Research shows that during the difficult, sometimes stormy, passage from childhood to early adolescence, girls can be especially vulnerable to risky behaviors, including trying out alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Those are depressing statistics. But there's lots of good news about girls too. Girls who are interested and active in academics, the arts and sports become competent, confident adolescents who are less likely to use drugs, experts say. Prevention experts also report that girls who develop the ability to interact with others and form strong, close relationships can decrease their risk of substance abuse.
Teens say that peer pressure is the thing they most dislike about being a teenager.
But having good friendships can help girls develop the confidence to resist the pressure to do things just because other kids say they're cool. Many organizations across the country are joining the federal government to help get the message out that girls have the power to be drug-free. These groups include Girl Scouts of the USA, the National 4-H Council, the National Association of School Nurses, the YWCA and others. It's amazing all that is happening to me. The things that I do best are giving advice to my friends, basketball, track and kickball.