Every two years, the U.S. conducts a Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) detailing trends of youth risk behaviors occurring over the past 10 years. The most recent YRBS analysis describes several trends that are impacting the well-being of teens. Explore the link to the YRBS results provided in the topic Resources. After reviewing the data for your state, and based on the first letter of your first name, identify one trend and area of focus that is impacting teens:
I-K: Experiencing violence
Identify factors influencing this trend. Discuss data that validates this trend as a concern for adolescents today. Illustrate the nurse’s role and specific actions that the nurse can take in addressing this area of concern in adolescents. Include specific support and informational resources the nurse can provide to parents or teenagers (such as website or contact information).
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
EXAMPLE 1 (Yolanada)
According to the American Hospital Association (AHA) housing instability is defined as a term for the continuum between homelessness and stable, secure housing. (AHA, n.d.) . Unstable housing is a significant issue among teens in not only Texas, but across the United States as well. Statistics from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior System (YRBS) for Texas reported that 1,629 youth indicated that they had not been sleeping in the parents home in the last 30 days prior to the survey collection. Comparatively, the United States (US) reported a total of 13,615.youth experiencing the similar housing instability. Risk factors for unstable housing among teens, as a whole, may include dysfunctional family dynamics, abuse and neglect, parental substance abuse, domestic violence, abandonment, mental health issues, low family income, and involvement with the judicial system. When adolescents lack a stable support system or experience unstable housing, the repercussions are often evident in their behavior. These effects can manifest as chronic absenteeism or dropping out of school, engaging in promiscuous sexual activity that can lead to unplanned teenage pregnancies, and encounters with the judicial system due to negative behaviors. Addressing these risk factors is crucial to mitigate the adverse outcomes associated with housing instability in this vulnerable population.
Nurses play a vital role in addressing housing instability through various approaches. They assess and identify signs of unstable housing during patient evaluations, advocating for supportive programs, and coordinating care by connecting patient with necessary social services that are available in their area. Nurses also provide health education, community outreach, and support to those affected, enhancing their overall wellbeing. They collaborate with community organizations and public health agencies to reach and assist vulnerable populations directly. Nurses also engage in research and data collection to inform best practices and effective interventions. Their comprehensive approach ensures both medical and social needs are met, ultimately improving health outcomes for those experiencing housing instability.
Some community organizations and public agencies that may be able to help teens with unstable housing in Texas are:
DFPS Youth Housing Program which is a part of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. They can be reached by calling the Texas Housing Assistance Line at (855)802-0014
Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS). There are multiple outreach programs supported by TNOYS and a Service Directory of all affiliated programs can be attained by clicking on this link , by phone at (512) 805-3299, or for more information visit their website at
References:
Grattan, R. E., Tryon, V. L., Lara, N., Gabrielian, S. E., Melnikow, J., & Niendam, T. A. (2022). Risk and Resilience Factors for Youth Homelessness in Western Countries: A Systematic Review. Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.), 73(4), 425438.
Housing instability. Housing Instability – Healthy People 2030. (n.d.).
Social Determinants of Health Series: Housing and the role of Hospitals: AHA. American Hospital Association. (n.d.-a).
Texas Health Data – Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). (n.d.).
EXAMPLE 2 (Stephanie)
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is a useful tool for understanding the trends and patterns of risk behaviors among young people. The survey addresses diverse topics, including substance abuse, which is a major concern for teen well-being.
When looking at the YRBS results, a notable trend in Ohio is that both male and female students reported persistent sadness and hopelessness. Students in the ninth through tenth grades were given the YRBS survey and over 1,204 students stated that over twelve months they felt sad or hopeless. (CDC, 2021) This trend is due to the potential link to suicide attempts. Many teens do not have someone to talk to about their feelings. If they do it can be used against them by bullies. That is where parental monitoring picks up in adolescent health. A lack of parental involvement results in more mental health problems and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Kids today see all these amazing models on television, and sports stars that influence them. They want to be like them, yet those same famous people do terrible things and show the kids what they get away with and they do it themselves. Parental monitoring would be injecting yourself into the conversation when talking with your child about why that is such a bad idea. The best way to do that is to monitor what the child is watching and whom they are spending time together with. You might be the mom that their friends look up to because you are making an active attempt in their life to show them right from wrong. As nurses in a school setting, we can see the issues when talking with them and help them understand why thinking that way is wrong. Also how to get them the help they need and involve the parents. Giving the students access to resources can help too.
Violence Among High School Students: Insights from the 2019 YRBS
The California 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) report underscores a critical public health issue in terms of the pervasive violence experienced by high school students. The survey reveals alarming rates of physical fights, electronic bullying, and weapon-related threats, significantly impacting students safety, well-being, and academic performance.
The YRBS data indicates that 25.5% of high school students engaged in at least one physical fight within the preceding twelve months, a staggering statistic highlighting the prevalence of physical aggression. Moreover, 14.7% of students reported involvement in physical fights on school property (CDC, n.d.), demonstrating the failure of school environments to provide a consistently safe space.
Electronic bullying, or cyberbullying, is another pressing concern. A concerning 14.7% of students reported experiencing this form of harassment, often with severe psychological consequences. The gender disparity is particularly alarming, with 19.9% of females and 9.9% of males reporting incidents (CDC, n.d.). These figures underscore the need for targeted interventions to protect female students.
The issue of weapon-related threats and injuries is equally disturbing. The survey revealed that 12.3% of students reported experiencing such incidents on school grounds, creating a climate of fear and hindering the educational process (CDC, n.d.).
These alarming statistics emphasize the need for comprehensive and multifaceted approaches to address adolescent violence. Several factors contribute to this trend, including increased exposure to violence through media, socioeconomic disparities, and ineffective conflict resolution skills (Pinchak et al., 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with increased social isolation and reliance on technology potentially contributing to heightened aggression and cyberbullying (Sorrentino et al., 2023).
The long-term consequences of violence exposure highlight the seriousness of this trend for adolescents. Research indicates that victims of bullying and violence are at increased risk for mental health disorders, substance abuse, and academic difficulties (Carberg, 2024). For instance, studies have shown that students who experience chronic bullying are two to nine times more likely to consider suicide than their peers.
The school nurse plays a pivotal role in addressing adolescent violence. By building trusting relationships with students, nurses can identify early signs of victimization or perpetration (Streeter & Clark, 2024). Implementing violence prevention programs, such as conflict resolution training and bullying prevention initiatives, is essential. Additionally, providing mental health support, collaborating with school counselors, and coordinating with community resources can enhance students’ resilience and well-being.
To support parents and teenagers, nurses can offer educational materials on recognizing signs of violence, effective communication strategies, and available resources. Websites like the National Bullying Prevention Center (PACER) (Pacer, 2018) and the StopBullying.gov website provide valuable information and tools that can be helpful to this group. Furthermore, referring families to local mental health services and support groups can offer additional assistance.