Hangups about our bodies are common, especially in teens who identify as female. Sometimes, these dislikes evolve into obsessions and distortions. VOY Writer Lila McCarthy talks to a Battle Creek therapist about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) — what it is and how to address it.
Middle school students navigate the daily dramas of early adolescent social life, along with other pressures. When things go south, where can they turn?
Vaping and marijuana are so prevalent that some schools are closing bathrooms to prohibit students from using products during school. One Voices of Youth writer speaks with peers, administrators, and health experts about what the U.S. Surgeon General has called a dangerous epidemic among today's youth.
Voting is a rite of passage. The State of Michigan now allows 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote. While most high school teens are not old enough to vote, they're old enough to get involved in issues that concern them. Voices of Youth's Eleanor Cook explores local groups that support youth activism and State Sen. Sean McCann weighs in.
“I think the making money part is a great incentive for youth entrepreneurs," says Dr. Kandace Lavender, Read and Write Kalamazoo Executive Director. "However, I also believe that the greater piece is giving them a real-life experience of what it means to put effort behind your vision, and the positive outcomes it can have on their life."
When is enough and when is too much? More than three hours a day on social media doubles a youth's chance of depression or anxiety, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. How to set boundaries and handle overexposure? Voices of Youth Alex Velo talks to peers and adults to find out.
In this radio story, Voices of Youth Kalamazoo's Harper Horvath speaks with State Representative Julie Rogers about an important environmental literacy bill proposed by Rogers and 30 fellow representatives that could change the way climate is taught in the state.
Kalamazoo students waged a Youth Climate Strike to end the use of fossil fuels on Friday, Sept. 15 with nearly 150 youth and concerned adults attending the protest. The Ardea Youth Climate Action Coalition organized the rally to ask for decisive action.
Changing schools, onset of puberty, social media, post-pandemic after-effects, and increased pressures to succeed create a 'perfect storm' for middle-school-aged students, particularly as they navigate their social lives. Voices of Youth's Henry Bickel interviewed a teacher and school counselor to find out more.
Nationwide transgender athletes are facing tough questions about fairness. Voices of Youth's Thea Pipe, a recently-graduated transgender varsity athlete at Loy Norrix High School, speaks with peers and administrators about their thoughts.
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