Teens in the Montérégie

Teenagers like to try new things, which is one of the reasons why they might experiment with alcohol or drugs for the first time. Using these substances creates new sensations and changes the way they think and act. Teenagers who drink or use drugs do so mainly out of curiosity, for fun, to relax, or for stimulation. They might also use substances simply because it is something that is forbidden or because they want to be like their friends or act like adults.

Far from being lazy, teenagers have very full schedules. In addition to school, homework, and extracurricular activities, many teens want or need to work, for a number of different reasons, including to buy clothes and pay for outings and activities, to develop their sense of responsibility, and to gain more independence and work experience.

With its multiple physical and psychological changes, adolescence is a period during which accepting and being satisfied with one’s appearance takes on major proportions.

Being in good mental health means feeling well. It means feeling good enough to engage with others, to take on the challenges of everyday life, to do your schoolwork or your job. Good mental health also means having the ability to feel fulfilled, manage your emotions, have pastimes and simply enjoy life! When your mental health is very good, you are said to be thriving.

Sexuality encompasses much more than just our genital organs and reproductive systems. Sexuality also relates to feelings and sensations, one’s relationship with one’s own body, identity, affection, intimate relations with a special person, social norms, culture, etc.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Québec. Available in several forms, including cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, shisha, etc., it can lead to organ damage and cause several different diseases.

Violence is much more than just physically assaulting someone. It is defined as “any intentional demonstration of verbal, written, physical, psychological or sexual force with the objective to distress, injure, hurt, or oppresses a person by attacking their psychological or physical integrity or well-being, or their rights or property” (source : MEES, 2019).