Scientific research is revealing that the human brain continues to develop into the early 20s. The immature brain of the adolescent may help explain their tendency toward impulsivity and poor decision-making. It also places your teen at an increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse. Most people begin to abuse drugs and alcohol during their [...]

The sexualization of girls is a widely pervasive and ever-increasing problem that comes with a strong cost to girls. Virtually every media form studied provides ample evidence of the sexualization of women, including television, music videos, music lyrics, movies, magazines, sports media, video games, the Internet and advertising (Zurbriggen, 2007). There are multiple examples of [...]

First, the good news: The Internet is an effective and helpful tool for practical applications, such as research, work and social communication, academics, shopping, commerce and networking. In most work and academic settings, the effective and appropriate use of the Internet is a critical skill. Mastery of Internet applications can have positive results for young [...]

A long-held tenet in the treatment and recovery worlds is that alcoholism and other drug addictions are a family disease. Everyone in the family, including children, gets hurt by this cunning, powerful, and baffling illness. All too often it becomes a family legacy that gets passed from generation to generation. Where does it stop? Children’s [...]

Bipolar disorder is a serious but treatable disorder characterized by extreme, alternating moods that range from depression to mania. Irritability, silliness, moodiness and rapid speech are symptoms of bipolar disorder, but they are also normal parts of adolescence. The diagnosis of teen bipolar disorder is further complicated by the fact that its symptoms differ from [...]

Cutting, or self-harming, is intentional self-injurious behavior resulting in tissue damage, illness, and/or risk of death. Cutting is generally not done with suicidal intent, though teens who engage in self-harming behaviors are at a statistically higher risk for suicide. Despite what your teen may report, these acts of self-mutilation do not represent typical or harmless [...]

Having a child leave home and reside in a residential treatment center or therapeutic boarding school can be a frightening event for any parent. And for parents of an adopted child, having their child away from home can create fears that their son or daughter is struggling more with their attachment to their adopted parents. [...]