Connected teens suffer less emotional distress

Programs & Series | MPR News Feature | Topics | Health & Healthcare |
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It may not seem like a news flash, but a study of thousands of U.S. adolescents found those who feel emotionally tied to family or school were less likely to engage in other risky behavior. The report says young people who feel connected to their parents or school were less likely to suffer emotional distress, think about suicide, be violent or smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or smoke marijuana. They also tend to have their first sexual experiences later. Students who had to repeat a grade or appeared older or younger than their classmates were also found to be predisposed to depression, suicidal thoughts, violence, substance abuse, and an earlier age of sexual activity. University of Minnesota researcher Michael Resnick says the study not only points the way toward better health for kids, but eases one of the chief frustrations of raising teenagers.

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