DAYTON, Ohio — There's no escape. Turn on the TV, browse the Web or pick up the paper, and there's another story about the problems facing American families. There's always a new cause for concern — whether it's drug abuse, teen pregnancy or smoking — but does the hype match the reality?
Consider these statements:
—Substance abuse is increasing among America's youth.
Myth. In 1975, only about 25 percent of 12th-grade students reported being substance abuse-free in the past 30 days. In 2007, that figure increased to 79 percent. Decreases in drug use among younger students have followed a similar trend.
These same positive trends are also evident in cigarette smoking among teenagers.
Smoking among high school seniors has decreased from 25 percent to 12 percent in the past 11 years.
While our societal and individual actions are having positive effects, substance abuse remains a serious problem. Six million of our teen smokers will die when adults of illnesses associated with this terrible habit.
—Parental involvement in schools is increasing.
Reality. In spite of our busy and hectic lives, parents are more involved today in schools than ever before. Since 1996, an increasing number of parents report going to meetings at schools, having conferences with teachers, attending school events and volunteering.
— Sexual activity between young teens and older individuals has decreased.
Myth. Thirteen percent of females reported having sex at age 15 or younger with a male who was three or more years older. That figure has not changed in the past 10 years. In most states such sexual activity constitutes statutory rape.
Sexual activities between younger girls and older individuals are related to numerous problems for these teens. These youngsters are more likely to become teenage parents, acquire sexually transmitted diseases, and exhibit behavioral and emotional problems.
The data on male teens is not as widely available, with an estimate that 4 percent of teens 15 years of age or younger had sexual relations with a woman over three years older.
— Less than 50 percent of our children live with two married parents.
Myth. In 1970, 85 percent of our kids lived with both parents, but that decreased substantially over the years until 1996, when it stabilized at around 68 percent. That figure has not changed much over the past 12 years.
It's hard to overemphasize the societal, economic and psychological benefits to children when they are cared for by two parents. Youngsters raised by single parents are more vulnerable to all kinds of behavioral and emotional problems.
— More unmarried women are having children.
Reality. Since 1960, the percent of births to unmarried women has increased from 5 percent to 37 percent.
While an unmarried woman can be a successful parent, as a group these parents and kids have all kinds of problems. Unmarried moms are more likely to have significant financial problems, lower educational levels, and rely more on public assistance. Kids born to these moms are more likely to be in a single-parent family, have behavioral and emotional problems, and live in poverty. These children are more apt to engage in sex at an earlier age, have lower educational achievement, and exhibit more problems with marriages and relationships as adults.
Take a look at these and many other indicators about our family life at www.childtrendsdatabank.org.
Many of these trends are very positive — a testimony to the heroic efforts of dedicated and hard-working parents who are trying their best to raise caring and responsible children.
Gregory Ramey, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and vice president for outpatient services at The Children's Medical Center of Dayton. For more of his columns, visit the Dayton Children's Web site at www.childrensdayton.org and sign up for FamilyWise, a free e-newsletter for parents. Send comments to Ramey at rameyg AT childrensdayton.org. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News.