RELIGION HELPS TEENS AVOID TROUBLE

The more teenagers participate in regular religious activities, the less likely they are to get into trouble. The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, National Study of Youth and Religion found that there was a strong association between religion and a positive lifestyle for those teenagers who attended religious activities at least once a week. Such teenagers were much less likely to be involved in drugs, crime, truancy, other school problems, or conflicts with parents. They also found this strong association for those teenagers who stated deeply held spiritual views.

Besides staying out of trouble, these teens were also more likely to engage in volunteer activities, sports, and community activities, as well as behaving more safely and having more health-promoting personal habits.