Vanessa Hudgens. Miley Cyrus. Two teen pop culture icons that have gained both a vast teen audience as well as the skepticism of parents after sexual pictures of the two beloved stars leaked onto the internet. Hudgens and Cyrus were guilty of “sexting,” or sending sexually explicit or nude photographs through a text message.
The phenomenon of sending sexual photographs over the phone has recently increased in popularity among young teenagers.
“I think more people do it than we even know of. I probably know around five people that have sexted, but I’m sure more people do it,” said Clarke Central High School senior Will Hager.
“Sexting” has become a new form of communication among teenage students, and though buzz on the issue is being generated by adolescents, the subject has been slow to surface among the Athens-area adult community. From school faculty to law officials, action to combat this new-age interaction has not been thoroughly pursued.
According to a source at the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, there have been no criminal investigation reports on “sexting.” Corporal Kandy Marchman, the Crime Prevention Officer and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Member at the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, said that there have been only two “sexting” cases reported, both dealing with boys and girls sending nude photographs among classmates. One of the cases occurred between middle school students, and the other case dealt with high school students.
Although the issue has not been prevalent in the Athens police and sheriff’s departments, school staff members are still aware of the issue. Lenore Katz, a school counselor at Clarke Central High School said they realize the situation, but the counselors have yet to receive referrals from teachers or students regarding these offenses.
“It hasn’t been a hot button issue. The problem isn’t being brought to our attention. We know students are doing it, but we are not hearing from the students,” said Katz.
What the participating students are failing to realize are the legal ramifications that are associated with “sexting.” According to Cpl. Marchman, ownership of nude photographs can lead to child pornography possession charges. Furthermore, if the teen in possession of the “sext” forwards it to a peer, that teenager may be accused of distributing child pornography. If the adolescent is then convicted and charged as an adult, they may be placed on the sex offenders list, where they could remain for life.
This phenomenon received national attention in September 2009 when CBSNews.com did a story on Vermont’s first “sexting” case, in which an 18-year-old was charged with committing the act. In this case, the teenage boy was suspected of guiding two teenage girls to photograph or videotape themselves in a sexual manner and send him the end result. Ultimately, the 18-year-old pleaded guilty to reduced charges, but he will serve a 90-day sentence in prison.
In an attempt to raise awareness on the serious legal repercussions of “sexting,” Cpl. Marchman has met with several school counselors wishing to be educated on the laws. However, more aggressive, preventative action such as speaking to students has not been taken thus far.
“I don’t think people are aware of the legal issues. People don’t think that they will get caught in the first place, so they don’t think about the consequences,” said Hager.
Dr. Kip Matthews, licensed psychologist and Vice-President and Co-Founder of AK Counseling & Consulting, Inc., an Athens community counseling and psychological treatment organization,believes the best way to approach the issue of “sexting” is early in the home between the parents and the children. He suggests that parents talk to their children about making good decisions as well as set boundaries so that teens will not succumb to peer pressure.
“I really want to stress that punishing someone for having possession of a picture is not appropriate. It’s like attacking the outcome without really trying to fix the source,” said Matthews.
Matthews also stated that, in addition, parents need to have an active role in their child’s online behavior through monitoring activity on social media websites. Although there is an issue of the child’s right to privacy, Matthews argues that as long as they are minors, they’re sacrificing the right of private interaction. He believes it is both the responsibility and right of the parents to have full access their child’s online activity. This monitoring, he said, should include the parents’ ability to obtain the student’s Facebook password.
Madi Linck, a 17-year-old senior at Athens Academy said she believes Dr. Matthews’s opinion on parents gaining access to their child’s Facebook is too extreme.
“I think that’s overkill. I obviously wouldn’t want my mom to have my password. It’s just a trust issue with your parent,” said Linck.
Though there are not specific statistics for the prevalence of “sexting” in the Athens community, according to Matthews, there has “anecdotally” been a rise in the issue. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing pregnancy in single, young adults, in collaboration with Cosmogirl.com, did a study nationwide on this topic. Their findings showed that 20 percent of teens (ages 13-19) admitted that they had sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos of themselves.
Despite the rise of sexual messaging among adolescents and its significant legal implications, teens are doubtful that any action taken will prevent “sexting” from occurring.
“No matter what, people are going to do this kind of stuff. Kids are going to be kids,” said Hager.
