International News
Canada: Concern Over Vaping Escalates
Vaping among Canadian teens has surged 74 percent in one year. In and of itself, that is a troubling statistic, but the latest incident in London, Ontario has officials even more concerned. The Middlesex-London Health Unit reported that a high-schooler, with no other health issues, was placed on life support after being diagnosed with a severe respiratory illness related to vaping. The teen has since recovered, but the event prompted the Minister of Health to require hospitals to "provide the medical officer of health with statistical information related to incidents of vaping-related pulmonary disease." The effects of vaping are covered in the new sex-ed curriculum starting in fourth grade, and while this is a good thing, unfortunately not all things in the updated sex-ed curriculum are beneficial for students.
State News
California: "Parents Beware"
A meeting was recently held in El Dorado, CA to help inform parents and community members about the impact of the California Healthy Youth Act. The speakers spoke to the packed auditorium about the scope of what the law actually covers and the fact that local school districts have the right to decide how and what they will cover in sex education. The group was encouraged to "be proactive and learn what their district will be doing, what material will be covered in what grades and to make their wishes known to the school board by asking them to adopt policies regarding what will and won’t be taught."
Nevada: Parents Concerns Ignored
Five of the six approved lessons for the new high school sex ed program are currently being implemented in the Washoe County School District. The School Board approved verbiage that teachers are instructed to read prior to teaching the most controversial lessons. Unfortunately, no changes were made to the original curriculum that had parents most concerned, a move that will no doubt, do little to appease them. The district's Sexuality, Health and Responsibility Advisory Committee will begin working on lessons for middle schoolers next, with the goal of having a program ready for Board approval by spring.
Research
The Effect of STDs on Men's Health
We often associate STDs like chlamydia with female infertility, but a new study led by the Queensland University of Technology has now found a link between this prevalent STD and male infertility. While further research needs to be conducted, biopsies in men with no "defined cause" of infertility, show that undiagnosed chlamydia may be to blame.
Resources
A Closer Look at Surging STDs
Multiple news outlets continue to report on the increasing rate of the three most common STDs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis). Last week we focused on chlamydia. This week we'll take a look at the gonorrhea infection rates in 15-24 year-old males and females. The charts break the data down by state and territory in the United States.
Scope
Bullying and Risk Behaviors
We know that those who are bullied in school or online often experience feelings of depression, anxiety, sadness or loneliness that can persist into adulthood. What may not be quite as well-known, is that those who bully are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs and engage in early sexual activity and those who witness bullying are more likely to participate in other risk behaviors. Most states and U.S. Territories and Commonwealths have established laws and policies to address this growing problem. Find out what your state is doing to combat bullying.
Parent Corner
Real Relationships or Merely Social Media Clout?
More and more, Gen Z’s real-life relationships are resembling something like those from the Bachelor franchise: They form rapidly, are based on fickle feelings and the elusive, inexplicable “connection,” and look oh so beautiful on social media. And because so much of Gen Z’s future depends on their social media clout (jobs, future relationships, possible influencer status, etc.), they can’t fault these reality TV stars for doing exactly what they’re doing. So instead, teens root for them, knowing that rooting for them is ultimately hoping it will work for themselves.
So rather than rashly dismissing or critiquing your teenager’s interest in these shows, remember that what’s popular in our culture are pieces of a bigger story. Ask them why they find the shows compelling and what keeps them interested. Then talk about how dating has changed and what pressures they feel. Because so much emphasis is placed on how things look, it’s never been so important to discuss what creates a healthy relationship and the foundational components for long-standing relationships. These qualities are more important than finding a person you feel (or look) good with.
Opportunities
Two Openings for Sexual Risk Avoidance Specialists
E3 Family Solutions, Inc is a non-profit that emphasizes positive youth development and risk avoidance skills for middle and high school students. Their 3-Prong Focus is to equip youth to make healthy choices, empower parents to build strong families and encourage communities to be family friendly. E3 is seeking qualified individuals for both a Project Manager and a Sexual Risk Avoidance Facilitator. For more information about either position contact Darla Huddleston.
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