Jim Liebelt's Youth Culture Watch

ADHD Teens More Likely to Drop Out

Having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may make teens less likely to finish high school, says a new University of California, Davis study.

The study found almost a third of students with ADHD, don't graduate with their peers. That's high compared with the national high school drop out rate of 15 percent, says  lead study author Dr. Joshua Breslau.

When looking at the different types of ADHD, the study found all of the types of ADHD are associated with a high dropout rate.

The study also found students who use alcohol, smoke cigarettes and use other drugs are more at risk to drop out.

Researchers say parents need to make sure they are working together with their schools so that the pediatrician and the child's teacher are communicating about the child's medical health and performance in school.    "We need to better integrate school health with what's schools do, education," says Breslau.

Source: CNN
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/07/28/adhd-teens-more-likely-to-drop-out/

Energy Drinks Pose Serious Health Risk to Kids

A critical editorial published by Canada’s leading medical journal is the latest move a mounting effort to convince the Canadian government to crack down on the sale of caffeinated energy drinks to minors.

Energy drinks that contain high amounts of caffeine – some more than five times the amount in a can of cola, or nearly double the amount in a cup of brewed coffee – can pose serious health risks to children and adolescents and require stronger warning labels, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal’s editorial.

Chris Turner, Health Canada’s director-general of the marketed health products directorate, said the department has received several dozen reports of adverse reactions linked to energy drinks, and that 15 of them were cardiac events.

Unlike cola drinks or similar carbonated beverages, energy drinks usually contain much higher levels of caffeine. For instance, a 250-ml (approx. 8 oz.) bottle of Coca-Cola contains 26 milligrams of caffeine, according to the company’s web site. But a 75-ml (approx. 2.5 oz.) bottle of Rockstar “energy shot” contains 200 mg of caffeine. A 355-ml (approx. 12 oz.) can of Red Bull contains 113.6 mg of caffeine.

Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to irritability, loss of sleep or nervousness. But there is also concern that its stimulating effects can cause rapid heat rate, an abnormal rhythm or other problems that could have serious health consequences.

Source: The Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/energy-drinks-pose-serious-health-risk-to-kids-canadian-medical-journal/article1652080/

In Adolescence, Happier Often Means Healthier

Teens with sunnier outlooks also tend to be healthier, a new study finds.

University of South Florida researchers found that teens' positive emotions and moods, as well as their satisfaction with life, may be more important than either anxiety or depression levels for predicting physical health.

Overall, there appeared to be a strong link between good physical health and life satisfaction and recently feeling excited, strong and proud. Poorer health was associated with feeling lonelier, feeling more guilty, anxious and depressed, and being more likely to display negative behaviors.

The findings, recently published online in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life, show the importance of emotional well-being on adolescents' physical health, the study authors said.

Source: U.S. News & World Report
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2010/07/23/in-adolescence-happier-often-means-healthier.html

What's Hot? 7/23/10

Top 10 Increasing Web Searches on Bing - 7/23/10
   1. lindsey lohan
   2. bachelorette
   3. american eagle outfitters
   4. tahiti
   5. inception
   6. unemployment extension 2010
   7. naomi watts
   8. black couple has white baby
   9. best buy electronics
  10. josh white songs
Source: Bing

Top 10 U.S. Websites - 7/23/10
   1. Google
   2. Facebook
   3. Yahoo!
   4. YouTube
   5. Amazon
   6. Wikipedia
   7. Craigslist
   8. Twitter
   9. eBay
  10. Windows Live
Source: Alexa

iTunes Top 10 Downloaded Songs - 7/23/10
   1. Love the Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna) - Eminem
   2. Dynamite - Taio Cruz
   3. I Like It (feat. Pitbull) - Enrique Iglesias
   4. California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg) - Katy Perry
   5. Cooler Than Me - Mike Posner
   6. Ridin' Solo - Jason Derulo
   7. Airplanes (feat. Hayley Williams) - B.o.B
   8. Billionaire (feat. Bruno Mars) - Travie McCoy
   9. Not Afraid - Eminem
  10. OMG (feat. will.i.am) - Usher
Source: Apple iTunes

Top 10 TV Shows in Prime Time - Week Ending 7/18/10
   1. Fox MLB All-Star Game
   2. America's Got Talent - Tue
   3. NCIS
   4. America's Got Talent - Wed
   5. The Bachelorette
   6. Fox MLB All-Star Pregame
   7. NCIS: Los Angeles
   8. 60 Minutes
   9. The Big Bang Theory
  10. Two and a Half Men
Source: Nielsen Co

Top 5 Most Viewed Videos on YouTube - Week Ending 7/23/10
   1. Ne-Yo Champagne Life
   2. Re: Everyone / Old Spice
   3. Annoying Orange: Teenage Mutant Ninja Apples
   4. Pink Accident - Nurnberg 15.07.2010
   5. Miguel Angel Jimenez Amazing
Source: YouTube

Top 5 Movies - Week Ending 7/15/10
   1. Despicable Me
   2. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
   3. Predators
   4. Toy Story 3
   5. Grown Ups
Source: Box Office Mojo

Teen Swaps Old Cell Phone for Porsche

A California teenager demonstrates that in today's culture, persistence can be more valuable than money...