Regardless of whether the legal side of “sexting” becomes a motivating factor for teen action, there is no doubt that there is a growing interest in sexual communication. Although the trend is taking place across the nation and among celebrities, this contact between peers is also occurring at a local level, even in small towns such as Athens, Ga.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Healthy Changes Meet Student Resistance at Clarke Central
Marah Lidey
Brooke Cochran
Teen Story Article
Original: October 20, 2009
Revised: November 17, 2009
Sally Jabbie strolled through the long line in Clarke Central Highschool's cafeteria’s snack shop, picked up a bag of Doritos and a coke and kicked up her feet to relax with her friends.
That was last year. This year, Jabbie drags through the cafeteria line and reluctantly grabs a single cup of unsalted green beans, a small portion of chicken and rice casserole, a side salad of greens and light ranch, and carrots. Then she sits with her friends and stares at her untouched food.
The Clarke Central junior has strong feelings about the new, healthy menu the school is serving.
“We can’t have drinks or snacks or vending machines. We can only have vending machines that have water and diet drinks. I want Gatorade sometimes and all we get is diet,” said Jabbie.
According to a 2006 report by the CDC, the percent of overweight and obese teens has increased from 10 percent in 1994 to 17.6 percent in 2006. Furthermore, in Ga., 18 percent of high schoolers are overweight and another 14 percent are considered obese. With these soaring rates of obesity among teens and young adults, high schools around the country are striving to provide healthy foods for their students.
“Obesity is certainly a national trend,” said Clarke County Nutrition Coordinator Angela Garcia. “In teens, it leads to major health problems such as high blood pressure, heat disease, and even diabetes. Schools are trying to prevent obesity from continuing in the direction it is going.”
In efforts to make a change at Clarke Central, a new “Wellness Policy”, created in May 2006 by the Clarke County Board of Education, sets high standards for the type and variation of food that the students are allowed to consume in school. School nutritionists say they are no longer able to use salt and sugar in the making of foods, and the school only provides dessert one time a week.
“Give us salt!” cried Jabbie over the loss of this seasoning due to the new Wellness menu.
Despite not being able to use salt in the foods, the high school employs other ingredients to replace the inexpensive additive:
“Butter is the main ingredient we use,” said Carolyn Adams, a food assistant at Clarke Central High. “We don’t use any salt or sugar but we use lots of butter, and tomato sauce too.”
These strict limitations on food are not restricted to Clarke Central. Many schools are implementing healthier food policies and menus that limit the amount of sugar and fats that students have access to. A 2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report stated that the average number of schools that sold candy or salty snacks high in fat dropped from 54 percent in 2006 to 36 percent in 2008. Also, the percentage of schools that took soda and sports drinks out of school vending machines increased from 37.8 percent to 62.9 percent.
Though Clarke Central changes are part of a national movement for healthier food, the high school has gone far beyond many others in their attempts to limit unhealthy foods.
“Even manufacturers have stepped up and changed their products so we have better access to healthier products. They began producing more products with whole grain and higher fiber wheat,” said Garcia.
The high shool even has a nutritionist to create each menu plan.
Katja Stookey, the School Nutrition Manager says, “Our nutritionist analyzes every meal, every week,” said. “We make sure the kids have the right dietary mix of protein, carbs, fat, and things like that each week.” Stookey is in charge of monitoring the kitchen and all the food the students eat.
When asked how she thought Clarke Central teens might be feeling about these new changes, Stookey replied, “we do not give them candy and the biggest complaint we hear is that the portions are too small.”
Many teens, like Jabbie, however are frustrated that they are being told what to eat and are not able to make their own decisions.
“It’s just always the same thing. The least they could do is let us leave for lunch sometimes,” professed Kelly Lissimore, a junior at Clarke Central.
Lissimore and her friends sat around the lunch table pondering the issue of what needed to be changed in the school’s nutrition plan. As if it were the first time someone had asked them that question, they looked around at one another and in consensus replied, “everything.”
One teacher, however, saw a creative way to meet the students’ needs for additional food options while providing them with a useful marketing experience. Vickie Shell, a marketing teacher at Clarke Central, designed and founded the Glad Shack- a small convenience store sitting inside the school cafeteria. The Glad Shack once provided everything from Fuse energy drinks to Doritos to football memorabilia.
