The Preteen Digest
The Preteen Digest is a summary of recent news and research about
preteens.
August 2006
Topics:
News & Research
Study:
Majority of Gifted Students Face Bullying
More than two-thirds of academically gifted 8th-graders report being bullied
at school, according to a recent study conducted by Purdue University researchers.
The study’s authors posit that gifted children also may be more susceptible
to emotional damage from bullying. The study involved 432 students in 11
states.
Do
Media Prompt Kids to Try Sex?
Sexual references in TV, movies, magazines, and music increase the chances
that young white teens will engage in sexual activity at an earlier age,
according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of North
Carolina, Chapel Hill. The link between sexual content in media messages
and sexual activity was more prevalent among white teens than African
American teens, who were more influenced by parents and peers, the study
found. In fact, white teens who had been heavily exposed to sexual media
from ages 12 to 14 were more than twice as likely to have had sex by age
16 than those with less sexual media exposure.
Also see: http://www.rand.org/news/press.06/08.07.html
Peer
Rejection Takes Toll on Kids' Academic, Emotional Well Being
A study of 380 Midwestern children ages 5-11 found that individuals who
were chronically ostracized by classmates were more likely to withdraw
from school activities, and scored lower on tests than more popular students.
L.A.
After-School Program Boosts Graduation Rates
At-risk students participating in quality after-school programs may be
more likely to graduate from high school than their peers who do not attend
such programs. A study of the Better Educated Students for Tomorrow (BEST)
after-school program in Los Angeles found that sixth- through ninth-grade
students who participated in the program were less likely to drop out
of high school, contributing to a 20 percent improvement in the district's
dropout rate.
Also See: What
We Know and Need to Know About Quality Middle School After-School Programs
Preteen
Drinking Declines, Study Says
About 13 percent of 12-year-olds report having tried alcohol, according
to a study from the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse.
The study found that drinking among preteens has declined since the 1970s,
but ages 13 and 14 are the peak years for trying alcohol for the first
time. The researchers said that a better understanding of a child's first
drinking experience can help guide prevention efforts.
Web Resources
Healthy
Relationship Materials
The Choose Respect website aims to give preteens ages 11-14 the tools
to build healthy relationships and prevent dating abuse before it starts.
Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control, Choose Respect offers materials
in English and Spanish to help kids, parents, and teachers understand
what it means to give and receive respect. The site includes a music video
maker, in which users can create their own mix of rhythms and vocals with
the theme of respect, as well as interactive quizzes, fact sheets, and
public service announcements.
Website
for Girls
Girls Only, a website sponsored by The Girl Scouts of America, aims to
offer a safe online environment where girls ages 5-12 can play games,
take quizzes, ask questions of experts, and share stories with other girls.
The website includes content created by preteen girls, as well as material
from adult experts.
The Preteen Alliance
The Preteen Alliance is a broad-based coalition formed by the Lucile
Packard Foundation for Children's Health to promote the emotional and
behavioral health of preteens in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. It
currently has more than 700 members, and anyone can join. Alliance members
receive updates on news and research related to preteens, and have opportunities
to meet and exchange information with fellow members at periodic events,
through the Alliance newsletter, and through the new interactive Preteen
Alliance website, www.preteenalliance.org.
Join The Preteen
Alliance
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about The Preteen Alliance
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