Today’s Youth Culture
E-Update
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Contents:
I. Youth Culture
Stats and Trends:
1) Teens & Music Survey
2) Swelling Accutane Use
3) Youth Antidepressant Rise
4) Teen Depression and Suicide Warning
Signs
5) Wheelin’ Tweens
6) So-Low Career Guidance
7) Fatty Ads
8) Online Moms
9) Teens & Porn On-line
10) “Streaming” Internet
Life
11) Media Favorites
12) Detecting Marijuana in
Hair
13) Sickening School Lunches
II. CPYU
Resources
IV. Lyrical Expressions: Hoobastank,
Puddle of Mudd, Unwritten Law, and Michelle Branch.
V. Current Culture
Image: Wrigley’s gum
=============================================================================
Youth Culture
Stats and Trends:
1) Teens
& Music Survey
USA Weekend Magazine’s Teens & Music survey results from 60,000 teen responses. Some of the findings:
· 69% of teens know more than 75% of the lyrics of songs they listen to.
· 48% burn their own CD’s
· 54% see nothing wrong with downloading music off the Internet
· Parents and teens rarely/never borrow each other’s CD’s
· 68% of parents do not forbid their children to listen to certain music
· Top influences on listening: 1) Radio—43%, 2) Friends—30%, 3) TV—16%, 4) Parents—7%
· Top music genres: 1) Hip-hop/rap—27%, 2) Pop—23%, 3) Rock/punk—17%, 4) Alternative—7%, 5) Christian/gospel—6%, 6) R&B—6%, 7) Country—5%.
http://www.usaweekend.com/02_issues/020505/020505teenmusicresults.html
2) Swelling
Accutane Use
The April 2002 edition of the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology reveals that prescriptions for the acne medication Accutane (Isotretinoin) increased 250%, to nearly 2 million, between 1992 and 2000. Prescriptions for mild to moderate acne increased to 49% from 31%, while severe acne prescriptions fell to 46% from 63%.
http://www.eblue.org/scripts/om.dll/serve?action=searchDB&searchDBfor=art&artType=abs&id=a120529&nav=abs (free abstract
access, fee for article)
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/201_acne.html (Accutane
information)
3) Youth
Antidepressant Rise
Pediatrics
journal reports that antidepressant use, for the 900,000+ 2 to 19 year-old
youths in a 3 health care site study, rose
http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/reprint/109/5/721.pdf (7 page pdf file, $5 article fee)
See also a related
study:
http://ipsapp006.lwwonline.com/content/getfile/2600/94/8/abstract.htm
4) Teen
Depression and Suicide Warning Signs
The National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, founded by Tipper Gore in 1999, has free information about teen depression and suicide, and access to Public Service Announcements (PSA’s).
http://www.nostigma.org/warning.html
American Medical Association’s Mental Health Quick Facts:
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/1946.html
5) Wheelin’
Tweens
Skating, scooter and skateboarding injuries account for over 175,000 emergency rooms visits each year for children 14 and under. The National SAFE KIDS campaign commissioned a study of 332 “tweens” (ages 8 to 12) in February 2002 about their attitudes and behaviors regarding helmets. Some of the findings:
· 63% of tweens said it was unlikely they would hurt their head while riding on wheels
· Less than half wear a helmet all the time while riding a bike; less than a third while riding scooters, skateboards or skates.
http://www.safekids.org/content_documents/ACF160.pdf (4 page pdf file)
See also:
http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/abstract/109/3/542
6) So-Low
Career Guidance
· Parents (78%) were primarily responsible for helping their children to plan for a career or job, followed by school personnel (10%).
· More than half (51%) of the students reported no real career guidance in high school.
· Non-school advice sought from: 1) No one (46%), 2) Relative (24%), 3) Neighbor/friend (13%), 4) Employer (4%), 5) Youth group leader (3%).
http://www.ferris.edu/careerinstitute/exec.pdf (10 page pdf file executive summary)
http://www.ferris.edu/careerinstitute/report.pdf (47 page pdf
file report)
7) Fatty
Ads
The American Heart Association reports on the changing landscape of television advertisements aimed at youth on Saturday morning programs from 1976 to 2001. Researchers examined 3,000 commercials and found a trend towards bigger portion, higher-fat fast foods, and a shift away from candy to fruit drinks/products, which often times contain as much sugar as candy.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3002337
See also:
Researchers analyzed hospital discharges of 6 to 17 year-olds from 1979-1999 and found a sharp rise in obesity-associated diseases. Although the actual number of obesity-associated diseases is relatively low, the 3 fold rise is cause for concern among researchers.
http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/reprint/109/5/e81.pdf (6 page pdf
file, $5 article fee)
8) On-line
Moms
According to America Online, in an online survey of 8,000 mothers, moms are spending more time online per week than teenagers (16 hours 52 minutes and 12 hours 17 minutes, respectively).
http://media.aoltimewarner.com/media/press_view.cfm?release_num=55252579
9) Teens
and Porn On-Line
The National Research Council released its comprehensive “Youth, Pornography and the Internet” report. The report states in the executive summary that beyond the limited role technology and public policy can play, the most important social and educational strategy to combat child access to inappropriate material on the Internet is to have “responsible adult involvement and supervision.”
http://www.nap.edu/books/0309082749/html/ or http://bob.nap.edu/html/youth_internet/
10)
“Streaming” Internet Life
Edison Media Research and Arbitron Inc. released a study based on a survey of 2,508 people. Some of the key findings:
· 80 million (35%) 12+ year old Americans have “streamed” Internet audio or video content, compared with 24% in 2000.