The Glad Shack was a way in which students strived to bring a different flavor to Clarke Central. The shack provided all of the food the students wanted, and the food that they were not able to get from the cafeteria because of the Wellness Policy.
Students say that extra food options created a more upbeat atmosphere in the school cafeteria, and by deciding themselves what foods were in high demand each week, and needed to be purchased they were also learning useful real world marketing skills.
Jabbie explained, “the Glad Shack was the best! They had the best stuff and everyone was happy. The line would wrap around the school to get the food and stuff,” said Jabbie. “Now they shut it down ‘cause it doesn’t match with the Wellness program. Now the Glad Shack just sells T-shirts and hats. No one goes in there any more”.
Students say school officials made the decision to close the Glad Shack this past April “They said it was too much competition for the cafeteria. Nobody was eating school lunch because they were coming here,” exclaimed student and Glad Shack worker Renelle Kinson, referring to the small shop.
Now all that is to be found in the once buzzing school shop are a few lonely T-shirts, a shiny silver refrigerator and microwave that sit empty and unused.
Despite the strong discontent of the students met by the new “Wellness Program”, school officials say that the goal is ultimately to help the students and to promote better eating habits.
The struggle against adolescent obesity continues as schools across Ga. and the nation develop programs similar to that of Clarke Central. However, even though they are often unpopular and met with complaints from students, the schools’ efforts are made in hopes to help students live better, healthier lives.
“Its a step in a positive direction,” said Garcia. ‘”There is always room for improvement but we are teaching the kids to be healthy and exercise and make life-long healthy decisions.”
Brooke Cochran
Teen Story Article
Original: October 20, 2009
Revised: November 17, 2009
Sally Jabbie strolled through the long line in Clarke Central Highschool's cafeteria’s snack shop, picked up a bag of Doritos and a coke and kicked up her feet to relax with her friends.
That was last year. This year, Jabbie drags through the cafeteria line and reluctantly grabs a single cup of unsalted green beans, a small portion of chicken and rice casserole, a side salad of greens and light ranch, and carrots. Then she sits with her friends and stares at her untouched food.
The Clarke Central junior has strong feelings about the new, healthy menu the school is serving.
“We can’t have drinks or snacks or vending machines. We can only have vending machines that have water and diet drinks. I want Gatorade sometimes and all we get is diet,” said Jabbie.
According to a 2006 report by the CDC, the percent of overweight and obese teens has increased from 10 percent in 1994 to 17.6 percent in 2006. Furthermore, in Ga., 18 percent of high schoolers are overweight and another 14 percent are considered obese. With these soaring rates of obesity among teens and young adults, high schools around the country are striving to provide healthy foods for their students.
“Obesity is certainly a national trend,” said Clarke County Nutrition Coordinator Angela Garcia. “In teens, it leads to major health problems such as high blood pressure, heat disease, and even diabetes. Schools are trying to prevent obesity from continuing in the direction it is going.”
In efforts to make a change at Clarke Central, a new “Wellness Policy”, created in May 2006 by the Clarke County Board of Education, sets high standards for the type and variation of food that the students are allowed to consume in school. School nutritionists say they are no longer able to use salt and sugar in the making of foods, and the school only provides dessert one time a week.
“Give us salt!” cried Jabbie over the loss of this seasoning due to the new Wellness menu.
Despite not being able to use salt in the foods, the high school employs other ingredients to replace the inexpensive additive:
“Butter is the main ingredient we use,” said Carolyn Adams, a food assistant at Clarke Central High. “We don’t use any salt or sugar but we use lots of butter, and tomato sauce too.”
These strict limitations on food are not restricted to Clarke Central. Many schools are implementing healthier food policies and menus that limit the amount of sugar and fats that students have access to. A 2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report stated that the average number of schools that sold candy or salty snacks high in fat dropped from 54 percent in 2006 to 36 percent in 2008. Also, the percentage of schools that took soda and sports drinks out of school vending machines increased from 37.8 percent to 62.9 percent.
Though Clarke Central changes are part of a national movement for healthier food, the high school has gone far beyond many others in their attempts to limit unhealthy foods.
“Even manufacturers have stepped up and changed their products so we have better access to healthier products. They began producing more products with whole grain and higher fiber wheat,” said Garcia.
The high shool even has a nutritionist to create each menu plan.
