The high from the gas paralyzes the user for several minutes and gives a feeling of euphoria. Both dusting and huffing can result in damage to the brain, lungs, heart, kidneys and liver, and can cause death. In computer cleaning products, a freon type of gas, or fluorinated hydrocarbon, is the dangerous ingredient.

     Some retailers, like Staples and Wal-Mart, now restrict the sales of computer cleaners to buyers over 18 years of age, and many have placed warning labels on the top of cans.

     The rush is the appeal of the choking game — or “space cowboy” or “cloud nine” or any of a dozen other names . Asphyxiation games have been around for many years, but a series of locally publicized deaths around the country over the last few years has raised awareness about this game. You would be surprised how many teens have participated in this game or at least have been present while a friend tried it.

      In the choking game, teens cut off air supply (in many different ways) causing them to approach fainting. Then right before they pass out they release the pressure. This makes the blood rush to the head very quickly, giving a temporary high. Teenagers are seeing the game on Internet sites like YouTube, and playing it in more threatening variations — like more often or alone with a rope.

      It was reported there were at least 40 deaths and 5 serious injuries from the game in the United States last year. The exact number remains uncertain because there has been little research, health professionals say, and because medical examiners have been quick in the past to rule suicide. Some adults might also dismiss the game as the slumber party goof it was in years past, when constriction to the point of death was virtually unheard of. This game is dangerous and should not be mistaken for fun.

Based of article in NY Times

     Injuring yourself on purpose by making scratches or cuts on your body with a sharp object — enough to break the skin and make it bleed — is called cutting. Cutting is a type of self-injury. It is more common among girls, but guys sometimes self-injure too. Teens may cut themselves on their wrists, arms, legs, or bellies. When cuts heal, they often leave scars or marks.
     People who injure themselves usually hide the cuts and marks and sometimes no one else knows.

Cutting is a physical release of overwhelming emotional stress. It is a way some people try to cope with the pain of strong emotions, intense pressure, or upsetting relationship problems. They may be dealing with feelings that seem too difficult to bear, or bad situations they think can't change. The pain releases endorphins that help soothe and clear the mind of built up anger and anxiety.
     People who cut may not know better ways to get relief from emotional pain or pressure.

If you know of a teen “cutter”, encourage other ways to cope with difficulties. The help of a mental health professional might be needed for major life troubles. For other tough situations or strong emotions, it can help put things in perspective to talk problems over with parents, other adults, or friends. Believe it or not, getting plenty of exercise can also help put problems into perspective.

     People who cut may not have developed these skills. When emotions don't get expressed in a healthy way, tension can build up — sometimes to a point where it seems almost unbearable. Cutting may be an attempt to relieve that extreme tension. It's a confused way of feeling in control.

http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html

     They play video games that involve everything from street fighting to shoot em' up car races, poker to brain busting puzzles. They even compete in tournaments. Yet another stereotype has been broken. Watch for more girls to be interested in video games.

This obviously is unhealthy behavior. First of all the word of God tells us to be faithful to one spouse of the opposite sex. This fad encourages bisexual tendencies, having more than one partner, and using sexuality to get attention and self worth. Whether or not your teen has participated in such a trend, they are definitely seeing it on national TV and possibly being influenced that this type of behavior is acceptable or at the very least entertaining.

     Even with the very mini skirts being so popular, we’re saved by leggings making a come back! As for above the waist, layering tank tops and other shirts that would normally be very revealing is the latest fashion look. So moms and dads, embrace this fashion miracle and start shopping!

     These novels have a wide appeal to both teens and young adults. Some concerns have been raised about the adult content found in these novels. Many graphic novels contain provocative sexual images, cursing, and graphic violence. Although the novels that contain sex and graphic violence claim not to be intentionally aimed at youth, they still have a certain youth appeal due to their comic book similarities. As graphic novels continue to grow in popularity make sure that you check out the content of each novel before approving it for your teen. Just because it looks like a comic book doesn't necessarily mean it is harmless.

     No, its not an animal or a Sesame Street toy. You have probably seen teens dressed in this new style around their school, church, or the mall and never really paid much attention. Now you are about to get your emo education. Emo is more than a way to dress, for many it has become a way of life. When referring to a person's personality and attitude, most definitions of emo hold that an "emo person" is open about their emotions, sensitive, shy, introverted, broken-hearted, glum, and often quiet.
     Emo personality is often connected with writing poetry or listening to music, which addresses confusion, depression, loneliness, and anger, all resulting from the world's inability to understand their life. Emo’s are generally emotional boys who wear their feelings on their shoulders. The term emo became popular through the development of a musical genre. Emo music is understood to mean "rock music with emotionally-based lyrics or effect." This has been made popular by such bands as Fall Out Boy, Dashboard Confessionals, My Chemical Romance, and Panic! At the Disco.
     The emo fashion is marked by by tight jeans (often made for girls) on males, long fringe bangs often brushed to one side of the face, hair dyed black, straightened hair, tight t-shirts which often bear the names of rock bands, studded belts, belt buckles, Chuck Taylor All-Stars, Skate shoes, or other black shoes - often old and beaten up - and thick, black-rimmed glasses. Many critics believe that this is a trend that will soon pass like boy bands in the 90’s, but only time will tell. For now there are many teen boys who fit the emo mold.

What do I do if my teen fits the Emo mold?

     First of all, don't freak out. Try to see if there is more going on here. Sometimes teens simply want to fit in and they have taken on this look or attitude because it is the “cool thing”. Or possibly they can genuinely relate to the feelings being conveyed by this lifestyle. If that is the case you should know that a lot of teens that are considered to be emo battle with low self-esteem and depression. Not all, but a lot of the emo message focuses on depressing experiences and hopelessness of life. If your teen is into this then there is a possibility that they may feel the same way.