  
This special edition of Teens ON Q focuses on some of the most serious threats to young people, and what you can do to stay safe now!
Too many teens are making once-in-awhile treats a part of their everyday diet. American teenagers weigh more now than they ever have before, and obesity is the most common health problem in kids. Find out how to reverse some of the riskiest diet habits – and see the results of healthy eating!
HELPFUL LINKS:
American Diabetes Association 1-800-DIABETES
TODAY Program at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Overweight Teen
Teens have the worst driving record of any other age group! It’s due to a lack of driving experience and driver error. Things like speeding, fooling around while friends are in the car, and driving under the influence of alcohol make the problem even worse. Learn about the most common driving mistakes teens make, plus learn the safe and smart way teens can follow the rules of the road.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Candace Lynn Geiser Memorial Scholarship Fund
National Safety Council
DriveHomeSafe.com
The computer is a great place to research, surf, and chat with other teens. But teens face a lot of risks online, especially when you give out personal information that a child predator could use to track you down. Learn the safe way to surf and what to do if you
are being contacted by an online bully, or, if someone is exposing you to sexually explicit material or suggestions.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Federal Bureau of Investigation 202-324-3666
Cyber Tip Line, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
“Don’t Believe the Type” Excellent online safety site!
· Do you have a computer in your bedroom?
· Do your parents know who you email, instant-message, and chat with?
· Do you know more about the Internet, chat rooms, instant messaging, etc., than your parents or guardians?
· Have you ever given information about yourself, such as your name, where you live, or where you go to school, to someone you don’t know online?
· Have you ever described your appearance, or answered personal questions about your body or physical characteristics to someone online?
· Do you feel the Internet is a “safe” place to anonymously explore sensitive issues, such as sexuality or sexual preference?
· Have you ever felt uncomfortable with topics or questions asked to you by someone you don’t know online?
· If you have felt uncomfortable with an online exchange, did you report the incident to an adult, such as a parent or teacher; or to your internet provider?
· Have you ever considered meeting a person you met online?
· Do you spend more than two hours a day chatting, instant messaging, or online surfing?
If you answer YES to even one of these questions, you are at risk of becoming the target of an online predator. Answer YES to more than three questions, and you definitely are at high risk of becoming a victim!
FYI, teens with computers in their bedroom are most likely to become victims of an online crime. In many instances, those teens engage in riskier behavior because their online activity is not as likely to be monitored by an adult as teens who use computers situated in high-traffic areas such as the family living room.
New medical research says teen brains may not be ready to assess risky behavior. Learn strategies to deal with peer pressure, and find out the facts about how to handle and evaluate risks.
HELPFUL LINKS:
The National Institute for Mental Health
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