To the editor:

This is a response to “Alarming statistics about teenagers and health” (Journal-World, July 22). Assuming that the posted statistics are from a survey taken by teens in schools, one must consider the possibility of inaccuracy. Usually, each class has one student who disrespects the survey and fills it out without honesty, making the results go awry. The result is an awry outcome. One must wonder if these statistics are inaccurate and therefore blown out of proportion.

One could also address the way in which these statistics were presented. Why not publish these results along with solutions to the problem areas? These teenagers are not irresponsible because they were part of the 38 percent using marijuana or the 65 percent of inactive teens. Consider the section of the 38 percent that got pressured into drugs and the section of the 65 percent that quit sports because of bad coaching or rejection. These considerations remind us that we make degrading assumptions about teens in general.

For the physically inactive teens, more school-sponsored exercise programs are necessary, not just during class hours, but before and after school, open for everyone, not just for those who want to join the track or basketball team. For the 11 percent of teenagers who don’t use a seat belt, offer more programs such as the Teen Safe Driver camera, offering parents feedback to improve driving. It is necessary for parents and adults to brainstorm helpful ideas instead of presenting the problems with no hope for solutions.

Rachel Rasmussen,
Lawrence