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This issue is important because not only has the teenager run away, but running away could be the sign for something more serious. The warning signs for teens who run away can also be misinterpreted, so when it happens, parents and friends are startled. Also, runaways usually dissappear out of the blue and sometimes show no warning at all. It is an important issue because its more common than people think. Some teens run away because they think thier parents or guardians are too strict, while some others do it because they think their parent or guardian either neglects or doesnt care about them and in those cases, they arent even noticed to be gone.
 * Why is this issue important? **

Every year, over one million children here in the United States run away from home. ([|crisis counceling])Even kids as young as 10 years old are among the 1 in 7 who leave their homes, although most runaways are between 15 and 17 years old. ([|society and culture]) Most Runaways leave during the summer (EDIS) and tend to stay with a friend or relative. (National Runaway Switchboard) 4 out of every 10 children run away from home at least 3 times. ([|National Center for Missing and Exploited Children])
 * How common is this issue amongst teens? **

A surprising amount of students at our school and in our district have known someone, friends or family, that has run away or have even run away themselves. The majority of teens who run away are in a high school age group and is more common to find in high schools. Out of our group of 3, 2 of us have first hand experiences with runaways and how they effect us, our friends and our families. It can be hard to talk to someone who ran away, you might not understand thier reason for doing so and resent them for it. It can depress you dramatically not knowing where this person is that you care about. In high school, everyone knows everyone. When even one person leaves, even if they don't normally stand out, people notice and they wonder.
 * How does it impact the lives of teens especially at NWHS? **