Katja Stookey, the School Nutrition Manager says, “Our nutritionist analyzes every meal, every week,” said. “We make sure the kids have the right dietary mix of protein, carbs, fat, and things like that each week.” Stookey is in charge of monitoring the kitchen and all the food the students eat.
When asked how she thought Clarke Central teens might be feeling about these new changes, Stookey replied, “we do not give them candy and the biggest complaint we hear is that the portions are too small.”
Many teens, like Jabbie, however are frustrated that they are being told what to eat and are not able to make their own decisions.
“It’s just always the same thing. The least they could do is let us leave for lunch sometimes,” professed Kelly Lissimore, a junior at Clarke Central.
Lissimore and her friends sat around the lunch table pondering the issue of what needed to be changed in the school’s nutrition plan. As if it were the first time someone had asked them that question, they looked around at one another and in consensus replied, “everything.”
One teacher, however, saw a creative way to meet the students’ needs for additional food options while providing them with a useful marketing experience. Vickie Shell, a marketing teacher at Clarke Central, designed and founded the Glad Shack- a small convenience store sitting inside the school cafeteria. The Glad Shack once provided everything from Fuse energy drinks to Doritos to football memorabilia.
The Glad Shack was a way in which students strived to bring a different flavor to Clarke Central. The shack provided all of the food the students wanted, and the food that they were not able to get from the cafeteria because of the Wellness Policy.
Students say that extra food options created a more upbeat atmosphere in the school cafeteria, and by deciding themselves what foods were in high demand each week, and needed to be purchased they were also learning useful real world marketing skills.
Jabbie explained, “the Glad Shack was the best! They had the best stuff and everyone was happy. The line would wrap around the school to get the food and stuff,” said Jabbie. “Now they shut it down ‘cause it doesn’t match with the Wellness program. Now the Glad Shack just sells T-shirts and hats. No one goes in there any more”.
Students say school officials made the decision to close the Glad Shack this past April “They said it was too much competition for the cafeteria. Nobody was eating school lunch because they were coming here,” exclaimed student and Glad Shack worker Renelle Kinson, referring to the small shop.
Now all that is to be found in the once buzzing school shop are a few lonely T-shirts, a shiny silver refrigerator and microwave that sit empty and unused.
Despite the strong discontent of the students met by the new “Wellness Program”, school officials say that the goal is ultimately to help the students and to promote better eating habits.
The struggle against adolescent obesity continues as schools across Ga. and the nation develop programs similar to that of Clarke Central. However, even though they are often unpopular and met with complaints from students, the schools’ efforts are made in hopes to help students live better, healthier lives.
“Its a step in a positive direction,” said Garcia. ‘”There is always room for improvement but we are teaching the kids to be healthy and exercise and make life-long healthy decisions.”
Underage Drinking
By Brittany Guthrie and Lacey Outten
At 16 years old, teenagers can drive. At 18 years old, teenagers are able to purchase lottery tickets and cigarettes at their own discretion. At 21 years old, the teenage years are officially left behind, and alcohol can be legally purchased and consumed. In reality though, these age restrictions fail to stop some teens from engaging in underage drinking. Nickolas Adams, a senior at Athens Academy, explains “Even though it is not very common at my school, underage drinking is definitely prevalent in certain social groups.” In contrast, Sydney Rosenberg, a junior at Riverwood High School in Atlanta, explains, “Underage drinking is extremely common at my school. Pretty much everyone I know at my school does [drink].” It seems as if the number of teens who drink vary across schools of Georgia. How and why does this generation of teenagers partake in underage drinking and what effects is underage drinking causing for this group of soon-to-be adults?
If the 21-years-old age restriction doesn’t prevent teenagers from getting their hands on alcohol, then how and where do they get it? According to Athens teens, there are many ways for minors to obtain alcohol. Some use a fake ID at gas stations to buy beer, while others steal liquor from their parents or have older siblings buy the alcohol. Sometimes older friends will also buy alcohol for the underage drinkers. Due to the legal consequences associated with providing alcohol to a minor, most parents follow the age restriction and rarely provide alcohol to their children and to their teen friends. However, many parents today grew up in a time when the legal age to consume alcohol was 18 years old, and some of these adults still believe that this should be the legal age to drink.
