The ym360 Trends and Culture Update (Vol. 22)

At ym360, we're committed to equipping youth workers. While most of our energy is dedicated to doing this in the areas of Bible Study Resources and Training, we believe it's valuable for youth workers and parents to stay in the loop on what is happening in youth culture and culture in general. (Read why we think it's important here.) A couple times a month, we'll do a post like this one, where we link to relevant articles and studies that give you a better glimpse into the world teenagers are living in.

[Note: By nature, some of the articles and subject matter we deal with in Trends & Culture often conflicts with our beliefs and ethics as Christ-followers. Our purpose in linking to this type of material is to simply give you the option of knowing the culture your students are surrounded by. Use discretion to determine which links to click on.]

We'd love to know that we're not just equipping you, but those you serve, as well. Consider using this article to equip your community in the following ways:

• Email this link to your adult volunteers
• Repost it on your blog or church website
• Email the link to all your parents to help equip them to better understand their teen's world
• SHARE IT with your youth ministry networks. This is a great way to help your peeps!

Without further ado, here are some relevant links we think you should know about.

Some Social Media & Tech News

• Twitter has 100 million active monthly users, but 40% don't tweet (preferring simply to read other's tweets). (h/t YPulse)
• Facebook dominates all other social media sites. And it ain't even close . . . This infographic spells it all out.
• Does social networking increase the risk of teen drug abuse?
• E-Books are going younger! Scholastic and Ruckus have combined to "publish noted kid's authors across multiple platforms, including print, e-books and enhanced e-books, with interactive story apps." (h/t YPulse)
• Parents trying to find the line between monitoring their child's online activity and spying. Good article.
• Couldn't help but post this: a really fun infographic about the difference in the web today and in 1996. Nicely executed.
• Android app downloads set to pass iPhone app downloads. 

A Glance At Recent Research

• Study shows sleep-debt tied to attention deficit issued in teens.
• Interesting Canadian study finds that teen pregnancy peaks in Spring.
• New study shows drug use rising in America. Study found that "Nearly half of kids ages 12 to 17 said it would be "fairly easy" or "very easy" to get marijuana, while one in five said it would be easy to get cocaine."
• Really interesting statistics on Millennials from the study "American Millennials." Two big ones: Millennials watch less TV and engage with friends more.

  That's it for this edition of the ym360 Trends & Culture report. Look for another one the week of September 26.

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Any specific study or link stand out to you? Disagree with anything? Let us know by sharing your thoughts below.