Theories Of Sociological Issues In Adolescence

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In today’s society one of the main sociological issues that are affecting our adolescence is the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. During the adolescent years we are at our most vulnerable and this is the most challenging period of our lives. Today there are many theories as to why adolescent youths are falling into this trap. Some of the theories are absent parenting, lack of parental bonding, peer pressure, or just a feeling of wanting to fit in. Some other risk factors are social-economic status, and exposure to drug use. Looking at alcohol, tobacco, and drug use many sociological perspectives such as the functionalist, conflict, feminist, and interactionist perspectives help understand the problem at hand and give us different perspectives to the problem. Many of the studies and statistics are very alarming. In this essay many of the results and statistics done by studies will be given. As well as the problem being identified, there are many ways that each individual can help stop this problem and bring awareness and prevention to your society. Many theorists’ believe that if you have the parent-adolescent bonding that the likelihood of adolescent drug use will decrease. This hypothesis makes sense in that if you have an adolescent that respects, listens to and wants to please their parents they are going to be less likely to use alcohol, tobacco or drugs because they know that it will disappoint their parents. Also research has indicated that when parents are more involved in their child’s activities and their child’s life that the likelihood of them using these substances would decrease. When a parent monitors and is aware of that child’s surroundings the parent is enabled more to divert their children’s potential of har... ... middle of paper ... ... drug prevention curriculum for the specific grades of 6th-9th. This particular program teaches children how to use their decision-making, and communication skills to help resist drugs and other substances. It includes ten lessons and four videos. Keepin’ It REAL and has been recognized as a model program by the Center for Substance Abuse Programs and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Another program is Project Alert that is an alcohol and prevention program for 7th and 8th graders. The curriculum includes 11 lesson plans for 7th graders and 3 lesson plans for 8th graders which include teaching materials and student handouts. Project Alert is recognized as an exemplary program by the U.S. Department of Education, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the National Association of State and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors.

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