·
Americans estimate they spent
1 hour 13 minutes online each day, up from
· 9 million Internet audio listeners would be willing to pay a small fee.
· 40% of Americans in 2002 have ever made a purchase online, up from 13% in 1999.
· Clicking on banner ads dropped from 31% in January 2000 to 14% in 2002
· 27 million report broadband Internet access at home in 2002 compared to 15 million in 2001.
http://www.edisonresearch.com/internet_viiisignup.htm
http://www.edisonresearch.com/InternetVIIISummary.pdf (38 page pdf file)
11) Media
Favorites
Knowledge Networks/Statistical Research released a study titled, “How Children Use Media Technology”. The study reveals that the Internet (33%) is the medium of choice for 8 to 17 year old youth, beating out television (26%), telephone (21%) and radio (15%). The telephone was the number one choice for girls at 31% compared to 12% for guys. Twice as many guys picked television as girls (34% and 17%, respectively).
http://www.statisticalresearch.com/press/pr040402.htm
Simultaneous TV/Internet use for teens (ages 12-17) and young men (ages 18-34) were 13%.
http://www.statisticalresearch.com/press/pr051302.htm
12)
Detecting Marijuana in Hair
Reuters reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new test for detecting marijuana’s active ingredient in hair.
http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=healthnews&StoryID=930372
13)
Sickening School Lunches
The U.S. General Accounting Office reports that, between 1990 and 1999, nearly 300 schools experienced food borne illness outbreaks which affected over 16,000 children. The outbreaks increased 10% per year during the same period.
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d02669t.pdf (16 page pdf file)
CPYU
Resources:
NEW MUSIC RESOURCE from CPYU’s Walt Mueller: A colorful 12 page resource titled, “How to use your HEAD to guard your HEART: a 3-D Guide to making responsible music choices”. Prices, including shipping and handling, are $3 each for 1-5 copies and $2 each for 6+ copies. To order, contact CPYU at 717-361-8429 (voice), 717-361-8964 (fax), or e-mail cpyuinfo@cpyu.org
Newsletter: “youthculture@today” is the Center for
Parent/Youth Understanding’s quarterly 24-page newsletter that’s full of
up-to-date information and in-depth analysis on today’s youth culture. Order now
and we’ll send you a copy of our Spring
2002 newsletter featuring P.O.D and the soon to
be released Summer
2002 newsletter featuring Pink and much
more. Available for a donation of $15 a year, you can sign up by
either calling CPYU on the phone (717-361-8429), or by using the downloadable
order form found on our website at http://www.cpyu.org/ycorder.htm and faxing it to CPYU at
717-361-8964.
Website: Check out the CPYU
website (www.cpyu.org).
The site is loaded with all kinds of current information and analysis on today’s
youth culture. You’ll find a searchable database of back issues of “youthculture@today” an extensive
bibliography, culture facts, a youth culture bulletin board, links to dozens of
valuable youth culture oriented websites, a listing of CPYU resources, and much
more. The site is constantly changing so be sure to visit
often.
On-Line Discussion Group: Sign up for our youth culture e-mail discussion group at www.cpyu.org/bboard.htm With one e-mail, you will be able to share questions, comments, and answers with youthworkers, parents and educators from around the world.
Pop Culture Quotes
“I believe that
I am God's exact intention. It's that balance of virtue and vice.”
- CEE-LO, from Rolling Stone’s daily e-mail
“I went through
a time where I was dating a lot of girls. But I never liked one-night deals. You
get that empty feeling.”
“My grandma’s
very religious, and I went to Catholic school. But I’m kind of an ex-Catholic
now. I’m a spiritual person but I have minimal
religion.”
- Actor Josh Hartnett
responding to two questions about dating and religion from YM magazine, June
2002, p. 111.
“Know that you
can do anything because right now I’m getting awards for stuff I used to get
detention for.”
-
Nick Cannon’s acceptance speech for favorite TV actor at the 2002 Nickelodeon
Kid’s Choice Awards
“I think a lot
of people are losing their religion. Definitely. Even me, I know that when I
grew up, I used to go to church every Sunday, and now it’s become holidays. But
I think as long as you have your own thing, whether it’s meditation—anything
that centers you in life is good. Do I pray? Yeah, I
do.”