Seventeen-year-old Steven Ortiz is fairly sure he is the only student at Charter Oak High School who drives a convertible Porsche to school.

And, to the surprise of some of his friends, it doesn't belong to his parents.

Steven started with an old cell phone and eventually traded up to his impressive ride.

It didn't happen overnight, but with the help of the Craigslist website and a lot of patience, Steven made 14 online swaps over two years to get his 2000 Porsche Boxster S.

Steven is part of a growing number of people who use the barter section of Craigslist to unload unwanted items and acquire desired goods, rather than just buying and selling them.

But he does more than just make a casual posting to swap concert tickets or an old bike. He spends five to six hours a day on his i-Phone scouring the website for good deals.

The teen said most of the people he trades with aren't after something for nothing.

They are simply looking to get rid of an item they don't need in exchange for something they do. And they often can get a better deal than if they sold the item for cash.

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune
http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_15533701

Three Predictions About Generation Z

In 2010, Gen X, the group defined as having graduated high school around the turn of the millennium, might as well be considered over the hill. Likewise, Gen Yers are slowly growing up and out of their "teen" phase, paving the way for tweens to take the crown. Increasingly, pre-teens of today are becoming more savvy and in tune with behaviors and preferences normally reserved for teens.

So what is this generation -- chronologically called by the name "Generation Z" -- going to look like? Here are three predictions:

1. Sorry, Kindle, Gen Zers are iPad enthusiasts.
The iPad has been the breakthrough device of the year. One could argue that the iPhone 4 or other mobile technologies should take that crown. But the iPad has created an entirely different way of receiving and absorbing information in 2010.

The iPad will outpace the iPhone for the chosen "keep the kids entertained device" for Gen Z parents as there is more room for security, limited need for a data plan, and the device will allow parents to hold onto their cell phones

2. They won't take criticism well.
If there's one thing we've learned from Generation Y, it's that they're not to be ... umm ... messed with. One slip of the tongue with a teenager and they're likely to stomp on your foot, leave the room, and start an empire quicker than you can say Facebook. The generation of entitlement is only going to continue to grow, so be prepared to speak to your young-ers the right way.

3. They will continue to find loopholes.
Generation Z will continue to find ways to access their information more quickly. Overall, a very interesting game of cat and mouse is about to ensue, and marketers will need to be even more on their toes in choosing the right strategy, creative, and media to engage this audience in something interactive.

Source: Engage:Teens - MediaPost
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=132445

Dark Side of the Internet

Just in case you had any doubts that there is a darker side to the Internet (and I'm not even referring to Internet pornography) consider this current example:

• Eleven-year-old Jessie Leonhardt (aka "Jessi Slaughter" and "kerligirl13") has a computer, unsupervised internet access, and web cam - with her parents' approval.

• Through her online interactions, she started collecting "haters" - people who would post negative comments about her and her posts.

• Jessie responded to the "haters" by recording and uploading a video of herself - in a verbally explicit rant against them (one that might make Mel Gibson proud).

• Given the viral nature of online video, the video was re-posted repeatedly and ended up on a popular "trolling" website. These websites are known for attracting people whose intent is to select individuals and harass them online and offline.

• Internet users began attacking Jessie online with comments, posting her personal information (address, phone number, email, social networking information). Jessie's family was deluged with phone calls, pranks, and threats.

• Jessie posted another video (crying) and her dad jumped in and began yelling into the camera. This video went viral also. Some of the Jessie videos have received over a million views.

• The harassment continued with posts of rumors that her father had given Jessie PCP and that she had committed suicide.

• Jessie was eventually placed in protective police custody.

What can parents learn from this? Jessie's story underscores the importance of proactive parental supervision of their kids' Internet usage.

In an interview with the website MomLogic, Jessie's mother remarked that all of Jessie's friends have computers and web cams and that they video chat with each other. She said that she was unaware that Jessie had been making videos. She said that she can't be in the room with Jessie 24/7.

But, Jessie IS ONLY eleven-years-old, has acquired knowledge and vocabulary that would make many adults blush, and clearly Mom and Dad did not set any sort of appropriate boundaries or consequences for violating their expectations.

The Internet is perhaps the most powerful information and communication tool ever invented. But, it does have a dark side. In my mind, while I understand that even in the best circumstances parenting is difficult, the major cause of this sad story has to do with Mom and Dad's lack of proactive and protective parenting.