A trend taking effect earlier in age is securing a fake ID. These are becoming easier to find because of the teenage demand and the price teenagers are willing to pay. Most teenagers know of someone at their high school who can create a fake ID or older siblings or friends who will pass down a copy of their license. Some teens go so far as to ask strangers if they will purchase alcohol for them, taking the risk of approaching an undercover cop. Clearly alcohol is readily available for teenagers despite their age.
Underage alcohol consumption is most common at house parties. These parties are usually held at teenagers’ houses when parents go out of town or when older siblings are there to supervise. However, these siblings sometimes assist in providing alcohol to their guests and engage in drinking with minors as well. Teenagers rarely go to bars or pubs to drink.
Even though there is wide prevalence of underage drinking, there will always be some teens that choose not to drink in high school and some that do. According to Brooks Gallagher, a family counselor from Greenville, S.C., “In almost all cases, the two main factors that cause teens to consume alcohol are peer pressure and parental influence.” Some teens agree and say peer pressure is the sole reason they drink. Two teens at the same high school have different opinions as to why their peers drink. Riverwood student Sydney Rosenberg explains, “There usually is peer pressure, but the kids being pressured into it aren't upset about it. Usually everyone wants to get drunk unless they're driving. If a teen doesn't want a drink, they're usually not afraid to say no thanks.” In contrast, Carly Aronin, a freshman at Riverwood High School, gives her take on underage drinking, “People think they look cool if they drink a lot and get drunk. To avoid peer pressure, you just need to say no and go to a new group of friends wherever you are in order to avoid peer pressure.”
Even though certain social groups of teens choose to engage in the consumption of alcohol, peer pressure is not considered a problem among some of the teens at Athens Academy. “I believe there is some pressure for underage teens to drink, but it isn't like the drinking teens go up to people and tell them to,” explains Athens Academy senior Dylan Schulte. “Teens usually avoid the pressure by hanging with other teens who don't drink or just do something else, distract the fact that the teens are drinking.”
Once teens are in group situations where everyone is drinking, negative consequences are more likely to happen. The obvious consequence teenagers face is drinking and driving. Most teens understand the seriousness of drinking and driving, so they try to plan a safe way to get home after a night of drinking. Carly Aronin, a freshman at Riverwood High School, clarifies, “More teens are getting killed these days in car crashes because of drinking and driving. After parties, the teens usually go home with a friend who has not been drinking that night or call their parents to pick them up.” Other negative consequences include sexual situations with unfamiliar partners or dabbling in various drugs. Unfortunately teens will oftentimes find themselves in an unfavorable situation due to heavy consumption of alcohol.
Measures have to be taken to try to prevent the rampant occurrence of underage drinking. Schools plan informational or motivational speakers on the topic of underage drinking. Riverwood High School has Red Ribbon Week and brought in J. Tom Morgan who wrote “Ignorance is No Defense, A Teenager’s Guide to Georgia Law.” Junior Sydney Rosenberg describes his speech, “[He] actually gave great advice about how to stay out of trouble while being in a situation with underage drinking.” These speakers seem to be having a positive effect on students. Carly Aronin says of Riverwood High School’s drug-free week speaker, “I’m pretty sure he influenced the whole entire school by the stories he told and the laws and the stupidest things teens can do that get them arrested and go to jail.”
According to Athens Academy senior Nickolas Adams, the issue of alcohol consumption is discussed in health classes. Also, student body leaders and other well-respected figures within the school are encouraged to speak to the fellow students about the risk and dangers of underage drinking. These students are positive role models for the rest of the school. Apparently the trend of underage drinking differs between schools. The factors that cause teenagers to drink also vary. However, schools across the region are addressing the issue of underage drinking and are attempting to provide guidance for teenagers.
The New Face of Drugs
by Angel Jackson and Mamie Cargile
Xanax. Lortab. Vicodin. Adderall. You have heard them all before. You may not know, however, how many of these prescription drugs are changing hands in Athens area high schools. On an average school day, there are students selling and taking these drugs on school grounds.
“I've never been offered any, but I could probably get it,” said Trey Spires, a senior at Oconee County High School. Spires, from Bishop, Ga., refers to a number of prescription drugs that he is aware of being sold at his school. He does not know where students get their hands on these drugs. What he does know is that it is not uncommon for students to make money by selling pills. “A lot of them get it prescribed to themselves. Then they take them to school to sell,” said Sydney Jessup, also a senior at Oconee County High School from Watkinsville, Ga.
