Kirk A.Astroth

In the following viewpoint, Kirk A. Astroth refutes the notion that today’s teens are at risk; in fact, Astroth claims, statistics show that older generations are generally worse off than teenagers. He maintains that the portrayal of teens as troubled and “out of control” is solely a product of ephebiphobia—adults’ fear and hatred of adolescents. Astroth is an extension specialist in the State 4-H Office at Montana State University, Bozeman.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Astroth, what is responsible for the rise in teen admissions to psychiatric hospitals"

2. In the author’s view, why are the statistics on teen suicide misleading"

3. What groups are more likely to commit suicide than teens, in Astroth’s opinion"

It is common today to hear that...