Teenagers are a unique group of people regarded with as little seriousness as possible by some and with intense seriousness by others. Many of their problems, concerns, and needs are reflected through and can be observed in books; among these are parent relationships, the search for a belief or purpose in life, the unknown, the bizarre and…

Peers can provide types of assistance that enhance student development. This training course presents ways in which students can be trained as peer helpers. Those who use the manual are encouraged to tailor skills and activities to fit the needs and interests of their particular groups and schools. The course is divided into two parts. In part 1,…

Explores the use of nominal group process to identify and rank problems faced by students in an inner-city school. Results showed that students identified concrete behavioral problems, such as pregnancy and disruptive behavior, whereas faculty and administrators identified more abstract problems, such as low self-esteem. (RJM)

States that students struggling to find ways of establishing independence need support from home, school, and community. Suggests books and activities suitable for classroom use dealing with moving, being different, money, family concerns, and death. (PRA)

This monograph provides principals and school officials with information about coping with adolescent suicide. Section 1, "Introduction," discusses the uncomfortable nature of the topic, cites statistics, and recommends that preventive programs be developed. Section 2, "Causes of Suicide," analyzes stress and depression among youth and suggests…

Evaluated the educational, psychological, and medical literature that addressed emotional difficulties and behavioral problems in students. Determined that the lack of consensus on the terms used to describe the problem prevented accurate assessment of its prevalence. Concludes that low-cost, gate-keeping mechanisms are needed to facilitate early…

Violence in schools has reached epidemic proportions. This paper uses an educator's perspective to examine issues of school violence. It is believed that violence arises from a combination of family-related issues, the media, hatreds and phobias, and poverty. Families have become increasingly fractured and dysfunctional while violence on…

The introduction to this curriculum guide notes problems in working with students in early adolescence and discusses the "generation gap," the value of literature for students, and the importance of planning a literature program to meet students' needs. The guide then suggests ways of helping students study heroes and heroines in folk…

Presents a crisis-oriented counseling model for middle school-aged children whose parents suffer psychotic disorders. Discusses how the nature of the illness, socioeconomic status, and family bond will influence children's needs. Asserts that all children need a school counselor who is empathic, caring, and supportive. (RJM)

This book is aimed at helping school personnel and others understand the world as youths experience it and to prepare them to respond to young people's search for philosophical answers. Understanding the life context and viewpoint of young adolescents is assumed to be a prerequisite for understanding drug abuse and for communicating with…

Background: On October 29, 1998, around 400 young people were gathered in an old warehouse in Goteborg, Sweden, for a discotheque party. A fire erupted and spread explosively. Adolescents were exposed to dreadful scenes inside and outside the building. In all, 63 young people were killed and 213 physically injured. An 18-month follow-up with 275…