en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:43:32 GMT 15 By Ana Zuniga

As homecoming approaches, it might be the night someone looks forward to this school year. One probably wonders if they are going to get a date, where the dress will be bought, or where their friends are going afterwards. Homecoming can be the time to have fun with friends; but, it can also be the time when decisions must be confronted. What decisions? Decisions like after parties where people drink, do drugs, and participate in sexual activities. Some people have been forced to deal with these types of situations resulting in unintended consequences. “The best thing to do is know how to refuse,” said MLEC’s trust counselor Gladys Duran, “know your standards.” According to a survey conducted by Seventeen magazine, 16,800 car crashes occur yearly by drinking and driving. Florida’s Chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) reported that 526 drivers between the ages of 15-20 were involved in fatal crashes and 250 were killed. And 11% of teens admitted to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) conducted a study in 2006 and reported that 1,376 out of 3,374 total traffic deaths in Florida were alcohol related. “Teens are always vulnerable for drugs. They want to fit in and they want to be seen as cool. They are pressured from their friends and they are breaking up with their parent, so they are out on their own,” said clinical social worker Claudia Cohen from Hospice. Teens need to be aware that if you are in a sexual relationship, one needs to think and make wise choices. According to a 2007 Fact Sheet by the National Adolescent Health Information Center, less than half of all high school students reported having sexual intercourse in 2005. The Heritage Foundation in 2003 reported that early initiation of sexual activity and higher numbers of non-marital sex partners are linked in turn to a wide variety of negative life outcomes, including rates of out-of-wedlock pregnancy and birth, increase in single parenthood, increased maternal and child poverty, increased abortion, increased depression, and decreased happiness. “If you feel pressured to do something then talk to someone you trust. The most important thing is to know who your friends are,” said Ms. Duran. Homecoming is a time to have fun, safely. According to Charity Guide and Madison Memorial Hospital in Idaho, car accidents are the number one killer of adolescents and 21 percent of these teens die in alcohol-related crashes. One can help innocent people from drunk drivers by educating them on the consequences of drinking and driving. Cohen said, “Kids who have never been to homecoming should talk to a teacher that they trust or a group of friends to have a better sense of what goes on at homecoming and what to expect.” As for having to take part in sexual activities with a date, think about the consequences. It is illegal for a minor to drink and do drugs, if one does not feel comfortable to have sex with a date, do not do it just to please others. Think twice about the situation, have a back-up plan, and stick with smart friends. “It takes a lot of strength to stand up to your friends. Teens should be with friends that they’ll get respect from,” said Cohen. ]]> Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:20:00 GMT