According to the Georgia Student Health Survey from 2008-2009, which obtains information from a random sample of public middle and high school students about various health risk behaviors, 44 percent of students agreed that it is easy to obtain prescription drugs not prescribed to them. Prescription drugs are reportedly easier to obtain than “street drugs” such as marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamines. Barbara Emmanuel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private practice in Decatur, GA, explained that ease of access is one of the main factors for teens taking prescription drugs by saying, “unfortunately, with teenagers and prescription medication, the access can be far too easy, with parents, siblings, and grandparents who may have meds in the medicine cabinet that they do not think of as ‘abusable.’”
Those not selling the drugs are simply taking them. “They'll do it anywhere,” said Spires. Students often do not know the drawbacks to taking such drugs when there is no medicinal need for them. There are numerous health effects that can be linked to taking unnecessary prescription drugs.
According to WebMD, Adderall is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD affects 8-12 percent of children and four percent of adults worldwide. The drug helps those affected to stay focused and pay attention. For those who are not in need of Adderall, taking it can increase heart and energy rates, as well as suppress appetite. It can be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms upon ceasing to take the medication. Xanax produces the opposite effect. It is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Those who take Xanax usually feel calmer. It is very addictive as well, and will also cause withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation of use. Vicodin and Lortab are prescribed to reduce pain. They are addictive when not used properly, and even sometimes when they are prescribed.
Emmanuel said, “a factor that is discussed when looking at the time it takes for recreational or social use to develop into addiction is age of first use, and age regular use began. Unfortunately for teens, this can lead to early and serious problems with addiction.” Heidi Nibbelink, a counselor at Clarke Central High School, said, “age of onset of prescription drug use often occurs around age 11, when prescription drugs are easier to access for younger children than other types of drugs.” The early onset of use coupled with easy access provides a prime breeding ground for addiction among teens.
Recreational use of these drugs can be extremely detrimental and have severe or even fatal side effects if mixed. This, however, is not the only downfall. Anyone caught in possession of prescription drugs (controlled substances) not prescribed to the person is subject to jail time and/or steep fines.
So who exactly is distributing and taking these drugs? “A lot more guys than girls,” said Hailey McCommons, a senior at Oconee County High School from Watkinsville, Ga., “Mostly the older guys, but I'm sure the younger ones do it, too.” Spires concurs, “I would lean more towards the upperclassmen guys, but people are starting in ninth grade.”
Even though high school students in the Clarke County School District take a health class that includes curriculum about illegal prescription drug use, the trend of prescription drug use still seems to be highly popular among Athens area teens.
Xanax. Lortab. Vicodin. Adderall. You have heard them all before. You may not know, however, how many of these prescription drugs are changing hands in Athens area high schools. On an average school day, there are students selling and taking these drugs on school grounds.
“I've never been offered any, but I could probably get it,” said Trey Spires, a senior at Oconee County High School. Spires, from Bishop, Ga., refers to a number of prescription drugs that he is aware of being sold at his school. He does not know where students get their hands on these drugs. What he does know is that it is not uncommon for students to make money by selling pills. “A lot of them get it prescribed to themselves. Then they take them to school to sell,” said Sydney Jessup, also a senior at Oconee County High School from Watkinsville, Ga.
According to the Georgia Student Health Survey from 2008-2009, which obtains information from a random sample of public middle and high school students about various health risk behaviors, 44 percent of students agreed that it is easy to obtain prescription drugs not prescribed to them. Prescription drugs are reportedly easier to obtain than “street drugs” such as marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamines. Barbara Emmanuel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private practice in Decatur, GA, explained that ease of access is one of the main factors for teens taking prescription drugs by saying, “unfortunately, with teenagers and prescription medication, the access can be far too easy, with parents, siblings, and grandparents who may have meds in the medicine cabinet that they do not think of as ‘abusable.’”
Those not selling the drugs are simply taking them. “They'll do it anywhere,” said Spires. Students often do not know the drawbacks to taking such drugs when there is no medicinal need for them. There are numerous health effects that can be linked to taking unnecessary prescription drugs.
According to WebMD, Adderall is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD affects 8-12 percent of children and four percent of adults worldwide. The drug helps those affected to stay focused and pay attention. For those who are not in need of Adderall, taking it can increase heart and energy rates, as well as suppress appetite. It can be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms upon ceasing to take the medication. Xanax produces the opposite effect. It is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Those who take Xanax usually feel calmer. It is very addictive as well, and will also cause withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation of use. Vicodin and Lortab are prescribed to reduce pain. They are addictive when not used properly, and even sometimes when they are prescribed.
