Since 2003, nonprofit organization Common Sense Media has studied the ways in which kids are growing up in the digital age. In this interview, research director Michael Robb shares recent findings about the media habits of young children, tweens, and teens. While the news coverage of these issues tends to be hyperbolic and alarming, Robb explains,…

In this article, the author takes a critical look at what counts as literacy for preadolescent and adolescent talented boys. Arguably, there exists a population of boys who demonstrate strong verbal abilities, as measured by standardized verbal assessments and classroom performance, yet indicate a lack of enthusiasm when encountering print-based…

Discusses the need for smoking prevention programs that help adolescents resist social pressure and that use the results of current smoking prevention research. Theoretical foundations of current smoking prevention programs are also provided. (AS)

Four cases of Native American children are used to illustrate the importance of considering emotional needs. Only when these needs are satisfied can the children achieve academically. A plea is made to practitioners to return to the inner dimensions of thinking and feeling. (CB)

Describes the activities of three 11- to 13-year-old cousins and one two-year-old during a family vacation. Discusses the youngsters' swings from adult-like behavior to childish rambunctiousness in terms of adult expectations and attitudes. (CB)

Presents two case vignettes that pose issues of concern for suicide postvention, with particular relevance to the development of school-based crisis intervention response programs. Two commentaries follow the vignettes. (Author/NB)

Cites the need for further research on adolescent sexual practices, motivational issues, and the meaning of sexuality during adolescence. Urges the implementation of preventive intervention programs designed to influence the health-related behaviors of adolescents. (BC)

Examination of the treatment of religion in world-future novels for young people provides a discussion of science fiction and cites 14 novels as examples with grade levels indicated. Four references are listed. (EJS)

A ten-year study of television viewing and content found that middle level students watch more television than any other age group. They are exposed to violence, sex, use of drugs, and sex role socialization in many programs. Schools can help students become discriminating consumers of television. (MLF)

The principles of a sound education can be incorporated in a middle school or a junior high school. It is important that commitment be made to programs rather than to the psychological ploy of a name. (Author/MLF)

Effective middle-level schools provide students with a supportive structure in the form of relationships between teachers and students. Research has confirmed the effectiveness of team organization, advisory groups, multi-age grouping, and exploratory curricula. (Author/MLF)

Discusses seven recently published novels set in the Middle Ages that feature strong female protagonists. Examines the authenticity of female role, voice, and power in these books, finding that for the most part their young woman protagonists hold roles that are suitable and realistic for their time and social class. (SR)

Describes circumstances of a 1978 camp canoeing accident in which 13 persons drowned. Reports factors which led to the accident, based on details from the Coroner's Report. Poses questions which should be satisfactorily answered before a trip can be safely undertaken by campers and camp staff. (CS)

Describes effects of leukemia diagnosis and treatment for preadolescents and adolescents. Discusses strategies for social workers to assist these cancer patients in participating actively in the day-to-day management of their own care. (ABL)

The essential elements of middle school education are defined in this position paper. After a brief introduction, the pamphlet describes middle schools' rationale, which is based on the uniqueness of "transescence," the period from age 10 to 14 when children are making the transition from childhood to full adolescence. The major…