I am waiting for the day I can open my morning newspaper without reading about the antics of a small group of reckless and out-of-control young women.

I would mention some names, but I hate to give them any more publicity than they are already getting. But here are some clues: As I am writing this, one of them is heading to jail and a couple of them are either in rehab or just out of it for various substance-abuse problems.

My bet is that most of the readers of this column can name at least two out-of-control young celebrities famous mostly because they are very, very naughty and proud of it.

There is an actress and a singer. Another seems to be famous for being famous, although I think she made a raunchy ad for a hamburger outlet. And this trio is just the most well-known of several young female celebrities who are making the news for all the wrong reasons.

Ordinarily I would feel sympathy for anybody with jail or rehab problems. And I do feel regret for the way these girls' lives are going, but sympathy is hard to muster.

I am in favor of jail for those who repeatedly break drinking and driving laws, and young women who use rehab as a publicity venture need to be sent to their rooms without dinner for a year.

What I really wonder is, why are these girls newsworthy? Why do the media relate their antics over and over?

I will be the first to admit I am not immune to celebrity gossip. I was curious to see if Prince Harry would have to go to Iraq despite specific death threats (he doesn't), and I am nosy about how much Paul McCartney's divorce will end up costing him. I am not pretending to be above all the pop culture stuff.

But as the mother of a 16-year-old daughter, I have to say I am sick to death of hearing about young ladies, some of whom are under the legal drinking age to begin with, being seen at the coolest clubs right after they get out of rehab.

I am annoyed hearing about fans writing to the judge to keep somebody out of jail who belongs there. I am tired of ink being wasted on people who are barely done being kids and who really haven't accomplished much besides making a mess of their lives.

Enough already! It is overkill.

I do not want my teen to think these antics are cool. And although I give my daughter credit for a lot more intelligence than that, a constant barrage of publicity about all the wrong behavior wears on the inherent decency in all of us. It says trashy is the norm for attractive young women. It feeds into the carelessness about life, drinking and sex that is so prevalent in our culture. It is harmful to teens who constantly face temptations to indulge in risky behavior.

So rather than just complain, I went online and subscribed to "True Girl." This little magazine was founded by two Catholic ladies who wanted to reach girls between the ages of 12 and 18 with positive news on life, faith and fashion.

Go to www.truegirlonline.net to check them out. You can order a preview issue if you wish. Articles focus on skin care, what to wear at the beach, Internet safety, dating --- all the stuff teens care about, dysfunctional celebs not included.

I hope my daughter will enjoy this magazine. At least I will know I tried to bring some good news into our house.

Effie Caldarola is a columnist with Catholic News Service.