FRENCH: About Parenting Teens: Facebook and Twitter Influence Teen Drinking

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From Denise Witmer, your Guide to Parenting Teens

Facebook and Twitter Influence Teen Drinking and Drug Use

Recent research from Columbia University suggests "teens who use social media are five times more likely to use tobacco, three times more likely to drink alcohol and twice as likely to use marijuana". It goes on to say, "Eighty-seven percent of surveyed parents said they don't believe spending time on social networking Web sites will make it more likely their child will drink alcohol. Eighty-nine percent believe online socializing will not influence their child to use drugs. Only 64 percent of parents who said their child has a social network page also said they monitored it."

I strongly feel that social networking, while it can show what is going on in a teen's life, doesn't influence what a teen is doing in their life. It isn't Facebook or Twitter that is shoving images of drunk or high teens in front of your teen, it's their peers or those on their social network. This isn't a problem of our teens being plugged in, it's a problem of our teens not having enough strong positive friendships and hobbies. It isn't a problem our teens having too much freedom, it's a problem of them having not enough self-confidence and resources to want to stay healthy and succeed. Yes, parents need to monitor their teens social network, but first and foremost, parents need to be involved with their teens, right?

Asking our community: Do you think Facebook or Twitter is influencing your teen to drink or do drugs? Please share your thoughts, opinions and experiences in the comments area.

Parents, Are You a Part of Your Teen's Support System?

Comment on Parents of Young Adults, Pay Attention to Their Eating Habits, Emden says: "It's very hard to get anyone suffering from anorexia or bulimia to admit they have a problem. I found that many people had to tell my friend she needed to see a doctor before she would go."

Denise's thoughts: I believe that is true for most cases of anorexia or bulimia, or disorders of addiction as well. The person is not feeling the confidence they need, but your friend was lucky to have a support system in the people around her. I think its important for parents to be a part of that support system for our teens and young adults as well.

Asking our community of parents of teens: Do you feel like you are a part of your teen's support system? Whether they have an eating disorder or just a really tough test this week, do you support your teen? Tell us how in the comments area.

You know you're a parent of a teen when...

While you may not know the exact moment of when you became a parent of a teen, I'd bet there was something that told you the metamorphosis had begun. Share your Ah-ha moment with our parenting teens community.

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In the Premiere of American Horror Story...

Violet Handles a Bully a Little Differently
And I think she will pay for it. I'm not sure if the leader of all of the mean girls at Violet's school was sufficiently creeped-out enough to leave her alone. But after she was lead into the spooky basement and came face to face with Tate and what I think are Tate's inner demons, she may feel the need to save face, no pun intended. And considering Violet was so upset with Tate, she may be on her own when her bully decides to strike again.

While I know her parents are dealing with a bunch of inner turmoil and ghosts themselves, they need to pay more attention to their teen daughter! Missing razor blades and talking to psychopaths are all signals that she needs their attention and any help they can offer her.

All in all, American Horror Story was very interesting, and way out of the normal box for television for teens. Anyone else feel weird during the masturbation scene? I was so afraid my teen daughter was going to ask me, "What the hec is he doing?" Instead she says, "Right in front of the window?" Hmmm...

What did you think of the show? Remind you of the horror movies of your adolescence? Post your thoughts and opinions in the comments area.