Healthy Kids: Alcohol Concerns

Author: WINK NEWS
Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Drugs, alcohol and mental well-being are in the news this week when it comes to our children.

Facts:

Alcohol use and binge drinking = concerns in 21% of youth.
80% have had alcohol by the 12th grade.
36 – 50% high school students drink alcohol.
28-60% high school students binge drink
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Concerns:

Binge drinking leads to DUI’s.
Alcohol interferes with brain development and intelligence.
First episodes of binge drinking can lead to death.
Binge drinking leads to risky behavior = drunk driving and suicide.
Best to talk to children by age 9 years.
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Almost a fifth of students using e-cigarettes to vape cannabis:

Goal is to help people quit smoking.
Devices are used to vaporize cannabis instead of nicotine.
1 in 5 high school students are using e-cigarettes for hash oil.
Concern: e-cigarettes are more popular with high school students.
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Concerns:

E-cigarette use among middle and high school students has tripled last year.
2 million students are estimated to use e-cigarettes.
30% of High School students in the study use e-cigarettes.
More research and controls on e-cigarettes need to occur.
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Children of warmer, less controlling parents ‘grow up to be happier:’

Over 5300 participants ages 13 – 64 years.
Best parental behavior: warmth and responsiveness.
Worst parental behavior: psychological control
Outcome measured by life satisfaction and mental well-being.
Too much psychological control leaves children less able to regulate their own behavior.
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More results:

Don’t overvalue your child = can result in narcissism
Find a good balance between economic and other pressures.
Parental warmth = higher self esteem
Parental responsiveness = promotes social and emotional development.

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