Emerging Issues

One issue that is currently on the rise is cyber bullying. Over 40 percent of kids have been bullied online, according to i-SAFE America, a nonprofit group that educates parents and kids about using the Internet responsibly. The internet, cell phones, e-mail, and instant messaging have made it easier for people to bully each other, from the comfort of their own home. Cyber bullying has produced more bullies than face-to-face bullying normally would. Being able to hide behind your computer screen can make it easier for people to get involved with cyber bullying. There are precautions that parents can take to help prevent their child from becoming a cyber bully or a victim. Parents can keep the computer in a family room, and out of the child's bedroom. Parents can ensure that they always know what their child is doing on the computer, and even put a password or set a time limit for computer use.

ABC News - 'Cyber Bullying' on the Rise

Another emerging issue has to do with sex in American culture. Parents need to be aware of what their children are looking up online, what kind of movies they are watching, and what kind of music they are listening to. America's culture has definitely become more open to the topic of sex, and that can make it harder for parents to protect their children from early exposure. Negative messages are being pushed on adolescents and younger girls in a dangerous way. These young girls feel like if they are not "thin" enough or "hot" enough, then ultimately they are not "good" enough. According to research, the sexualization of young girls and women has been linked to eating disorders, depression, and low self-esteem. Also, it hinders the ability for young girls and women to develop a healthy sexual self-image.

America's sex-mad culture 

Padded Bikini Top for 7-Year-Olds Draws Parent's Ire

After talking about young girls being exposed to sex, the last emerging issue that I have picked is teen pregnancy. It is not only the young teens affected by teen pregnancy, but also their families, and most importantly, the child. The biggest risk for teen mothers is delaying prenatal care, or for some, not even receiving prenatal care at all. Also, teen mothers are at a greater risk for having complications in their pregnancy.

There are precautions that parents can take to try and prevent teen pregnancy. Ultimately, it is up to the teenager to make the right decisions but by effective communication and support, the parents can ensure that they are a positive influence in that decision making progress. Parents need to be clear about their own sexual values and attitudes. Parents need to talk with their adolescents early, and often, about sex and they need to be specific. Also, parents need to monitor their adolescents whereabouts and make a genuine effort to get to know their friends.



Works Cited:

Picture 1: Cyber Bullying

http://www.ua.edu/features/abcsofeducation/cyberbullying.html

Picture 2: Parental Advisory

http://www.wizbit.net/cd-dvd_production_faqs_parental_advisory_explicit_content_logo.htm

Picture 3: Time Magazine Teen Pregnancy

http://www.solarnavigator.net/animal_kingdom/humans/teenage_pregnancy.htm