PANEL: DRUGS, STRESS REMAIN BR PROBLEMS

Drug abuse and stress are among the ongoing problems Baton Rouge teenagers
face, say some members of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission. "I think
the biggest problem is drug abuse. It's compounded by all the stress we
have to deal with in high school," said Jonathan Byrd, 18, commission member.

The Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission was formed last year to represent
Baton Rouge youth. Teens meet monthly to discuss issues and then take
action through campaigns and advocacy.

Byrd said he often talks to students who are stressed and worried about
their social and academic responsibilities. They also worry about getting
into college, succeeding and doing well in the working world.

But teen pregnancy and teen crime seem to be less of a concern, Byrd said.

"I don't think teens worry about them enough," Byrd said.

Peer pressure is another problem facing teens, said Claynishia McGhee, 17,
a commission member.

"People are putting peer pressure on others to try drugs or have sex,"
McGhee said.

The pressure can make teenagers feel that they must try to fit in or be
cool, she said.

School performance can also weigh heavy on teens. "A problem I face is
standardized testing," McGhee said.

Teen sex, drugs and alcohol abuse worry Crystal Mitchell, 16, also a
commission member.

Mitchell said she's worried about the mixed messages that television
entertainers and beer commercial advertisers send to young people.

"Teens see these people living the glamorous life, and they display sex
like it's something everybody needs and that it has no consequences.
Alcohol is almost portrayed like a game. It's seen as fun," Mitchell said.

Other issues facing teens are personal identity issues. "This is a time
when teens are going through physical, mental and emotional changes,"
Mitchell said.

Mitchell said she is also concerned about teens who are facing depression.

"Everybody goes through periods when they are down and out, but when you
have those feelings as a teenager, you're making your place in the world
and going through depression," she said.

Mitchell said students are also concerned about the war with Iraq and were
interested in issues about democracy and nationalism and draft issues
before the war began.