1. Lifeskills Program for AdolescentsWelcome Communication with Others Organised and Supported by “On Track” Community Health Project Mallee Track Health & Community Service Presented by Bernard Denner Special Projects Manager MTH&CS

2. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents What WE are looking at today A bit about me Communication Parents / Teachers Girls / Boys / Dating

3. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents

4. Australian Mortality Rates National - 1999 15-24 years Cause of DeathMalesFemales%Rate Suicide398 71435%  Cancer 95 47202%  Leukemia 35 11318%  Transport Accident407116350%  Drugs 68 27251%  Source: Causes of Death, ABS, 1999

5. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Australian Mortality Rates Loddon Mallee Health Region - 1994 Cause of DeathMalesFemales%Rate Suicide 25 7357%  Cancer309230134%  Heart Disease122 49248%  Source: DHS, Measures of Health Status and Health Services in Victoria, 1994

6. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Communication

7. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Communication in all aspects of Life is Important Whether it be with adults, friends, family or members of the opposite sex Good communication is the Solution to lots of problems

8. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Know yourself Get to know and like yourself Become aware of your feelings and values; don’t be pushed into betraying them If you’re not sure what you think and feel, WAIT; don’t rush yourself

9. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Think about the decisions you make, their consequences and their effect on yourself and on others Talk to the people you care about, let them know what you think and feel

10. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Accept that you will make mistakes, and learn from them BE YOURSELF Source: Be yourself, Love Sex and You, A Guide for Teenagers, Vicki Wootten

11. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Swearing The constant use of the “F” or “C” words: Doesn’t make you an Adult Doesn’t make you tough Doesn’t attract nice girls/boys

12. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents It makes you: Ugly Aggressive Impolite Unattractive

13. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Constant Swearing is UNATTRACTIVE Swearing at teachers is UNACCEPTABLE

14. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Other unacceptable language is: Put downs of other people, especially females: e.gidiot, bitch, slut, spastic, dickhead, moron, son of a bitch, poofter, dyke,’You’re Gay’ What other words do you dislike? Source: Bernard Denner

15. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Other unacceptable BOY THINGS Labelling Girls don’t like it! Source: Bernard Denner

16. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Who are Parents? What is a Parent? What is Parenting Love? Parenting is important!

17. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents How to talk to parents

18. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Pick the right time Prepare yourself Work within the Boundaries Prepare some alternative options Remind Parents - You’re older

19. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Don’t lose your cool Negotiate calmly Give and take Don’t put one parent against the other - remember you will never win doing this. Source: Bernard J. Denner

20. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Use Good examples to get your Point Across Like someone your Parents Respect and Like

21. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents How important are Teachers? What’s their job? Maybe your future partly depends on them!

22. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents How to talk to teachers

23. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Pick the right time Ask for an appointment / suitable time in advance Don’t try to solve a problem or argue in front of the whole class

24. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Prepare yourself What do you want to say What do you hope to achieve Alternative outcomes that are acceptable to you and the Teacher

25. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Work within the boundaries Don’t lose your cool Negotiate calmly Understand that teachers are human and can make mistakes

26. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Don’t promise what you can’t deliver - be realistic about your goals and work towards them Give and take Source: Bernard J. Denner and Gail Allan

27. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Discipline Boundaries Rules By Parents, Teachers and other adults … You Should ask yourself... WHY?

28. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents IT MEANS …... That they... CARE Want to...GUIDE EDUCATE and SUPPORT YOU

29. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Thoughts for Adolescents - …………...School School is also chance to develop: Lifeskills Form opinions Learn about themselves Be educated for Life Socialise

30. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents School is a chance to work on: Coping with difficult people Coping with difficult situations and to LISTEN AND LEARN

31. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents How to talk to girls

32. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Approach Not to be threatening or Aggressive Smile Don’t Act too cool Speak in a lower tone of voice

33. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Don’t Act too cool “Bullshit” Be a Hero Talk only about yourself Talk about how tough you are or what a legend you are Advice from 3 teenage girls

34. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Talk about Music Sport TV Programs Their interests Your interests Ask questions

35. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Don’t act stupid THINK before you SPEAK Have something sensible to Say You don’t have to swear Talk about their things Ask about things

36. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Most of all Introduce yourself properly to a new friend and Smile Source: Bernard Denner

37. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Dating - How to Ask

38. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents “Unthreatening” approach Speak clearly Invitation to be made with warmth Such as …….

39. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents “Would you like to …. go with me to the ice hockey?” go with me to the basketball?” go with me to the mall / shops?” go for a walk?” go to the pictures?

40. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents NOT “Would you like to meet me somewhere” or “I’m not doing anything Sat” or “just broke up with”

41. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Phone Etiquette When phoning, speak politely to the parents, if they answer. You need their support - having good manners impresses. Remember to identify yourself clearly. Source: Bernard J. Denner

42. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Communication in all aspects of Life is Important Whether it be with adults, friends, family or members of the opposite sex Good communication is the Solution to lots of problems

43. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents ALWAYS THINK ABOUT How would you Like to be TREATED … OTHERS DESERVE the SAME

44. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Person - 1st Son - 2nd Sibling or Friend - 3rd WHO AM I...?

45. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents As a person I need to be Healthy and Happy THAT YOU FEEL GOOD Most of the TIME

46. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Why.....? So that you don’t put yourself at risk, or your relationships at risk

47. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Who’s A Winner The person who does their best. That they achieve their Personal Best. THEY are a Winner. Source: Bernard Denner Inspired by Simon Madden

48. Lifeskills Program for Adolescents Adolescence is a GOOD TIME of Life ENJOY IT