This Senior student at Lakenheath High School makes a strong statement about consent and asking first. LEAVE A COMMENT to let him know what you think (he is excited to see your comments)!
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The General Assembly Parents LOVE to bring to their schools!
When it comes to middle schools and high schools teaching teenagers vital skills for decision-making regarding teen dating, intimacy, a comprehensive safety approach to sex and/or abstinence, MANY school systems do very little because they are afraid of how parents will react. Thus, students learn from each other and we all know teens teaching teens about sex is extremely dangerous.
In fact, today you are hearing more new stories from school systems and communities across the country involving teenage sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Plus, research is showing sexual activity is occurring at much younger ages.
As a parent, how can YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Work with your local school administrators to bring an interactive and educational program with long-lasting impact for your students. Bring in a program which does more than “Raise Awareness” – find a presentation which gives students precise skills they can immediately use in their lives. When leaders and educators see parents taking an active role in wanting a specific program for their students, many educators and administrators feel more comfortable moving forward and taking the needed action to bring the program to the school.
One of the most sought after experts in the country for providing these necessary skills to teenagers is Mike Domitrz, the Executive Director of The Date Safe Project Inc. and the author of HELP! My Teen Is Dating. His one-person show for students titled “Can I Kiss You?” is praised by parents, educators, administrators, and TEENAGERS! Unlike many experts who lecture students toward one specific agenda, Domitrz opens students’ minds to making better choices for themselves, their friends, and any potential future dating partners. Because of this unique approach, the “Can I Kiss You?” program is supported by parents on both sides of the heated debate between “Abstinence-Only Education” vs “Comprehensive Sex Ed” taking place in many communities.
Bring this one-of-a-kind General Assembly to your school, students, and community.
Click here for more information.
Mike talking to parents
Check out this video:
Sexual Predators only need 15 seconds with your child / teenage son or daugther.
How many seconds does it take for a police officer posing as a minor to be approached by a sexual predator? 15 seconds. It only takes 35 – 45 seconds before a predator turns on his web cam and begins performing sexual acts for the camera.
Sexual predators are crafty and have a sixth sense. They know how to spot the weaknesses in young children and what they will respond to.
Talk to your children about being safe while on the internet. Review the following with them:
- - Never allow your children to give out personal information over the internet
- - Never give out your true name
- - Personal diaries should be just that, personal and never to be posted online
- - Anything posted on the internet is a permanent record
- - Never meet anyone from the internet in person
Parents, educate yourself – know terms and internet slang. Research software programs allowing you to put parental blocks on certain web sites. Many of the newer programs are very in-depth which is what parents need nowadays.
Click here to read more.
Parents need to take notice of signs for dating violence and abuse of teenagers
When it comes to teen violence, many families struggle to notice it, even with their own children. Some people write off inappropriate comments by thinking, "That just part of being a teenager" or "Kids will be kids." Other adults are intimidated by their own ignorance. You may not know the current language teenagers are using and so you feel out of touch. Instead of embarrassing yourself when intervening, you simply avoid the potential conflict. You do nothing.
Plus, we think as teenagers, they would speak out if someone their own age was making them feel uncomfortable or was hurting them. Reality is the direct opposite. Approval and being "part of the crowd" puts extreme pressure on teenagers NOT to speak out, even when they know something is not right. You don’t want to be the kid who ratted on someone.
What are the signs? Here are some starting points for teenagers (and even pre-teens) to look out for:
- Extreme jealousy
- Controlling behavior
- Quick involvement
- Unpredictable mood swings
- Alcohol and drug use
- Explosive anger
- Isolates you from friends and family
- Uses force during an argument
- Shows hypersensitivity
- Believes in rigid sex roles
- Blames others for his problems or feelings
- Cruel to animals and children
- Verbally abusive
- Abused former partners
- Threatens violence
The above 15 points are from Michelle Woods and her team at MayDay Inc. Michelle also states that as an educator and law enforcement, you should be on the lookout for these signs:
- Physical signs of injury
- Truancy, dropping out of school
- Failing grades
- Indecision
- Changes in mood or personality
- Use of drugs or alcohol
- Emotional outbursts
- Isolation
Bottom line, we need to teach our teens to choose better relationships and partners. Re-enforce the qualities of a loving and fair partner. As parents, we are responsible for teaching teens the warning signs.
Here is a recent article where these tips were provided by Michelle Woods and MayDay Inc:
Baker City Herald – MayDay Helps Teens Avoid Violence
Sexual Harrassment, students, parents, and schools
I came across an article that got my attention. A school was having difficulty with outbreaks of hazing, violence, and sexual assault. To combat it, they put together a taskforce of teachers & administration, parents and students.
Making students a part of the process to make their environment safer gave them ownership and insight to the problem. Making students a part of the process compelled them to participate. They saw they could contribute and understood they added value to the system. The students and the rest of the taskforce were vigilant in correcting the problem. Now the school has policies and procedures in place to deal with outbreaks. The students are accountable for their actions and are required to participate in restorative justice.
You can read the article at:
http://www.reformer.com/ci_8136614?source=most_viewed
How do your kids use the word, "Slut"? Many pre-teens and teenagers will tell you the word is "No big deal because people use it for all different meanings." The reality is that the word "Slut" is very powerful. The #1 reason students tell me that females do not speak openly about sex or "Ask First" before engaging in intimacy with a partner is because many females are "AFRAID" of being called a "Slut." The word is soo powerful it stops females from speaking their mind openly and honestly. We must work diligently to decrease the use of this word among youth and adults (after all, we are the role models).
Dating Violence Among Teenagers Ignites Activism
Monday, February 4, 2008 marks the third annual “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week’. Beginning Monday, students across the country will begin campaigns bringing to light this reality among our children. Sadly, this reality has been an unnoticed problem for a long time.
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) a reported 9% of American teens reported they have been physically hurt by their boyfriend or girlfriend. Even more frightening is the way technology is being used to stalk, intimidate and abuse our children. Many teens are embarrassed to admit this is going on and it goes unreported.
As parents, educators, and law enforcement, it is our responsibility to teach our children that violence and dating is not ok, to identify what is acceptable behavior, and what to do if they do not like how they are being treated. We need to give them the tools to stay safe and date safe!
Here are some great links for more information: www.TheSafeSpace.org and www.BreakTheCycle.org
SHARE In the "Comments" section what students are doing in your area. If you have ideas for schools, parents, or law enforcement, share with us.
