Fayetteville Law Blog

If it's autumn in Fayetteville, chances are good that many parents are fielding their teens' requests to attend their high school homecoming festivities. This annual rite of teenage passage is an important one, yet parents may remember all too well from their own teenage years the harm that can arise from these events.

The problem is not with the homecoming game or dance itself, but rather with the culture of alcohol and drug usage that often accompanies these activities. What is a parent to do? Below is some helpful advice to parents of high school-age teens.

One of the best and simplest safety devices that can reduce your risk of a crash is so common it will likely surprise you. A pair of sunglasses could be all you need to reduce your risk of collision in a number of circumstances.

Sunglasses are one of the most important safety devices for drivers. In fact, you should probably have one or two pairs of sunglasses in your car just in case the sun comes out on a day that you leave home without your usual pair.

As a parent, you know that it is tough to navigate your way through the teenage years. It's a roller coaster. You do the best you can, but you worry constantly about what could go wrong.

One thing you worry about is getting that call saying that your son or daughter has gotten arrested. For many parents, it comes out of nowhere and really takes them by surprise. Why do teens get into trouble with the law? Here are seven main reasons:

1. The use of alcohol and drugs. Not only is this use itself illegal, but drugs and alcohol can alter a person's mental state. Your teen may become more impulsive and may do things that later, from a sober perspective, they can't believe they actually did.
2. Peer pressure. Teens desperately want to fit in, and the peer group they spend time with has a massive influence on their decisions. Just a little pressure at the right time may make your teen do something they never wanted to do, something they regret forever.
3. Low income. Teens without jobs, especially when they feel like their potential income situation will never change, may be more likely to commit crimes. They may do this to get money or other items that they want, seeing no other way to obtain them. This can lead to everything from petty theft to armed robbery.
4. Isolation from peers. Unfortunately, some teens become social outcasts. This can lead to depression and emotional instability, which may in turn lead to criminal activity.
5. Mental disorders. Many mental disorders do not get diagnosed for months or even years. They are not always as obvious as other types of sickness and disease. Without proper care and a good support system, teens may commit crimes and make poor decisions.
6. No supervision. You cannot watch your teen all of the time, but teens that feel like they have absolutely no supervision are often most likely to break the law. The reason could be that they simply see this behavior as something they need to hide from their parents -- which they can do easily -- rather than something that is illegal. It is crucial for parents to stay involved in teens' lives.
7. Trouble at home. Do not underestimate the ways that your behavior can impact a child's home life and his or her behavior. Always strive to give your teen a safe place where they feel welcomed and loved.

Physicians' assistants complete a long educational process in the hopes of helping other people. Ironically, these caring and devoted professionals are often at increased risk of injury when they go to work.

While many people know that construction and manufacturing are dangerous careers, few consider that hospital workers actually have a higher rate of injury than those working in the construction or manufacturing industries. Being aware of the common causes of injuries can help keep hospital workers safer so that they can keep performing the jobs they love.