ym360 Trends and Culture Update (Vol 3)

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. 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

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

All Things Technology

• Really cool graphic showing Moblie Phone adoption by State. Seems Android is in the lead.
• How the Internet (and social media) is leading to an increase in TV watching.
• NY Times declares the iPhone the toddler's favorite toy, sparking some controversy. I have to say, my daughters love my iPhone. And I can control the security of it better than allowing them to play games online.
• Sony retires the iconic Walkman. Hmmmm . . . could have sworn it was retired many, many years ago. :)
• Starbucks in NYC are now accepting Mobile Payments. Pretty cool . . . Wonder if parents will see this as a benefit? Or a hassle? Time will tell . . .

A Glance At Recent Research

• The highest teen birthrates are in the South. Interesting and short article. Noteworthy quote, i.e., why it's important for us youth workers: "teen parents are less likely to pursue higher education, their children are less likely to be healthy, and they earn less on average than people who have children later."
• Breaking news: new study finds that teenagers don't tell the truth about their drug use. Add this one to the "you needed a study to tell you that?" file.
• Car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers in the US. The good news? A new study shows that tougher restrictions and graduated license programs are making a difference. And increased parental involvement in "practice driving" can help even more.
• Study shows that parents' number one fear for their children is cyber-bullying. This is not surprising to me, really, and it is just another call for us as youth workers to be diligent in addressing this issue with our students.

The World of Pop-Culture (MTV Edition)

• Brace yourself . . . MTV is releasing a new show that really does seem to be the most explicit show yet aimed at teens. Skins is a sex fueled, drug-filled picture of teenage delinquency portrayed as real-life. I hesitated on linking the trailer; it's pretty graphic. It makes me uneasy (and pretty disheartened) to see teenagers depicted like this. The ONLY reason I link it is so that you and your parents stay on top of what your students are watching. View at your own discretion.
• MTV is launching another "teen mom" show, this one a spinoff of 16 and Pregnant. By my count, this would make three shows that focus on teenage mothers. MTV would not make these shows if they weren't drawing an audience. It kills me that this passes as worthwhile entertainment for so many.
• Paranormal Activity 2 is tops at the Box Office with 41.5 Million over the weekend.
• Like a G6 is the top single in the country this week. Click here to see the rest of the Top 10.

WANT MORE TRENDS AND CULTURE UPDATES? (AND FREE STUFF?) Then sign up for the ym360 Newsletter. We'll give you a FREE Bible Study Lesson on Matthew 11 (w/ PowerPoint included) when you sign up. PLUS, you'll stay up to date on other free stuff, as well as new content, resource releases, and the newest trends and culture updates. CLICK HERE to sign up!

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