Exposure to trauma at a younger age has been associated with an increased likelihood of developing PTSD. School-based interventions have been utilized to address traumatic stress and PTSD symptoms in children. However, to date, no meta-analyses have been performed to evaluate the strength of intervention impacts on PTS symptoms in school-aged…

Child abuse can have serious long-term physical, psychological, behavioural, societal and economic consequences. The aim of this scoping review was to map the literature on abuse prevention programs conducted at schools for pre-teenage children. The review outlines the specific components and methods of the programs, the measurements used and the…

Reviews epidemiological studies of adolescent cocaine use. Attributes increased cocaine use among adolescents to lower prices and availability of crack. Identifies risk factors for initial cocaine use as male gender, use of marijuana, lack of social connections to family and school, peer influences, and psychopathology. Suggests targeting…

Under the careful supervision of a trained fitness professional, the benefits of prepubescent strength training (improved strength, power, muscular endurance, bone density) outweigh the risks (acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries). (CB)

Research has shown that students respond more favorably to drug prevention programs when they see their culture and themselves represented in the prevention message. Describes development of the keepin' it R.E.A.L. curriculum, focusing on the methods used to ensure cultural grounding. Reviews literature on cultural approaches in prevention,…

Research indicates that, each year, children who abuse drugs start using them at an earlier age. Social attitudes that may encourage drug use and ways that parents and teachers can discourage it are discussed. A list of commonly abused drugs including symptoms, means of use, and dangers is included. (PP)

A 1989 National Youth Sports Coaches Association survey of about 1,200 youth aged 10-14 indicated that young athletes identify somewhat with their drug-using athlete models. Forty-three percent of respondents felt that steroids are not harmful if properly used, and 45% felt that steroids were likely to increase their athletic performance. Steroids…

This paper reviews social support programs designed to have a preventive impact on young adolescents. A review of supportive programs for reducing adolescents' risks of educational failure and poor health has identified a number of innovative school- and community-based support programs. School-based support programs are aimed at enhanced…