Dealing with the Adults in your Life

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Never take “no” as an answer. If you want to graduate early, get into the honors class, or try out for the basketball team, you can do it. Sometimes it involves going to the principal or even the superintendent to get something done, but if you want it—go for it!
—Joel, 21

Realize that while your family might seem unbearable now. I know it is hard to listen to their advice in high school; it seems outdated and irrelevant. This will change. They can become your support and your best friends.
—Danielle, 22

84% of all students agreed with the statement, “My parents want me to do the ethically right thing, no matter what the cost.” 93% disagreed with the statement, “My parents would rather I cheat than get bad grades.”

From “The Ethics of American Youth Press Release and Data Summary.” Available: Josephson Institute of Ethics Web site (2002 Report Card on the Ethics of American Youth).

Huh?

61% of parents say they have rules about Internet use. Only 37% of teens themselves reported having any Internet restrictions.

61% of parents report checking to see what Web sites their teen has visited after the child went online. Only 27% of online teens believe they have been checked on.

68% of parents say they have sat with their children when they were online. Only 48% of their kids recall parents sitting with their them when they were online.

45% of parents are concerned that the Internet leads young people to do dangerous or harmful things. 34% of their children agree.

From Amanda Lenhart, Lee Rainie and Oliver Lewis, “Teenage Life Online: The rise of the instant-message generation and the Internet’s impact on friendships and family relationships.” Available: Pew Internet and American Life Project Web site.

High School Students’ Choices of Role Models

Family Member- 44%
Friend/Family Friend- 10%
Entertainment/Artist or Writer- 10%
Teacher/Educator- 10%
Sports- 8%
Religious Leader- 7%
Business Leader- 3%
National Political Leader- 2%
International Political Leader- 2%

Where would YOU go?

Approximately 1000 high school students responded to the following survey question: If you were in need of social support while in school, who would you see? the number represents the number of students selecting each option. Some chose more than one option.

• My counselor- 370
• Student Assistance counselor- 59
• The Social Worker- 64
• No one, I’d keep it to myself- 253
• A fellow student- 535
• The principal or assistant principal (207
• A teacher- 212
• The psychologist- 71

Fact: 82% of the students who have considered dropping out of school have not talked with a teacher about their plans.

Finding a safe adult.

Building (or regaining) your parents’ trust.

Stories about dealing with adults.

Resources for dealing with adults.

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