break. Unfortunately, the…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. During this month especially, it’s important to recognize that conversations about mental health are for everyone, not just those diagnosed with mental illness. Everyone experiences mental health challenges, including young people. It may not be easy to tell when a young person in your life has been impacted with…
As technology continues to grow and change, it becomes more critical for caring adults to understand how to keep young people safe in the digital landscape. Talking about texting safety is essential to reducing young people’s exposure to online risks, like cyberbullying, sexting, harassment, and substance use. Young people can access direct messaging and texting…
