Healthy Teens Quiz

The correct answer is: The typical teenager needs 8.5 to 9.25 hours of sleep each night. However, the National Sleep Foundation says only 15% of teenagers actually get 8.5 hours of shut-eye.

The correct answer is: All of the above. Start your teen off with clog-busting benzoyl peroxide. If that isn't enough, add a second product containing salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid, which go after dead skin cells and calm inflammation. If this one-two punch isn't enough after a few weeks, see a dermatologist. Lastly, if your teen has acne or is taking any new medication, pay extra attention to her moods. Swedish researchers say depression and suicide risk can linger for up to a year after acne clears up. If you notice troubling mood changes, call your doctor right away.

The correct answer is: All of the above can be signs of sleep deprivation. Losing interest in activities a teen once enjoyed can also signal depression, so talk to your teen's doctor If you're concerned.

The correct answer is: All of these teens may have delayed puberty. Girls who do not develop breasts by age 13 and those who have not had their first period by age 16 are considered late in puberty. Boys who do not have testicle development by age 14 and those whose male organs aren't finished growing within five years of the start of puberty may also have delayed puberty. The late-blooming may be genetic or may signal a medical condition.

The correct answer is: Delayed puberty appears to run in families, so if one or both parents entered puberty late, the child may, too.

The correct answer is: Emotional problems in adolescent and teen girls can lead to eating disturbances and disorders. Other possible complications caused by emotional problems include depression, anger and behavior issues.

The correct answer is: The hormone changes that occur during puberty put adolescent girls at risk for gum inflammation. Teens should floss and brush twice daily and see a dentist twice a year for check-ups.

The correct answer is: This is false. It may not be as dramatic as a boy's, but a girl's voice changes, too. During puberty, a girl's voice will become stronger and deeper. Increased levels of estrogen in the body make the voice box and vocal cords grow, which helps her develop her adult speaking voice.

The correct answer is: Got a stinker in the house? Boys should begin wearing deodorant as soon as their body odor really kicks in. Showering daily will also help reduce B.O.

The correct answer is: All of the above factors may cause early puberty in boys. If your child seems to be developing early, discuss your concerns with his pediatrician.

The correct answer is: A girl doesn't have to wait until a particular age to use tampons. She can begin using them with her first period if she wishes.

The correct answer is: A girl should begin with the lowest absorbency she can find and adjust gradually according to her menstrual flow. Girls should also be taught the importance of changing tampons frequently in order to prevent toxic shock syndrome, an infection that can cause fever, rash, diarrhea and vomiting.

The correct answer is: Water-based makeup is less likely to cause breakouts than oil-based makeup.

The correct answer is: Puberty can do a number on skin, leaving it greasy and prone to breakouts. Teens should wash their faces twice a day, at morning and at night. But they should also avoid washing too frequently, as this can lead to increased oil production.

The correct answer is: Low self-esteem can lead to many emotional and physical problems, including early sexual involvement, depression, eating disorders and experimenting with drugs and alcohol. If your teen is displaying any of these, talk with his or her pediatrician about your concerns.

The correct answer is: This is false. Bullying is never just a phase, and it should always be taken seriously. If you think your child is bullying other children, speak to his teachers, principal and school counselors. You can approach your child with your concerns or make an appointment with a therapist to discuss the problems. If you don't help your child stop bullying, his behavior problems may increase as he gets older.

The correct answer is: All of the above behaviors are typical among children and teens who are being bullied. If you're concerned your child may be bullied at school, talk with him. Too often, kids feel ashamed or are too afraid to tell someone about the bullying. However, keeping an open line of communication can help him open up to you.

The correct answer is: Kids who sit down to dinner with their families five to seven times each week are less likely to smoke tobacco or marijuana. Of the children who frequently eat with their families, only 12% try marijuana; 14% try tobacco. Compare that to children who have two or fewer family meals per week: more than a third will experiment with tobacco or marijuana.

The correct answer is: Kids who are picky eaters in their early years are more likely to develop eating disorders as they mature. Digestive problems in early childhood are also predictive of symptoms of anorexia nervosa later in life. If you're concerned that your teen may be developing eating-disordered behavior, talk with his or her pediatrician about your concerns.

The correct answer is: The secret for weight loss and weight maintenance is the same for teenagers as it is for the rest of us: a balance of healthy eating and exercise. Teens who need to lose weight should work with their doctor to develop a plan that's healthy and balanced.