Counselor\’s Corner

Boys and puberty

Did you know that in four years, the average teenage boy will grow a foot taller, put on a stone of muscle, drop an octave in the pitch of his voice and develop 40% more heart muscle?

Puberty usually starts between the ages of 10 and 15 in boys.

When the body is ready the pituitary gland (at the bottom of the brain) releases special hormones. They tell the testes (two egg shaped glands in the scrotum-the sack that hangs next to the penis) to begin making testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone that makes the changes in a boy’s body.

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What is an eating disorder? What are the symptoms? Why are they so dangerous? Who gets them? What do you do if you suspect an eating disorder?

Many students especially teenagers — are concerned about how they look and feel self-conscious about their bodies. During puberty, you go through major physical changes and face new social pressures. Unfortunately, for a growing proportion of students, that concern grows into an obsession that can become an eating disorder. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa cause dramatic weight fluctuation, interfere with normal daily life, and damage vital body functions.

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How popular are you?

Why are some kids more popular than others?

Why are there cliques?

Do you belong to a clique? Would you describe yourself as one of the cool kids, nerds, sporty, geeks, metal heads…

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What is binge drinking?

If you drink too much in a short period of time this is a drinking binge.  Binge drinking can be very dangerous, leads to increased risk of accidents and violence, poor judgement and risk taking behaviour. Having drinking binges during adolescence when the brain is still developing is dangerous for several reasons.Kenneth J. Sher of MU’s Midwest Alcoholism Research Centre says.“There is reason to think that heavy binge drinking during adolescence, when the brain is still rapidly developing, may have some negative legacy on psychological development,”  these can include permanently affecting the memory centres of the brain.

Alcohol is a depressant and can contribute to negative feelings, common during adolescence. At a time when individuals are establishing personal identity behavioural control alcohol can lead to poor choices that have prolonged consequences.

The legal age for drinking in the US is 21, in Switzerland you can legally drink wine and beer from 16, stronger alcohol from 18. Given the possible permanent effects of binge drinking and the risks and dangers what do you think about age limits? Can and should governments control adolescent drinking? How should parents guide their children to treat alcohol responsibly?

Read on for more information about binge drinking, the consequences and how to stay safe. Read the rest of this entry »

It may seem a bit hypocritical considering my current mode of communication but I’d like to start a dialogue about the use of blogs and social networking sites as a medium of expression.

If you use the internet to express yourself you need to make sure you have thought seriously about what you the implications of what you are doing. At the end of this blog I’ve  included some typical advice when writing online, I’d appreciate your feedback on this subject. Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to my blog! I will use this space to reflect on and share counseling issues at ISL and give you links and resources so you can explore interests further.

I would really appreciate your comments and feedback but please be aware that it is a public forum, if you have issues of a personal nature please e-mail me privately at claire.roberts@isl.ch or see me in person.

  A sensitive subject that has arisen recently is that of cyber bullying. I made a presentation to the high school about this type of behaviour. My aim was to encourage students to think about the consequences on not only the victims but the whole school community. Some people think that the bully themselves is a victim of their own behaviour and needs support. A firm line has been taken by the direction of the school. What do you think?

Are you a victim or perpetrator and have you been affected by the issues discussed?

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I had a great time meeting with all you new students in the first two weeks and most of you had only complimentary tales to tell about your first few days at ISL. Now you’ve had more time you may not be feeling as positive and I’d like to reassure you that this is a totally normal stage in your transition to ISL /secondary school /Switzerland.

Research in this area tells us that students go through 4 stages before they feel totally at home in their new environment.

The stages have been dubbed by researchers Lisa and Leighton Chinn

      Fun

      Flight

      Fight

      Fit

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