Topics ranging from dating behavior to body piercing were discussed last night on University President Graham Spanier's monthly radio call-in show, "To the Best of My Knowledge," broadcast on WPSU-FM (90.1, 91.5, 106.7).

The discussion focused on the stresses and pressures placed on adolescents in the late 20th century.

Eighty-three percent of teenagers think it is harder to be a teen in today's society than it was a generation ago, Spanier said.

Janelle D'Cruz, 17, a senior at Altoona Area High School, and Michael Chiswick-Patterson, 17, a senior at State College Area High School, joined Spanier in the studio to voice their opinions and tell of their experiences.

Both seniors said alcohol is the largest issue they face as teenagers. Students try drugs, said Chiswick-Patterson, but alcohol use is the major problem because it is easier for high school teens to obtain beer and liquor, he added.

The University is experiencing an alcohol problem that exists nationally among adolescents and college students, Spanier said. Incoming freshman surveys have reported that the majority of students have already experienced binge drinking (more than four to five drinks in one sitting) during high school, he said.

Chiswick-Patterson said teens should look past getting drunk at weekend parties and focus on other ways to have a good time.

Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle and writer for Glamour magazine, joined the discussion by telephone. An individual's adolescence is always remembered with affection and horror, she said.

"Each day is its own world in itself," said Schwartz, adding that teen-agers experience both highs and lows of everyday life.

Schwartz said the pitfalls are deeper today than they were a decade ago because drugs are available everywhere, and one minor experience with them can be life-threatening.