We often think that kids pressure other kids into trying tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. But the reality is that kids tend to start using to avoid feeling different or being left out. More

Children experiencing domestic violence live in perpetual fear. In fact, domestic violence and child abuse often go hand in hand. The repercussions of experiencing this can last for years, as children who are exposed to violence and are victims of violence are more likely to become bullies or engage in acts of violence and aggression themselves. More

In the US, up to 8% of youth under 24 have some kind of disability. They may have been disabled from birth. Or have a newly acquired complication. Their disability may be obvious— as in the case of wheelchair users. Or invisible—which includes mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, diabetes, lupus or others. Whatever their situation, most just want to be treated the same as other kids. More

More than 1 in 10 children under the age of 18 live with a substance-dependent or substance-abusing parent. Children of addicted parents often have a very limited social life. The lack of a social life is one void that mentors are ideally suited to help fill. More

Body image effects people of all ages. But for adolescents—whose bodies are already undergoing massive changes—it’s especially critical. More

If you are in a school setting, you may have concerns about the school because it's in a dangerous neighborhood or because of the high incidences of fighting, bullying and other sorts of interpersonal violence. More

Some communities have organized systems involving police and social workers to respond to youth who are exposed to violence—but many do not. As a caring adult, you can be a powerful preventive influence against gang membership. But be aware that kids are subject to other forces that are hard to resist. More