How Do the Poor Choices of Teens Affect Their Academics?

Nutritional Choices

• Your teen̵7;s nutritional choices affect his energy levels, his ability to concentrate and his school attendance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy diet reduces the risk of many diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, consequently minimizing chances of health-related absenteeism. CDC further states that eating a healthy breakfast can also improve your teen̵7;s cognitive function, but a poor diet can lead to energy imbalances. Your teen̵7;s diet should comprise 45 to 65 percent carbohydrates, 10 to 30 percent protein and 25 to 35 percent fat. To achieve proper nutrition, teens are also required to have two and a half cups to six and a half cups of fruits and vegetables per day.

Social Choices

• The type of friends and relationships your teen establishes affect her academic performance. According to a study published in the ̶0;Journal of Educational Psychology̶1; in 2004, friendships in middle school can affect a student̵7;s academic adjustments and chances for success. The study found that sixth-grade students without friends showed lower levels of academic achievement than those with supportive friendships. In addition to that, choosing poor company in school can affect your teen̵7;s academics negatively. For example, if your teenager hangs out with friends who pay more attention to fashion than class work, the time she spends reading fashion magazines can eat up her study time.

Substance Abuse

• Drug use and academic disengagement are related, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. A teen marijuana user, for instance, is more likely to drop out of school than a nonuser. Two studies, one conducted from 2001 to 2003, and the other from 2002 through 2005, further prove the negative effects of drug use on academics among youth. The studies, with findings published in the journal, ̶0;Addictive Behaviors̶1; in 2009, reported that marijuana, ecstasy, alcohol and tobacco use were associated with moderate and low academic performance among teens. Use of drugs can also put your teen at the risk of engaging in illegal behaviors, hence putting him in danger of losing school time in a correctional facility. For example, a teenager who does not work may be tempted to steal to buy drugs.

Poor Time Management

• How your teen decides to spend her time can affect her school grades. For example, your teen̵7;s sleep quantity and quality can affect her academic performance and learning capacity. Lack of sufficient sleep can cause weariness in class, while oversleeping will eat into her study time. Also, if your teen spends too much time playing, watching TV or doing other extracurricular activities, she may not study enough to perform well on assignments and exams.