If you have a Hot Topic that you’d like to suggest, please contact cpomeroy@barrie.ca or dsmith@barrie.ca.

Hot Topic: Sexual Orientation During adolescence, it is natural for teens to explore their relationships with peers. Although this can be an exciting time, it can also be a confusing time. A teen’s sexual orientation will define who they are physically and emotionally attracted to and can generally be seen as heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.  Teens will have a sexual orientation even if they are not yet sexually active. The following resources may be helpful if you are a teen who is questioning your sexual orientation and would like support and information. Check out the following links to learn more: Canadian Pediatric Society Public Health Agency of Canada Check out these local resources: Youth Connection Barrie Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line Check out these library resources: The Full Spectrum  Edited by David Levithan and Billy Merrell GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens  by Kelly Huegel What if Someone I Know is Gay?  By Eric Marcus

Hot Topic: Anxiety & Panic Attacks Anxiety and Panic attacks can be a scary thing for a teen to experience on top of all of the changes that take place during the teen years. Anxiety can be hereditary, can be caused by stress, and may be a result of a number of factors. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone. Check out the following links to learn more: Canadian Mental Health Association Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada Check out these local resources: Mental Health and Addiction Services of Simcoe County Freedom From Fear and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support Group Check out these library resources: Anxiety Disorders by Sheila Wyborny My Anxious Mind by Michael A. Tompkins Anxiety and Panic Attacks by Judith Levin What You Must Think of Me by Emily Ford

Hot Topic:  Behind the Wheel So you want to learn how to drive?   Looking for information on the rules of the road and safe driving habits?There are so many things to think about.  If you are looking for where to take driver’s ed training, how to prepare for the road test and helpful tips for new drivers, the following links and resources can help. Check out the following links to learn more: The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook online MTO-approved beginner driver education courses I Just Got my License – Now What? Check out these local resources: Driver Examination Centre Check out these library resources: The Official Driver’s Handbook The Driving Book: Everything New Drivers Need to Know but Don't Know to Ask by Karen Gravelle 110 Car and Driving Emergencies and How to Survive Them by James Joseph

Hot Topic: Addictions Do you want to find out what you can do if you think you or a friend has a drug or alcohol addiction? Did you know that addiction is not only about substance abuse?  Addiction, according to Dictionary.com, is “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming”.  Check out the links and information below to help you understand what addiction is and how to help yourself or someone else tackle this hot topic. Check out the following links to learn more: Addictions Ontario Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres Check out these local resources: Royal Victoria Hospital - Mental Health and Addiction Program YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Barrie, Youth Outreach Programs, Youth Gambling Awareness Program Check out these library resources: Young, Sober & FreeExperience, Strength, and Hope for Young Adults by Marshall, Shelly (EBook - 2003) The Teen YearsVolume Four, Substance Abuse (DVD - 2002) Pill HeadThe Secret Life of A Painkiller Addict by Lyon, Joshua (Book - 2009)

Please Note: If you need any help finding information, please ask us at the Information Desk. We are here to assist you. Librarians are information specialists who provide access to information; we are not qualified to interpret medical information, make a diagnosis, or provide advice or opinions. Always consult your health care professional where appropriate.