years. During the teen years, thoughts about bodies, opposite sex, and sexuality come into

mind. Over the decades, there has been a drastic change in teen behaviour. Some of these

changes include sexual activity, violence, alcohol and drug abuse. This change often puzzles

people and they wonder how it happened. Could it be the media or peers?

The teenage years are a time to experiment and take risks. It is a time to define one's

self as an individual. (Ainsworth 167) Some of the things teens experiment on are drugs,

alcohol, and cigarettes. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug next to cigarettes, then

hallucinogens. The fact that is it illegal for a person under nineteen years of age to use

cigarettes and alcohol does not stop them. They are made readily available to youth. Why do

Teens tend to use drugs because of peer pressure, depression, problems at home, social

trouble, and rebellion. (Craig 146) Drugs make them feel better about themselves and take

away their inhibitions. At the time when being socially accepted is crucial, kids are

believe all three knew each other but we haven't determined if the were

Powell, Douglas. Teenagers: When to Worry and What to Do. New York: Doubleday & Company Inc. 1988.

www.nida.nih.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNVol14N1/Teentrends.html

such as drugs, violence, and sex, it is easy to understand how parents and teens do not get

realize that is even illegal to purchase cigarettes and alcohol for minors. These people need to

Numerous school shootings have proved the severity of violence among

decade, many people believe that the numbers will sink. If the use of drugs in the media is

Some common words found in the essay are:
ACTIVITY Teens, Canadian Youth, BEHAVIOUR INTRODUCTION, Bloods Police, Yost Drug, VIOLENCE/BULLYING Youth, Canadian Youth', Guled Mohamud, Bernadette Roberts, Marilyn Manson, cigarettes alcohol, drugs alcohol, march 28th, march 28th 2001, teen sex, 28th 2001, drug user, youth crimes, sexual activity, becoming drug user, trying drugs, one's self, drugs alcohol cigarettes,
Approximate Word count = 1917
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)