-
Actress Kirsten Dunst, Rolling Stone,
It’s not that
we don’t use profanity in real life. I’m a big fan of it. We wanted to express
ourselves to the fullest, and vulgarity doesn’t add anything
special.”
-
Chester Bennington, lead singer of Linkin Park, Teen People, June/July 2002, p.
109.
“I think part
of the reason girls do silly things sometimes is because we identify ourselves
by our relationships with men, and I think that’s really bad. Relationships are
supposed to be the dessert of life, not the meal. The meal you create
yourself.”
- Singer/songwriter
Nelly Furtado, YM magazine, June 2002, p. 101.
“First I was
‘angry’, then ‘spiritual’. Now I don't know what I
am.”
- Alanis Morissette
from Rolling Stone’s daily e-mail
“I think the
struggles are the same, for the most part, which is to do things that are
productive instead of self-destructive.”
- Actor Hayden Christensen, who plays Anakin in Star
Wars: Episode II—Attack of the Clones, answering a question about whether it’s
harder to be a teen now, Teen People,
June/July 2002, p. 101.
“The producers,
directors and actors of films have in their hands a powerful and evocative tool
for fostering understanding, and through that, tolerance in the world. It is
furthermore a medium that is not bound in its reach. It can reach out to all
strata and sectors of society and across national and linguistic
boundaries.”
-
Nelson Mandela, as reported by AP, speaking at the Tribeca Film Festival on Wed.
May 8.
Lyrical Expression
Cause I did enough to show you that I was willing to give and sacrifice. And I was the one who was lifting you up when you thought your life had had enough. And when I get close you turn away. There’s nothing that I can do or say. So now I need you to tell me the truth. You know I'd do that for you …
- “Running Away” by Hoobastank
Ignorance spreads lies how much will money buy. Well I’ll take my time as I drift and die
Unwanted, live my life in shame, who’s to blame for my mistakes
I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know why, I believe, I believe in the truth from inside
Go away, go away, go away from me and leave me alone
- “Drift and Die” by Puddle of Mudd on the “Come Clean” album
And foolish lies, well can’t you see I tried to compromise, but what you say ain’t always true.
And I can see the tears in your eyes, and what you said now can’t stop the words from running through my head.
And what I’d do to get through to you, but you’d only do
it again.
So follow the leader down, And swallow your pride and drown
When
there's no place left to go, Maybe that’s when you will know . . .
- “Seein’ Red” by Unwritten Law and the #1 Billboard Modern Rock song, dated May 11 & 18, 2002.
I wanted to be like you, I wanted everything, So I tried
to be like you, And I got swept away
I didn't know that it was so cold, And
you needed someone to show you the way
So I took your hand and we figured
out, That when the tide comes, I'd take you away
If you want to, I can save
you, I can take you away from here, So lonely inside
So busy out there, And
all you wanted was somebody who cares
- “All You Wanted” by Michelle Branch from her debut album, “Spirit Room”.
Current
Culture Image
This ad for Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum appeared in Teen People, June/July 2002, p. 129. It's a cartoon drawing of a girl jumping out of an airplane. She is reaching for the gum pack as her parachute is separated from her body. The slogan reads, "Gotta Have Sweet?" Does culture teach/direct youth to reckless abandonment, encouraging them to shuck off prudence and safety for a quick, fleeting and deadly plummet?
Culture Links
http://gp4teens.com/ Guideposts for Teens is a creative, colorful and informative site.
http://www.snopes2.com/ The ultimate “Urban Legend” reference web-site.
http://www.visembryo.com/baby/index.html Fascinating
pictorial journey through the 40 weeks of pregnancy.
Links to these and many other sites can be found on
CPYU’s web-site at http://www.cpyu.org/links.htm
Walt Mueller’s
“CQ” (Commentary/Quote)
“Having four children of my own has given me reason to
spend lots of time on our school and community playgrounds over the years.
During that time, I’ve noticed some changes taking place in the way kids talk.
I’m hearing more and more profanity in the midst of conversation and play. While
that’s alarming in and of itself, there’s a more troubling aspect: the kids
using profanity and other unwholesome talk don’t appear to know there’s anything
wrong with their salty chatter. Profanity has become for them a normal part of
everyday life.
Granted, television can’t be held solely responsible. Parental example is
still the most powerful influencer. But television does play a powerful role in
both exposing kids to profanity and reinforcing its use as part of everyday
conversation.”
-From Walt Mueller’s award winning book, “Understanding Today’s Youth Culture”, pp. 151-152.
(Editor’s note: perhaps you’ve seen, or at least heard about, the top rated cable show on MTV, the Osbournes? Look for info in the upcoming CPYU Summer 2002 newsletter).
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The CPYU
“Today’s Youth Culture E-Update” is a bi-weekly e-mail resource on relevant
topics of interest for youthworkers, parents, and educators. The Center for
Parent/Youth Understanding is a non-profit organization providing information
and analysis on today’s rapidly changing youth culture. To contact us, write to
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