Most adults can remember a time when they were teased at school. This teasing could have been friendly or mean-spirited. Teachers, parents, therapists, and researchers have become more concerned about teasing that leads to bullying. According to recent studies, between 20-40% of U.S. teenagers report being bullied three or more times during the past year. Between 7-15% report bullying others three or more times during the past year.

Many of us think of teen years as moody, turbulent ones. While it is true that most teenagers have emotional ups and downs, recent research suggests that such moodiness isn’t necessarily a normal part of the teen years. In fact, teens who seem sad or down for more than a few weeks may actually be experiencing depression.

Many parents, teachers, and others who work with teens wonder how to address the topic of teens and sex.