Narberth (Oct 17). On Wednesday, November 9, local teens will present a public discussion about issues raised in a recent survey of 2,200 students from eight Main Line schools. The focus will be on key survey findings that are of concern to parents, educators, health professionals, law enforcement and other caring adults:
- 25% of students reported that they had ridden with a driver who had been drinking,
- More than 52% of surveyed high school students had used alcohol in the past month
- Only 37% are willing to ask their parents for advice
- Only 26% feel that their community values them
The program will be held 7 – 9 pm at the Haverford School in Wilson Hall and is open to the public.
The students presenting the program are part of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), 18 teens comprising a collaboration between public and private high schools on the Main Line, including: Agnes Irwin School, The Baldwin School, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, Friends Central School, Harriton High School, The Haverford School, Lower Merion High School and The Shipley School.
YAC is a program of the Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion and Narberth. In March 2011, the Coalition administered the Search Institute Survey: “Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors” to 8th, 10th and 12th graders at participating schools. The results of the survey were presented in April at a town meeting attended by students, schools, community organizations and local government officials.
Among the positive findings of the survey were:
- The average number of assets possessed by Main Line youth are 21.5 out of 40, compared to a national average of 18
- 79% of youth report that their families provide them with high levels of love and support
- 77% are motivated to do well in school
The Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion and Narberth is a partnership of community agencies, adults and young people working to create a safe and healthy environment for youth, and to reduce drug and alcohol use. For additional details, call: 484-337-8731 or http://www.coalitionforyouthlmn.org/