Sue Scheff: Summer Reading for Parents and Teens

Summer is almost here and what a better time to catch up on relaxation and reading!

 

Go to your local library with your kids or a bookstore and find some educational and fun books to read. Health Communications Inc. www.hcibooks.com offers a wide variety of wonderful books for both parents and kids today.

 

Also review http://www.helpyourteens.com/books.html for great reading!

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Sue Scheff (Parent Advocate) Teens and Cyber Safety

Author: Kate Fogarty Source: University of Florida IFAS Extension
Introduction: Teens Navigating Cyberspace

If you believe e-mail, blogs, and instant messaging are a completely harmless way for teens to communicate, think again! Many teens have Internet access–often private communication in the form of blogs, chat rooms, and forums. These online communication aids are not themselves a problem. But the ever-present threat of being sexually solicited or bullied while on the Internet is a big problem.

While online, teens may be persuaded to do things or share private/confidential information, to be sexually solicited, and/or to experience public humiliation. Recent testimony on child protection before Congress, alerted the public to online sexual solicitation of teens. However, parents and youth workers may be less aware of “cyber-bullying” in which peers viciously attack one another. This article will define online sexual solicitation and cyber-bullying, explain the risk factors and negative effects of these communications, and outline ways to protect youth from harm.

Click here for the entire aricle.

Sue Scheff: KidsHealth Educational Partner

KidsHealth offers a comprehensive website of articles, helpful tips for parenting, sound advice for teens and kids. Visit http://www.kidshealth.org/ to learn more.

Sue Scheff: Children Who Bully

Source: Stop Bullying Now! (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Bullying among children is aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength. Typically, it is repeated over time. Bullying can take many forms such as hitting or punching (physical bullying); teasing or name-calling (verbal bullying); intimidation through gestures or social exclusion (nonverbal bullying or emotional bullying); and sending insulting messages by e-mail (cyberbullying).

There is no one single cause of bullying among children. Rather, individual, family, peer, school, and community factors can place a child or youth at risk for bullying his or her peers.

Characteristics of children who bully

Children who bully their peers regularly (i.e., those who admit to bullying more than occasionally) tend to:

• Be impulsive, hot-headed, dominant;
• Be easily frustrated;
• Lack empathy;
• Have difficulty following rules; and
• View violence in a positive way.

Boys who bully tend to be physically stronger than other children.

Click here for entire article.

Carolina Springs Academy, Darrington Academy, Midwest Academy, WWASPS, Royal Gorge Academy, Lisa Irvin, HelpMyTeen, etc….

Are you considering any of the following programs for your child?  Take a moment to read my experiences – www.aparentstruestory.com as well as my book where you can hear my daughter’s experiences for the first time – order today at www.witsendbook.com.

Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision – do your homework!

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (Withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS
Horizon Academy, NV
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen)
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
Majestic Ranch, UT
Midwest Academy, IA (Brian Viafanua, formerly the Director of Paradise Cove as shown on Primetime, is the current Director here)
Parent Teen Guide (Promotes and markets these programs)
Pillars of Hope, Costa Rica
Pine View Christian Academy (Borders FL, AL, MS)
Reality Trek, UT
Red River Academy, LA (Borders TX)
Royal Gorge Academy, CO
Sky View Academy, NV
Spring Creek Lodge, MT
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica

Sue Scheff: Online Harassment

“A Successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him” – David Brinkley

For those that know me, know that I have been the target of the most vicious and malicious attacks in Cyberspace. Fortunately I was able to fight back and won an unprecedented jury verdict for damages of over $11.M. $5M of it was set for punitive – meant to punish the defendant.

I am contacted on a daily basis from other victims of Internet Harassment and most people are unable to retain an attorney. It can be very difficult when it seems like the entire world is staring at you through their computer screens.

The quote above was sent to me today and I just felt I had to share with everyone. So when those bricks are being thrown at you through cyberspace – think about the great foundation you can build from it!

Sue Scheff: Parent Connect, Helps parents track their children’s grades

A new online program called Parent Connect allows parents to check their children’s grades step by step — long before a report card is printed.

But is the technological advance an ace for students and teachers or a hindrance that allows helicopter parents to hover?

Visit http://www.parentconnect.com/ or for more on Good Morning America’s Show click here.