Tips for High School Teachers when Addressing Problems with

Jonathan Loomis, Consuelo Gall, Shawn Grainger, and Karen Pesapane

As you well know, one of the biggest influences on teenagers is other teenagers, and unfortunately in some cases students can fall into unhealthy friendships because of the attraction of money, excitement, social status, etc. Therefore it is important to be watchful that friendship are a source of encouragement and support, not a cause for concern.

• Change in attitude
• Hostility towards authority
• Absence from school
• Change in school performance
• Change in personal care or dress

• Talk to the student first
• Talk with school councilors
• Talk to other teachers to see if this is a universal change
• Talk to the student's parents
• Talk with the student's former friends

• Ask to make an appointment to see the student
• Be non-threatening
• Approach the problem by addressing school performance
• Be positive; offer options (sports, clubs, etc.)
• If necessary, invent an option
• Guide the student to the realization that problems in performance might be due to new friendships

• Prevent the student from always working in the same group
• Ask that your natural classroom leaders become involved in the student's academic life

There are three types of eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. Approximately 4-5 million women suffer from some type of eating disorder and countless others suffer with borderline tendencies. It is very important to remember that males also suffer from eating disorders and do so in growing numbers. Men are less likely to recognize the disorder in themselves and others are less likely to expect it in men, so it is especially important that teachers are aware of the warning signs. Eating disorders develop when students feel the need to compensate for certain psychological or physical inadequacies they view within themselves.

• Low self esteem / Severe self criticism
• Noticeable change in weight
• Being withdrawn
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Need for constant approval from others
• Fainting spells and dizziness
• Regular visits to the bathroom after eating

• Other teachers
• The student
• School counselors
• Warning: Do not consult the student's friends

• Warning: Only approach a student alone if you feel you have relationships of mutual trust. If not, approach the student with the help of a school counselor.
• Be sure the situation is convenient and gives ample time for discussion
• Ensure a sense of privacy

• Mention your concerns
• Be specific
• Ask if the student is also concerned
• If the student appears to be comfortable talking, try to have them elaborate
• If the student is not responsive, reiterate your concern for their well being and return to the school counselors

• School counselor/nurse
• Overeaters Anonymous (for any type of eating disorder)
• Local hospital support groups
• The school itself may have a support group

Family changes involve such potential problems as divorce, death, new siblings, new stepparents, or abuse in the family. Family changes can have long lasting effects on student behavior, affecting their social and academic life. When students are preoccupied with personal problems they can not concentrate on their responsibilities at school. But with a supportive school environment, students can learn to adjust to a new learning situation and succeed academically. However, to do this, they need space to grieve, change, and grow.

• Depression
• Anger
• Expressions of guilt
• Withdrawal
• Passive aggressive behavior
• Anxiety
• Loss of focus

• Talk to the student
• Talk to the school counselors
• It is often best to allow professional school counselors to deal with parents
• Warning: It is the law to report suspected child abuse to school counselors and the principle, but teachers are not responsible for taking any further action in such a case

• Express your concerns about behavior changes
• Be specific
• Ask the student if there is something you should be aware of that might be affecting their performance
• Be a good listener, but don't pry for details
• What the student thinks and feels about the situation is more important than the situation itself
• Warning: Never ask questions just to satisfy your own curiosity

• You! Teachers can be a great source of stability during times of family change
• Friends
• It may be helpful to refer the student to some of their peers who have already dealt with similar problems

As a reminder to teachers, it is important to remember that many students go through changes in their home life. These changes are often unavoidable, and teachers should expect to be confronted with a variety of such during the course of a year. Don't assume that your students come from so-called traditional families unless you know this to be the case.

Substance abuse is common among teenagers and can have extensive negative effects on social and academic development. Because most drugs are illegal or are illegal for teenagers, as is the case with tobacco and alcohol, teachers often have a difficult time interceding to help their students.

• Changes in appearance (bloodshot eyes, wearing long sleeves year round, sudden weight changes)
• Mood swings
• Loss of interest in school and extracurricular activities
• Sudden changes in friends
• Absenteeism
• Obvious signs (coming to school drunk or smelling like marijuana)

• Talk to the student first
• Inform the principal or principal in charge of students
• Talk to the school counselors
• Warning: Do not talk directly to the student's parents, let the principal and counselors do this.

• Make sure your conversation will not be overheard but also that it allows the student an easy exit
• Address your academic concerns
• Be specific
• Try to be as direct as possible; get to the point
• If the student expresses an interest in treatment, it may no be necessary to involve the school administration. If this is the case, refer the student to the school nurse or to student counselors and follow up
• If the student refuses to discuss the problem alert the principal and the student counselors
• Warning: You are not likely to make a lot of friends in the short term by addressing substance abuse problems. It takes a strong teacher who genuinely cares about his or her students to make this sacrifice.
• Warning: When addressing the student be aware that a violent reaction is a possibility. Make sure you have an exit for yourself as well as the student.

• School counselors/nurse
• Alcoholics Anonymous, Alateen, Al-Anon (for families and friends), Narcotics Anonymous
• The student's pediatrician