Abstract This paper explains that statistics show that if a teen makes it to age twenty-one without having tried drugs, that individual most likely will never try illegal drugs; but the problem is that peer pressure influences more to try drugs than it does not to try drugs. The author points out that peer pressure begins in toddlerhood; children look up to others to see what they should be doing or should not be doing. The paper relates that the most susceptible teens for illicit drug use are those teens that do not connect with their parents, school, or non-deviant peer groups.
From the Paper "Everyone in "teen town" can be associated with one group or admonished for being in the wrong group. These groups exert peer pressure on both the members as well as the non-members. We know the smart teens called nerds, braincases, or the glee club. We also know the alienated teens known as the grits, metal heads, or burnouts. These pressure alliances and all of the peer groups that are in-between like the cheerleaders or jocks, influence through subtle acceptance pressure."
Abstract This paper examines different models of child development, including Bronfenbrenner's five key principles for raising healthy children and Freud's eight stages of development into adulthood. The author of the paper interjects personal experiences from his childhood, which reinforce the idea that a healthy, cohesive family unit is a vital part of raising children who grow into well-adjusted adults.
From the Paper "What makes a family functional and productive versus dysfunctional and psychologically disruptive? Researchers in the fields of life span and family development have found a number of factors that can enhance the stability of the family and, therefore the secure and sound upbringing of the children. When some of these factors are missing or not handled correctly, the youth can develop low self-esteem. This can lead to a wide range of personal and social problems. I am a 27-year-old male with an 18-year-old brother. Despite the fact that there was a great deal of time between our births, our parents provided us with a strong, healthy and loving childhood by providing the support needed to personally succeed."
Abstract This paper discusses the educational reform brought about by the "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) Act. The paper presents the problems evident in this program, both from the parent's point of view and from the teacher's. The paper states that the NCLB Act will need to be rewritten for it to be a realistic educational approach.
From the Paper "The "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) Act of 2001 signed by President George Bush, Jr. is supposed to be ?a landmark in education reform designed to improve student achievement and change the culture of America's schools.? Bush describes this law as the "cornerstone of my administration." The program aims to: support learning in early years, provide parents and teachers with more information about the child's performance through designed measurements, improve teacher performance by setting criteria needed for instructors; and give more resources to schools."
Abstract This paper explains that, during the 1940s, the period of the Pachucos, Mexican-Americans were considered second-class citizens, suffering similar segregation and oppression as African-Americans of this time. The author stresses that the Pachucos and Chicanos are excellent examples of both the alienation and estrangement of the Mexican-Americans. The paper relates that a major problem of gangs is the loss of parental guidance.
From the Paper "Chicanos have adopted a unique style of dress. Much like the Pachucos, this fashion style is immediately recognizable by the public. Long-sleeved flannel shirts buttoned at the neck only over a t-shirt and baggy long pants, no matter how hot it is outside begins the ensemble. A bandana, of typically significant colors dependent on the gang they associate with, around the forehead or worn as a skullcap completes the outfit. A ball cap is optional; of course if worn, it will have the logo of the gang's adopted sports team. All in an overt attempt to let everyone know without question to which gang they belong. This outfit is so important to them, that it is not uncommon to see a gang member dressed in this more appropriate for winter garb, out on the sunny beach of Southern California in the middle of July."
Abstract This paper explains that tens of thousands of children in America are the victims of sexual abuse in some form. They are not only targets, but also perpetrators; many are permanently affected by the crimes against them and by a surrounding culture in which sexual coercion and violence are common. The author points out that there is not one single act that is considered a ?sexual offense'. Legally, the definitions of sexual offenses vary by state. The paper suggests that sexual abuse problems among juveniles might be prevented by stricter and more focused programs against crime, longer school days, and more intensive sex education for children that would help them to develop into healthily functioning sexual beings, as opposed to individuals who use sex as a form of punishment for themselves or others.
From the Paper "Juvenile sexual offenses are statistically surprising. ?Adolescents under the age of 18 account for 20% of arrests for all sexual offenses (excluding prostitution.)? Of these offenses in 1995, up to 16% of the arrests were for forcible rape. Approximately half of all sexual offenses against boys, and up to one fifth of all sexual offenses against girls, may be committed by juveniles. A majority of adult sexual offenders began as minors, and studies show that 42% of adult pedophiles were committing sexual offenses before the age of 12. Over 90% of adolescent sex offenders are male, however there remains a significant number of female offenders. Females are actually about as likely to commit a sexual offense against a brother as a male would be. ?20% of sex offenses against male siblings are committed by sisters, compared to 21% for brothers.? Close to 15% of adolescent sexual offenses occur on school property, and ?the most likely hour for a kid to commit sexual assault is between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on a school day.?
Abstract This paper documents the history of child labor in America. The tradition of child labor is discussed, the conditions under which children labored is described, and the methods of recruitment is described. The paper also describes the type of labor in which children were employed, how easily they were exploited, and how the problem of child labor was eventually addressed and made illegal. The paper also points out that this problem continues to exist throughout the world.
