Books with author Lisa Firth

In the past, the most common family structure was the “nuclear family”. Today, family groups are more flexible, and children may be raised in households with step-parents, unmarried, lone or same-sex parents. In addition, parental roles are no longer split according to gender and working patterns have therefore changed. This book looks at the changing shape of the family, at different methods and styles of parenting and at issues for working parents. The information comes from a wide range of sources and includes government reports and statistics, newspaper reports, features, magazine articles and surveys, literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations.

The law says that ‘disability’ means a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term effect on an individual’s ability to carry out normal everyday activities. This book looks at the problems faced by people with physical or learning disabilities, including difficulty accessing transport, access to specialist education, the risk of poverty and dealing with discrimination. It also covers disabled people’s rights under law. The information comes from a wide range of sources and includes government reports and statistics, newspaper articles, features, magazine articles and surveys, literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations.

Myths and misinformation about sexual matters are all too prevalent, especially among young people. ChildLine receives nearly 50 calls a day about sex, and the total number of diagnosed sexually transmitted infections in those aged 16 to 19 rose by 24% between 2003 and 2007. This title covers sexual relationships, risky sexual behaviour, the rise of STIs and the ways in which these can be prevented and treated. It also covers the debate surrounding the provision of sex education in schools. The information comes from a wide range of sources and includes government reports and statistics, newspaper reports, features, magazine articles and surveys, literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations.

Cannabis is the most widely-used illegal drug in Britain: one 15-year-old in four now admits to having tried it at least once. Users say it is relaxing and fun, but there are worries that it may affect both physical and mental health, with stronger strains such as “skunk” being a particular worry. This book looks at the effects of cannabis on health, at cannabis use among young people and at its position within the law. The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.

Many people throughout the country are living with some kind of disability. This book looks at what constitutes a disability under law, at the different challenges faced by those with physical and learning disabilities and at the discrimination and inequality which may be faced by people living with disabilities. The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.

This book examines the importance of sport within our society, from participation in sporting activites in schools to the 2012 London Olympics. Inclusivity in sport and issues such as racisim, homophobia and football 'hooliganism' are looked at, as well as the debates surrounding footballers' wages and the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.

People who are depressed are more than just “down” – they suffer from chronic low mood which affects their relationships with others and day-to-day life. Some types of depression have specific triggers, such as the season (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and being a new mum (post-natal depression). Bipolar Disorder (manic depression) sufferers experience drastic “lows” and “highs”. This book examines the different types of depression and looks at treatments available. The information comes from a wide range of sources and includes government reports and statistics, newspaper reports, features, magazine articles and surveys, literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations.

So-called 'binge drinking' is a widespread problem often perceived to be particularly common amongst young people. But are this group the only culprits when it comes to dangerous drinking? Research shows that people of all ages are increasingly consuming large amounts of alcohol. This book covers the effects of alcohol on short- and long-term health, as well as the social issues associated with alcohol abuse. The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.

Although only 29% of people would say that they are religious according to a 2011 poll, and regular attendance at a place of worship continues to fall, a recent study has shown that media coverage of religion has risen since the early 1980s. The debate surrounding Muslim women who choose to wear the burqa, controversy over whether some Christians are discriminated against because of their beliefs and a surge in applications to set up 'free' faith schools are just a few of the debates hitting the headlines. This book examines the issues.

It is well established that smoking affects an individual’s health, causing painful chronic illnesses such as lung cancer and emphysema. However, there are still an estimated 10 million smokers in Britain. What motivates people to start smoking? Should they be encouraged to quit? Is it acceptable for the government to prohibit smoking in public places to limit the effect of passive smoking, or is this an example of the “nanny state”? This book looks at the issues. The information comes from a wide range of sources and includes government reports and statistics, newspaper reports, features, magazine articles and surveys, literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations.