Stresses pressure teenagers

They never had to go to school fearful of a shooting spree, and the term "designer drugs" was absent from popular lexicon. Today, it is possible for anyone with internet access to download instructions on how to make their own bombs at home.

"Lockdown drills" have become commonplace in many high schools and middle schools. In such a drill, students are often gathered together in classrooms, far from windows. Such a practice is an effort to protect students from some kind of outside hazard, such as a person carrying a weapon. These drills are fairly common in many Capital Region schools.

When asked if bomb drills and lockdown drills were an added pressure in daily life, Erik LaChance, 17, of Ballston Spa High School, responded, "Not really, because I know they are just being cautious, although sometimes I wonder what I would do if it really happened."

Designer drugs

"Club drugs," also known as "designer drugs," have become very popular in the past few years. According to Diane Murray-Fleck, prevention coordinator for the diocesan Catholic School Office, the internet has made it easier for teens to obtain and make club drugs.

She also noted that "young people feel that [club drugs] are safe because there is no hangover afterward, and you can make them at home. But any substance that alters your state of mind is putting your body at risk."

Spreading problem

Most parents today are unaware of the new drug culture emerging. Ms. Murray-Fleck stated that "parents have been made aware of underage drinking, but with the new drugs emerging, parents need to make themselves aware of the lingo. They need to get on the web and inform themselves, and then have a difficult, but important discussion with their teens. Even anti-drug commercials on the radio can be used as a teaching moment for younger children."

School pressure

As these anxieties build upon young shoulders, many young people feel desperate and have no idea where to turn for help. Ms. Murray-Fleck feels that these pressures are often causes for young people to turn to drugs.

"Kids need adults to listen to them, study them, and get to know them,: she said. "That's the best anti-drug."

Teens today face stresses that are not appreciated by older generations. As we progress further into the 21st century, more and more adults need to recognize that fact and do what they can to help teens through the rocky transition to adulthood.

(11-08-01) [[In-content Ad]]