News and Updates

We often think sleep issues are the purview of newborns.  In truth, they represent a problem for many teens, whose late nights and early mornings leave them fatigued and sometimes in danger.  For example, new driving research from SADD and Liberty Mutual Insurance reveals that teens report getting an average of only 7.2 hours of […]

Stephen was one of a group of professionals across the country to be selected for participation in a George Mason University research project called, “Understanding Teen Drinking Cultures in America.”  Participants were chosen based on their expertise with with teen drinking issues and insight about youth culture.

Stephen is one of a group of professionals around the country asked to participate in a project being conducted by researchers at George Mason University. The professionals were chosen based on their expertise with teen drinking issues or who have particular insight about youth and teen cultures. The “Understanding Teen Drinking Cultures in America” research

Stephen recently spoke with the Boston Globe about the message sent to teens by passage of Proposition 2 in Massachusetts. The measure decriminilizes possession of an ounce of less of marijuana.  The article begins by asking, “If society says smoking marijuana is OK – or at least not the crime it used to be –

Despite opposition from political leaders, district attorneys, school officials, and various influential organizations, 65 percent of Massachusetts voters recently approved a ballot initiative to decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana.  Many believe that this initiative, and others like it across the country, will turn back the tide on recent reductions in youth

In a November 10th press release from SADD and Liberty Mutual Insurance, Stephen comments on new research from both organizations highlighting the dangers of drowsy driving by teens. According to the survey, teens who get less than eight hours of sleep per night on average are twice as likely to say they have fallen asleep

The November/December edition of Camping Magazine features Stephen’s new article, “The Art of Camp – How Arts Programs Fuel Self-Expression and Youth Development.”   The article explores the role of the arts in promoting growth, referencing the research of professors Ellen Winner and Lois Hetland documenting a series of “studio habits of mind” – including persistence, observing, envisioning,

On Thursday, October 30th, Stephen addressed students at the Doane Stuart School in Albany, NY.  In his remarks, Stephen talked about how young people can build a legacy of caring and commitment to community by making safe, healthy choices in their own lives while also reaching out through service learning programs to play a positive

On Tuesday, October 21st Stephen joined talk show hosts Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete for a lively discussion about impaired driving by teens and the role of parents in keeping young people safe.  Listen in …

Not much attention has been paid to the issue of street racing by teens. Yet, a new driving study by Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions, reveals that young people themselves rank it among the most dangerous driving behaviors among teens.