Emmanuel said, “a factor that is discussed when looking at the time it takes for recreational or social use to develop into addiction is age of first use, and age regular use began. Unfortunately for teens, this can lead to early and serious problems with addiction.” Heidi Nibbelink, a counselor at Clarke Central High School, said, “age of onset of prescription drug use often occurs around age 11, when prescription drugs are easier to access for younger children than other types of drugs.” The early onset of use coupled with easy access provides a prime breeding ground for addiction among teens.
Recreational use of these drugs can be extremely detrimental and have severe or even fatal side effects if mixed. This, however, is not the only downfall. Anyone caught in possession of prescription drugs (controlled substances) not prescribed to the person is subject to jail time and/or steep fines.
So who exactly is distributing and taking these drugs? “A lot more guys than girls,” said Hailey McCommons, a senior at Oconee County High School from Watkinsville, Ga., “Mostly the older guys, but I'm sure the younger ones do it, too.” Spires concurs, “I would lean more towards the upperclassmen guys, but people are starting in ninth grade.”
Even though high school students in the Clarke County School District take a health class that includes curriculum about illegal prescription drug use, the trend of prescription drug use still seems to be highly popular among Athens area teens.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Choral students fight stereotypes from the "Glee" effect
Writers: Sara Caldwell & Marlyncia Pierce
Down the halls of William McKinley high school in Lima, Ohio, the fictional students from the hit TV show Glee spark major chords with the stereotypical drama of students - all the while, bringing a new wave of singing and entertainment to its choral group and audience. Every Wednesday night at 9 p.m - eastern time - on the FOX Broadcasting network, many viewers tune in to watch the teen sagas as they put their musical spins on popular and classic hits like Kanye West's "Golddigger" and Tina Turner's "Proud Mary." Choral students in the Athens area relate to the show's dramatic portrayal of high school daze and are excited about the future of Fine Arts programs.
"The Glee show will open up more opportunities for Choral groups to expand, and [it] will cause more students to try their local chorus groups out," said LeTroy Billups, Clarke Central high school student of Athens, Ga.
While some students are optimistic about Glee's influence in their choral programs, a few miles across town at Cedar Shoals High School, the optimism is viewed on a different scale.
"I think the show will set standards high," said Senior Emily Cochran, 19, of Athens, Ga.
Cochran, who has been singing for as long as she can remember, enjoys Glee but recognizes that it is only a television show.
Fellow classmate Senior John Swilley, 17, feels that the show gives unrealistic expectations of high school chorus.
With the intense drama surrounding characters Rachel Berry, one of the most talented musical hopes of teacher Will Schuester's glee club, along with the clueless, but charming, voice of football player Finn Hudson, the choral atmosphere ignites in stereotypical chaos. On the show, the jock hides his voice talents from his perfect cheerleader girlfriend, and the controversy between these high school groups carries on from episode to episode--keeping its audience from week to week. The overall message behind the show is focused in entertainment.
“I think people see the show and expect that that’s what chorus is like – but it’s not," said Swilley. "On the show, they pick up the music and just know everything."
Fine Art instructors at CSHS disagree with the excess glamour that the show registers to the viewers.
While some students are optimistic about Glee's influence in their choral programs, a few miles across town at Cedar Shoals High School, the optimism is viewed on a different scale.
"I think the show will set standards high," said Senior Emily Cochran, 19, of Athens, Ga.
Cochran, who has been singing for as long as she can remember, enjoys Glee but recognizes that it is only a television show.
Fellow classmate Senior John Swilley, 17, feels that the show gives unrealistic expectations of high school chorus.
With the intense drama surrounding characters Rachel Berry, one of the most talented musical hopes of teacher Will Schuester's glee club, along with the clueless, but charming, voice of football player Finn Hudson, the choral atmosphere ignites in stereotypical chaos. On the show, the jock hides his voice talents from his perfect cheerleader girlfriend, and the controversy between these high school groups carries on from episode to episode--keeping its audience from week to week. The overall message behind the show is focused in entertainment.
“I think people see the show and expect that that’s what chorus is like – but it’s not," said Swilley. "On the show, they pick up the music and just know everything."