Source: Momlogic
Warning: The videos embedded in the Momlogic link below contain explicit language.
http://www.momlogic.com/2010/07/exclusive_interview_mom_defends_11_year_old_youtube_sensation_jessi_slaughter_jessica_leonhardt_dianne_leonhardt.php

What's Hot? 7/16/10

Top 10 Increasing Web Searches on Bing - 7/16/10
   1. carrie underwood wedding
   2. home run derby 2010
   3. cindy blackman
   4. mel gibson rant
   5. vanity fair
   6. barefoot bandit
   7. carmelo anthony
   8. unemployment extension
   9. christina milian
  10. oksana grigorieva
Source: Bing

Top 10 U.S. Websites - 7/16/10
   1. Google
   2. Facebook
   3. Yahoo!
   4. YouTube
   5. Amazon
   6. Wikipedia
   7. Craigslist
   8. Twitter (+1)
   9. eBay (-1)
  10. Windows Live
Source: Alexa

iTunes Top 10 Downloaded Songs - 7/16/10
   1. Love the Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna) - Eminem
   2. Dynamite - Taio Cruz
   3. California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg) - Katy Perry
   4. I Like It (feat. Pitbull) - Enrique Iglesias
   5. Cooler Than Me - Mike Posner
   6. Airplanes (feat. Hayley Williams) - B.o.B
   7. Ridin' Solo - Jason Derulo
   8. Billionaire (feat. Bruno Mars) - Travie McCoy
   9. Not Afraid - Eminem
  10. OMG (feat. will.i.am) - Usher
Source: Apple iTunes

Top 10 TV Shows in Prime Time - Week Ending 7/11/10
   1. NCIS
   2. America's Got Talent - Tue
   3. America's Got Talent - Wed
   4. The Bachelorette
   5. The Mentalist
   6. NCIS: Los Angeles
   7. Two and a Half Men
   8. The Big Bang Theory
   9. Wipeout - Tues
  10. CSI: Miami
Source: Nielsen Co

Top 5 Most Viewed Videos on YouTube - Week Ending 7/16/10
   1. Nelly Furtado - Bajo Otra Luz
   2. Strut That Ass
   3. Eminem Feat. Rihanna - Love the Way You Lie
   4. Double Rainbow Song!!
   5. 7 Minutes in Heaven?!
Source: YouTube

Top 5 Movies - Week Ending 7/8/10
   1. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
   2. The Last Airbender
   3. Toy Story 3
   4. Grown Ups
   5. Knight & Day
Source: Box Office Mojo

YouTube Scores 101 Online Videos Per Viewer in May

New data from comScore shows that 183 million U.S. Internet users watched online video during the month of May. YouTube.com achieved record levels of viewing activity with an all-time high of 14.6 billion videos viewed and surpassing the threshold of 100 videos per viewer for the first time.

U.S. Internet users watched nearly 34 billion videos in May, with Google Sites ranking as the top video property with 14.6 billion videos, representing 43.1% of all videos viewed online.

Source: Center for Media Research
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=131990#comments

Do As I Say, Not As I Text

Providing new insight into the complexities of contemporary parenting, the "LG Text Ed Survey," conducted by TRU Research and sponsored by LG Mobile Phones, found that parents engage in poor texting behaviors, consistently underestimate the misuse of texting by their teens, but believe that texting produces increased communication and better relationships between family members.

The LG Text Ed Survey is a national snapshot of texting behaviors among 13 to 17 year olds and parents of 13 to 17 year olds.

Key Survey Findings

Do as I say, not as I text: Data from the LG Text Ed survey exposed parents participating in the following mobile misuse behavior:
• 28 percent of parents admit to engaging in some form of "sexting" and 43 percent of teens admit to doing the same.
• Almost half of all parents and teens surveyed admit to texting and driving.

The parent-teen gap: Additionally, the LG Text Ed survey revealed that many parents are unaware of teen mobile phone misuse. Of those surveyed:
• 45 percent of teens admit to texting and driving. And only 4 percent of parents believe their teens ever text while driving.
• 41 percent of teens admit to sending, receiving, or forwarding a text that said something sexual, while only 11 percent of parents thought their teens had ever sexted.

Texting = closer families: The LG research also revealed an encouraging fact about life in the digital age. Results showed that the simple act of communicating over teens' preferred medium of communication, texting, facilitated a closer relationship between parent and child. The survey found:
• 90 percent of texting parents felt closer to their teen as a result of the medium.
• 42 percent of parents said that texting increased the frequency of communication between parent and teen.
• 68 percent of all texting parents agree that communicating via text makes them more comfortable when their teen is out.

Source: PRNewswire
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-text-98497159.html