According to the American Medical Association, suicide by adolescents has tripled in the United States over the past twenty years. Girls attempt suicide more often than boys, and usually do so by taking pills.

Child abuse is a major cause of concern in our society. Despite increased awareness of the problem, many children still suffer abuse at the hands of their parents and guardians.

Anger is an emotional response commonly brought on by stress and frustration. Although anger can lead to a number of undesirable behaviors, including violence, it shouln't be viewed as a negative emotion.

Divorce can be extremely unsettling for children of any age. Many respond to divorce with pervasive feelings of sadness, strong wishes of reconciliation, and worries about having to take care of themselves.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia (an-a-REX-ee-uh) nervosa (ner-VO-sa) and bulimia (bull-EE-mee-ah) nervosa (ner-VOSE-ah), are a growing problem among teenagers, especially young women.

Many parents discover that as their children move into the teenage years, there's an increased level of conflict in the family. In most cases, this is entirely natural.

Hyperactivity, also referred to as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD (A-D-H-D), is a condition that occurs when excessive levels of impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity characterize a child's behavior.

Many teens suffer from low self-esteem and a poor self-image, and this can negatively affect every aspect of a teen's life. Of course, being insecure or unsure of what to do in certain situations is entirely normal, and it's important for both parents and teens to keep in mind that mistakes will be made.

Most experts agree that communication is essential to formulating a good relationship between parents and children. Parents can only a child they're aware of the problems being faced.

Part of growing up involves learning to make one's own decisions. This isn't easy for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for teens, who are caught somewhere between the freedoms of adolescence and the responsibilities of adulthood.

Each year one million teens run away from home. This can occur in any home, regardless of social class, economic status, or race. Typically, teens run away after a heated argument with their parents, and stay with a friend for a day or two before returning home.

To adolescents, school isn't only a place to get an education; it's a miniature society. There are rules that must be followed, there's work that must be done, and there's a time for developing relationships with others.

Self-esteem is determined by the level of satisfaction and confidence one has in oneself. Positive self-esteem comes from regarding oneself as good, competent, and worthy of love.

Unfortunately, incest, rape, and other forms of sexual abuse are fairly common. The abuser may be a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, or less often, a stranger.

The use of drugs and alcohol by teens continues to be a problem in modern society. Teenagers are caught between adolescence and adulthood, and they experience a number of rapid physical and emotional changes.

When different families come together under one roof, there are likely to be a number of issues to work through. Children typically approach a parent's remarriage with apprehension rather than enthusiasm.

Each year about four hundred thousand teenagers attempt to take their own lives. This is sometimes extremely difficult to understand from the adult perspective.

Depression is an emotional disorder common among teenagers. The condition is frequently unrecognized because many adults aren't aware that it can occur in young people.

Alcohol and drug abuse among teenagers is a serious problem in the United States. There are many dangers associated with substance abuse. Impaired judgment due to drug use can result in inappropriate social behavior, accidents, and violence.

Teens may get involved in cults for a wide variety of reasons. As teens make the transition from adolescence to adulthood, they're essentially seeking to formulate their identity and define their place in society.

Teenage pregnancy can be a serious problem for all those involved, but it's especially difficult for the young mother. Pregnant teenagers are forced to cope with a variety of issues that they may not be mentally or emotionally prepared for.

The best time for adolescents to decide what to do about sex is before they're actually confronted with the possibility. Once the moment of truth arrives, it can be extremely difficult to maintain the proper perspective.

As teenagers make the transition from adolescence to adulthood, they often experience a number of psychological and emotional pressures that cause stress and anxiety in their lives.