Fine Art instructors at CSHS disagree with the excess glamour that the show registers to the viewers.
"That show is taking it to the extreme," said Linda Moon, the choral instructor at Cedar Shoals High. "You’re always going to find the attitudes [in chorus] that you see in Glee, but I think they have glamorized it a little too much – it almost makes a joke out of it."
Glee does not only showcase the lives of its choral characters. It also includes comedic and dramatic plots within the teaching staff of McKinley High School. Stories unfurl between the show choir's teacher, Will Schuester, and abrasive cheerleading coach, Sue Sylvester. With the ongoing rivalry between the McKinley show choir and award winning cheerleading squad, the show centralizes on typical personality of the high school characters.
"It makes me angry, because we are trying to fight those types of stereotypes and attitudes- and not just with students," said Moon. "There are teachers who have those attitudes, [but] I haven’t found any one as extreme as the coach or cheerleading coach [from the show]."
Glee does not only showcase the lives of its choral characters. It also includes comedic and dramatic plots within the teaching staff of McKinley High School. Stories unfurl between the show choir's teacher, Will Schuester, and abrasive cheerleading coach, Sue Sylvester. With the ongoing rivalry between the McKinley show choir and award winning cheerleading squad, the show centralizes on typical personality of the high school characters.
"It makes me angry, because we are trying to fight those types of stereotypes and attitudes- and not just with students," said Moon. "There are teachers who have those attitudes, [but] I haven’t found any one as extreme as the coach or cheerleading coach [from the show]."
Moon, a teacher of 36 years - four years of the 36 dedicated to Cedar Shoals, strives to teach the students a different range of genres in her classes. From classical to pop musicals, Moon's philosophy is to give students a "well- rounded perspective of the choral music," according to Moon.
After hardwork, dedication, and outreach to the Athens community to generate more awareness about the Cedar Shoals choral program, Moon and her concert choir were invited to sing on Easter Sunday - April 15. at Carnegie Hall.
Across Route 10 on Hog Mountain Road, The "Glee effect" has taken its toll on the Oconee County students in Katie Williams' class. Adjacent to the band room in OCHS, a lively space opens up to the choral sanctuary. Williams, the choral instructor teaches a range of music, and recently taught "Let Me Fly, a spiritual with messages of freedom interlaced between the sharps, flats, and arpeggios. Even though chorus somewhat bridges the gap between the art of writing with lyrical arts, this particular program offers strength in another way. By providing an expressive outlet, students find a sense of belonging, according to Williams.
After hardwork, dedication, and outreach to the Athens community to generate more awareness about the Cedar Shoals choral program, Moon and her concert choir were invited to sing on Easter Sunday - April 15. at Carnegie Hall.
Across Route 10 on Hog Mountain Road, The "Glee effect" has taken its toll on the Oconee County students in Katie Williams' class. Adjacent to the band room in OCHS, a lively space opens up to the choral sanctuary. Williams, the choral instructor teaches a range of music, and recently taught "Let Me Fly, a spiritual with messages of freedom interlaced between the sharps, flats, and arpeggios. Even though chorus somewhat bridges the gap between the art of writing with lyrical arts, this particular program offers strength in another way. By providing an expressive outlet, students find a sense of belonging, according to Williams.
“[Chorus] is their bright moment of the day,” said Williams. “Some don’t have a ‘home’ in High School or feel like they belong. I will take them all.”
Along with the welcoming atmosphere of her class, Williams incorporates current themes in her classroom.
"Katie Williams has a kickin' show choir, like Glee, over at OCHS," said University of Georgia Senior, Paige Tillotson. Tilloston is a Music Education major and is a student teacher with Williams.
"But [Glee] as an example of what high school voices can realistically do, it's completely far-fetched," said Tilloston. "Even though it is completely musically unrealistic, I do think it will get a lot more kids interested and involved in choir in High Schools, which is super important! Even if these kids aren't on the same musical level as the performers on Glee, music isn't about being the best, it's about the experience!"
Despite the dramatic appeal and sensational story lines of Glee, students across Athens, particularly choral students, follow the angst and drama of the show waiting for the next melodic vocal moment. No longer the losers from the club prior to Mr. Schuester's appearance on the Fox show, McKinley students and local high school Athenians alike can celebrate the glee found in their music.
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