Teens and the Law: You and Your Body
As a teen, you′ll be making many choices, some of which involve health and hygiene issues, sexual behavior, disease or disability, and your overall right to privacy
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
Is it against the law to sniff glue or paint?
When fourteen-year-old Randy tried to get high with his friends, he made the headlines:“Teen Dies After Sniffing ScotchGuard.”He lost consciousness while sniffing the fumes of a common household spray. Inhalant abuse causes approximately 100–125 deaths ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
What if I use or sell marijuana?
Legislatures have passed laws against the use, sale, and possession of marijuana. A few states (California and Arizona, for example) have passed laws authorizing doctors to prescribe small amounts of marijuana for personal medicinal use. ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
When can I have a beer?
You must be twenty-one in most states to buy or drink beer, wine, or any alcoholic beverage. If you break the law and are caught drinking, you may be fined and given community service hours ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
How old do I have to be to smoke?
Tobacco—whether it takes the form of cigarettes, snuff, or smokeless (chewing) tobacco—is a subject of great concern to adults and teens. Several states have successfully sued the tobacco industry to recover the rising costs of health ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
When can I get a tattoo?
You′ve probably had many conversations (or battles) with your parents about your choice of hairstyle and color, earrings, and style of dress. When it comes to body tattoos, piercing, and branding, your parents may have ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
What if I′m depressed or thinking about suicide?
Everyone, regardless of age or circumstances, occasionally gets depressed or stressed out. Sadness, loneliness, or feelings of alienation from family and friends can hit anyone at any time. Whatever is troubling you—no matter how big the ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
Do I lose any rights if I′m pregnant?
Not long ago, the answer to this question was a definite yes. In the 1970s, you could have been asked to drop out of school if you were an unwed pregnant minor, or you could ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
What is date rape, and what can I do to protect myself?
“Was it rape?”“I told him no, but he wouldn′t stop!” “I had a few drinks and let my guard down.” “I′ve known him for years—I thought he respected me.” These are common statements of rape ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
Can I get an abortion without telling my parents?
In 1973, Justice Harry Blackmun wrote the majority opinion for the U.S. Supreme Court in Roe v.Wade*, the now famous abortion decision. He wrote that the Fourteenth Amendment′s protection of liberty is broad enough to ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
Can I get birth control?
If you choose to be sexually active, it′s important to know your rights regarding birth control. Strictly speaking, yes, you can get birth control. Regardless of your age, the law allows you to obtain birth ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
What can I do if I′m being abused or neglected?
The abuse and neglect of children in the United States is epidemic. Approximately 3 million reports of child abuse and neglect are made each year. Three children die every day at the hands of their ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
Can I donate my blood and organs?
Generally, you can′t give blood until you′re eighteen. Once you′re an adult, the decision is yours. A few states allow younger teens to donate blood, with written consent from their parents and/or a doctor. You might ...
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You and Your Body, Q&A (0)
Can I go to the doctor without my parents′ permission?
Most doctors, health care professionals, and hospitals require written permission from your parents or legal guardian before seeing you. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. The first is called medical neglect. Since your parents ...
