Boarding Schools for Girls

Too much work, too much stress and too little sleep have all been associated with negative health outcomes in adolescents and teenagers. And a new study from Duke University and the University of North Carolina indicates that many employers may be contributing to these problems.

• The Duke/UNC researchers have determined that many employers are breaking state laws by allowing teenagers to work more than three hours a day on school days and to work late hours at night.
  
• Youth under 16 years of age are required to have a work for signed by their parents and employers.
  
• They are not permitted to work between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. or long hours when school is in session.

The study appeared in the American Journal of Public Health.

Labels: work, sleep, stress

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According to a survey that was co-sponsored by Bank of America and Seventeen magazine, the nation's current economic doldrums are having a particularly negative impact on the stress levels of teen girls.

An article by Aisha Sultan of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch provided the following details about the study:

• Teen girls are stressed about the economy (85 percent vs. 75 percent of teen boys), and more about having enough money (88 percent vs. 82 percent of teen boys).
• Teen girls are more likely to be stressed about finding a way to pay for college than teen boys (69 percent vs. 59 percent).
• Teen girls are also more likely to have feelings of anxiety, depression or fear (64 percent vs. 50 percent of teen boys), fights with family (47 percent vs. 31 percent of teen boys), and fights with friends (34 percent vs. 24 percent of teen boys) because of money.

Teen stress and anxiety can lead to a number of additional problems, including substance abuse, depression, suicidal ideation and eating disorders. Mental health experts advise parents to be vigilant for signs that their sons or daughter are struggling -- and to get professional help if the problems persist.

Labels: stress, anxiety, economy

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Few people enjoy stress. Most of us, in fact, have specific methods for relieving stress: a hot bath, a hot fudge sundae, a long run, etc. But Elaine Johannes, Research and Extension Youth Development Specialist from Kansas State University reminds us that, when handled properly, stress can motivate a teenager to finish a school project or finally begin studying for an exam.

“’When faced with a stressful situation, it’s best not to assume that you know how others are feeling,’ [Charlotte Shoup] Olsen said. ‘Be respectful, and step up to share the responsibility, rather than trying to place the blame.’… Make time to talk about the stressor, but, if tempers flare, take 20 minutes or more for a time out to calm down…” [Source: Marion (KS) County Record]

Parents also need to remember that teenagers don’t respond to stress the same way as adults. They may need more encouragement to talk about stress and figure out solutions rather than ignoring the cause of the stress.

For students who are overwhelmed by stress, professional intervention may be the best option.

 

Labels: stress

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