1. Parenting in a Challenging and Technological World Dr. Scott Poland Professor, Center for Psychological Studies Nova Southeastern University

2. Let’s take off the rose colored glasses and examine today’s youth Today’s message is about youth in America Today’s message is meant to give you tips on how to guide your child through the all too common obstacles in their adolescent and teen years. Make no mistake…providing your child a protected environment and support makes a difference!

3. Some children are leading secret lives that include sex, drugs and reckless behavior!

4. Recommendations for Parents Bring back the family meal Support the school and let your child experience consequences Don’t let technology steal your child Avoid setting their room up to be a kingdom Limit teen driving—safe driving tips Know where your child is and know their friends and their parents--Network

5. Driving and Riding in Cars Most dangerous thing your child does Approximately 4000 teens die in car accidents every year and most were not wearing seatbelts Graduated driving laws when enforced save lives Don’t let your teen be “INTEXTICATED” Contract for life www.sadd.orgwww.sadd.org Irony is you thought the phone was for safety!

6. More Recommendations Avoid putting children in the middle of divorce Importance of modeling—Gandhi quote Enjoy your children and let them know they are the sons and daughters you always wanted Make family the priority Read The Overscheduled Child by Rosenfeld and Wise (2000) Don’t try to be best friends with your child

7. Technology a Curse or a Blessing? It Is here To Stay There is something dangerous and largely unguarded in almost every home! Children today view being connected as a birthright but it is a privilege What are sexting and cyber-bullying all about?

8. Tips for Parents Online activities are not just your child’s business Discuss online behavior with them and what information is appropriate to share Know the online communities and your child’s password Be up front that you will investigate their postings, profiles, website etc. because you care! Take Charge!

9. Fathers Need To Be Involved Reality is that “parent” is still a code word for Mom in most families The supreme test of a society is…can it teach men to be good fathers? Margaret Mead There is a positive association between father involvement and child well being and academic success.

10. Good relationships with other youth Seeks adult help when needed Access to mental health care Religiosity School environment that encourages seeking help and promotes health PROTECTIVE FACTORS

11. Family cohesion and stability Coping and problem solving skills Positive self worth and impulse control Positive connections to school and extracurricular participation Academic Success PROTECTIVE FACTORS

12. Helping Children Recognize developmental levels and that children are being exposed to many things too early. Reach… do not preach. Teach restitution. Protect them from horrific violence on television, movies and video games.

13. Recognize that all children need: three or more significant adults in their lives in addition to parents. a sense of safety and belonging in the home, school, and community. three or more hours of organized activities weekly. adolescents need volunteer work

14. “Smaller schools are better in every way!” New York Bank Street College

15. spoland@nova.edu www.scottpoland.com www.scottpoland.com