Did your child get a new device over the holidays?
Do you worry about cyberbullying,
sexting, Internet addiction or exposure to inappropriate online content?
Children and young adults with Internet devices have
powerful, intoxicating tools. Learn how media and technology influence children
and how you can help them make good choices during a free presentation in
Stevens Point this month.
Pediatrician Megan Moreno, author of “Sex, Drugs ‘n
Facebook: A Parent’s Toolkit for Healthy Internet Use,” will speak at Sentry’s
Theater@1800. She’ll discuss balance and boundaries in using Internet, social
media and technology from 7—8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28.
She will give parents, educators and teenagers tips for
avoiding dangers of the Internet while taking advantage of its potential. Dr.
Moreno, of Seattle Children’s Hospital Center for Child Health Behavior and
Development, will also share innovative approaches to promote adolescent
health.
Kym Buchanan, associate professor of education at
UW-Stevens Point, will join Dr. Moreno in a conversation aimed at addressing
concerns and increasing awareness. Questions are welcome in advance by
contacting cps@uwsp.edu.
“Media and technology change our lives, in positive and
negative ways. We're just starting to understand the effects, especially on
children and adolescents,” Buchanan said. “We can create, connect and share in
exciting, new ways. But what about privacy? Oversharing? Impulsive use?
“We want to be thoughtful about how media and technology
affect our work, recreation and relationships, and change our habits,” he said.
“Dr. Moreno will help us think through empowering ourselves and our kids, while
staying safe and healthy.”
Dr. Moreno’s talk will be of interest to anyone who
strives to have a positive influence on children. It is the second event in the
Point in Common community speaker series featuring some of nation’s brightest,
most innovative educators.
Point
in Common is sponsored by the Stevens Point Area Public School District,
Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools, UW-Stevens Point, Mid-State Technical
College, Sentry Insurance, Okray Family Farms, Phi Delta Kappa and the
Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. To register, ask a question or for
more information, visit www.pointincommon.org.
Free child care will be available at Schmeeckle Reserve
Visitor Center during the talk.