From the Paper "Imagine if you can the life this child had. He probably spent his days in the coal breaker "picking out the refuse, or culm, as the coal flowed down the long iron chutes". Breaker boys spend their time pulling rocks from coal cars as they rushed by. Children also worked in many other dangerous capacities. Young workers could be found in factories, mines, fields, and in the streets. Children worked to support their family, and
did not question their duty. They had a job, but no childhood, and nowhere to turn. Although many Americans would like to believe cases like this were rare, unfortunately, a well-documented history of child labor in America proves otherwise. Who were these children and what was the reason for their childless lives?"
Abstract This paper examines how there is a clear relationship identified between the level of parental involvement in children's education and their level of academic achievement and how, while a relatively new research area, there has been increasing evidence identified that suggests that the quality of these links influences children's and adolescents' academic success. It is the hypothesis of this paper that these effects will tend to fade as children grow older, and this paper provides a critical review of the scholarly literature, followed by a discussion of the findings. A summary of the research is presented in the conclusion.
From the Paper "The comforting family images of ?Father Knows Best,? ?Ozzie and Harriet,? and ?Leave it to Beaver,? have served to characterize the popular image of the American family for many people. The father worked, the mother vacuumed in high heels and pearls and the kids were sometimes mischievous but basically good. According to Arlene and Jerome Skolnick, though, this image of a typical American family was not only inaccurate, it helped to create a popular misconception about how families should be, instead of how they actually are. These unrealistic expectations have caused untold problems in families throughout the country as the members struggle to fit into the pattern and become frustrated when they do not measure up."
Tags: era, family, infant, parenting, rights, women
Abstract This paper details the various stressors gay youth encounter when they 'come out' from parents, friends, school, and society in general. The paper ties these variables together and makes the argument for increased suicidal ideation in gay youth, citing the aforementioned stressors as antecedents.
From the Paper "Young people are particularly impressionable to the attitudes, ideologies, and norms of society, thus homosexual youth are affected by "negative attitudes and hostile reactions of our society to homosexuality" (Chauvin et al,. 2000:9). Furthermore, society offers little in ways to seek refuge from homophobia and the attitudes it places upon the oppressed youth, and many areas require minors to have permission from their parents before engaging in therapy or attending gay/lesbian programs at outreach centers. "The outcome of societal barriers along with negative responses to a homosexual orientation may facilitate a young gay or lesbian person to exhibit a low self-esteem, depression, and a generalized fear, consequently, resulting in a deteriorated and fragile identity on the part of a young homosexual person" (Chauvin et al., 2000:9-10)."
Abstract This paper explains that the more positive a parent's view of participation in a child's education, the more likely that the child will have a balanced and positive self-conception. The author points out that parents of low-income black and Hispanic families are not well-represented among parents participating within their children's school because of commonly perceived barriers, such as language skills and social and cultural diversities. The paper stresses the importance of parent involvement during the middle-school years, since their children are facing new issues, and the guidance provided by actively involved parents is priceless to the middle-school student.
Table of Contents
Statement of Thesis
Introduction
Parental Involvement
Effects of Participation of Parents on the Child
Reasons for Non-Participation of Parents
Parental Involvement Not Based on Level of Income
Parental Involvement in Minority Families
Barriers Parental Participation
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Guidelines for Parent Participation
Middle School Involvement
Conclusion
From the Paper ""Parental involvement" or "parental participation" can be defined by many terms due to the fact that there are so many various avenues through which a parent can become active and maintain a vital role in the student's education. The educational system within the global society as well as the ?No Child Left Behind Act' (NCLBA) has determined a protocol that is inclusive of parents, teachers, schools, city councils, communities and others in civic organizations work in conjunction to enhance the quality and effectiveness of education."
Abstract This paper surmises that one's family situation has a direct effect on one's daily existence. The paper contends that whatever is going on within the family is going to manifest itself with each family member in both similar and different ways. Thus, daily life within a family will not only effect the family as a whole, but will also effect each member uniquely. The paper presents several examples of different family situations and explores the effects on the family members.
From the Paper "The daily life for a family with a toddler is going to be quite different from one with college age children. Babies and small children can leave parents exhausted by the end of the day. More importantly, life literally seems to revolve around the child. All activities, including meals, work, and recreation depend on the child's schedule. In other words, if the child wakes up at 6am, so do the parents, or at least one of them, whether he or she was ready to get up or not. A trip to the grocery store may likely as not end with the parent dragging the child out because he has thrown a temper tantrum over something, usually not getting his way."
Abstract This paper talks about the seriousness of eating disorders among adolescents and young adults, reviews literature regarding these disorders, and suggests that it is important to raise awareness levels of the problem in order to effectively combat it. The articles reviewed are appended to the paper.
From the Paper "Eating disorders are a big health care problem in the United States. Adolescents in particular, are a most vulnerable group and an increasing number suffer from anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders. Primarily a psychiatric condition, eating disorders can lead to serious consequences if they are not properly identified and treated. Statistics indicate that around .5% of adolescents are Anorexics while the prevalence of Bulimia nervosa is even higher ranging between .5% and 5.8%. Statistics also indicate that around 25% of college going women have a very high risk of developing eating disorders. However the exact figures of the number of people affected by these psychiatric conditions is still elusive as most often the disorder goes unidentified. Adolescents become easy victims to these disorders particularly in our western world where beauty is associated with slim and slender figures. In view of its wide prevalence and deranging effect on the physical and mental wellbeing of the affected individuals as well as the hidden nature of the disorder, it is imperative to increase the awareness about these psychiatric problems among the adolescent community. A review of related literature would help provide a better perspective of the problem."
Abstract This paper points out that, while the teen pregnancy rate is declining, it is still a significant societal problem that must be addressed. The paper further points out that previous methods of reducing the teen pregnancy rate typically targeted teenage females only and did not include the male counterpart; this approach makes efforts to reduce the teen pregnancy rate less effective. Instead, the paper argues that the teen pregnancy rate will dramatically decline if both male and female teens are encouraged to take a more active role in their romantic relationships so that they will more readily discuss the use of contraceptive with their potential sexual partner.
From the Paper "Although teen pregnancy rates are at a historic low, teen pregnancies still occur at alarming rates ("U.S. Pregnancy Rate Down from Peak; Births and Abortions on the Decline"), and America still has the highest teen pregnancy rate of any major industrialized nation (Hunt). For the teens experiencing those pregnancies, there is little consolation in the fact that the national trend is towards lower teen pregnancy rates. Therefore, the challenge for a successful teen pregnancy prevention program is targeting those teens that are most at risk of becoming sexually active and possibly pregnant. Because research suggests that the majority of teens consider themselves as part of a couple when they engaged in their first sexual activity (Ryan), pregnancy-prevention efforts should be aimed at teens involved in relationship."
Abstract This paper examines how society, especially the media, damages the natural development of boys and girls growing into adulthood. It shows that images produced by action figures, Barbie dolls, and advertising send out messages, which ultimately confuse the youth and bring about problems, such as steroid abuse, anorexia, and other eating disorders, to name but a few.
From the Paper "What has made children feel that they must be a part of society? Society itself! Besides the fact that society makes children become physically developed, it also burdens them with many roles. For girls, it creates -isms like sexism and capitalism. Sexism is based on the fact that women are not physically as strong as men are. It links this fact to an obscene idea that physical deficiency creates mental deficiency."
Abstract This report examines the juvenile justice system in relation to recidivism rates in African-American juvenile offenders. The juvenile justice system is placed in societal context through use of labeling theory, control theory, and the presence of racial profiling. The link to the program-based juvenile correctional, educational, and/or residential treatment program is provided through an association with the continuity of labeling-based role behavior within the juvenile justice system. Issues of recidivism are compared between different sorts of programs, with an emphasis on the residential treatment program. The formation of an environment that simultaneously blocks the presence of criminality-associated factors and values the inhabitant who is incarcerated, strictly on terms of their being a criminal among other criminals, is assessed in its contribution to higher rates of recidivism following incarceration. The report primarily exists as a literature review rather than an actual longitudinal or other experimental methodology presentation, and operates on the central hypothesis that African-American juvenile delinquents tend to increase rather than decrease levels of criminal behavior after being incarcerated in the juvenile justice system. The effects of discrimination in terms of unequal treatment within the juvenile justice system of differing races is also addressed, as are program realities.
From the Paper "These individuals may put themselves into a situation in which these relationships with supervision are seen as negative and/or absent. The role of the juvenile justice system in replacing these supervisory relationships is therefore crucial for an understanding of recidivism patterns following incarceration. The provision of a positive supervisory structure is what is wanted, while the provision of a negative supervisory structure is seen to detrimentally affect the juvenile within the justice system and lead to a higher likelihood of the original negative-supervision attitude's being reinforced. "The onset of puberty, the increased presence of alcohol, drugs, and weapons in a young person's environment, and growing economic pressures all increase the risk of being a perpetrator or a victim of violence" (Posner, 1998). The reduction of these presences in the juvenile justice system is too often reinforced within a sort of labeling situation that still places a high premium on the criminal's role of association with these presences."
Abstract This paper examines how one of the biggest problems facing the black middle class youth today involves destructive cultural patterns: a resistance to academic achievement as acting "uncool", a celebration of "ghetto" street culture, and the normalization of criminal activity and drug and alcohol dependency. It contends that ,because the black middle class youth are surrounded by and espouse certain destructive cultural patterns, the group, in general, suffers downward social mobility.
From the Paper "Besides the street culture that holds back black middle-class youth, there is also the tendency for many teenagers or people in their early twenties to shirk work and school. As Jay MacLeod, in his book Ain't No Makin' It put it, "to be bad is the main criterion for status in this subculture." Although MacLeod's study focused on working-class youths, what he has to say deals very much with the black middle class as well. MacLeod would disagree with my sentiments because the Brothers, although espousing an "achievement ideology", still did not fare much better than the Hallway Hangers."
