News Reel

Today's youth frequently manage their relationships - both friendships and romantic relationships - through technology. The combination of adolescent hormones and freedom with technology has led to a pervasive "hook up" culture - where interactions are focused on quick physical intimacy. With teens looking at their screens constantly they aren't spending time talking face to face and having the opportunity to pick up on facial cues, and learn from mistakes made like in times past. The affects of this have been shown to be negative for girls. However, it is becoming more and more apparent that boys are also negatively affected by the "hook up" mentality. Abigail Pesta wrote the article below, which demonstrates the current trends and what we can do about it. Boys also harmed by teen 'hookup' culture, experts say By: Abigail Pesta A [...]

Returning to school is a big deal for all students, but for students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD the challenge can be even greater. As students start and settle into a new school year there are things that can help minimize the stress and promote a healthy outlook on learning. Dr. Gordon Day, Executive Clinical Director and Founder of Seven Stars wrote a recent article giving parents tips to facilitate a successful back to school transition, featured below. 5 Tips for Parents as your spectrum student heads back to school Heading back to school can be a real challenge for a teen student with ASD or other neurodevelopmental issues like ADHD.  Sometimes the thought of the coming school year fills teens with a sense of dread.  The social, behavioral and academic expectations in [...]

Children and teens around the nation are heading back to school. The beginning of the year brings a range of emotions - from excitement to anxiety - that they are trying to cope with. To help facilitate the process, Mental Health America  has put together a toolkit of information for parents, teachers and students. Back to School Kids and teens today are dealing with some heavy stuff -- cyber-bullying, body shaming, community violence, abuse, neglect, unstable home lives, drug exposure, sexual orientation, immigration issues and more. Some young people may not have the tools that they need to effectively handle emotions like fear, sadness, and anger, which are often at the root of misbehavior. All too often youth who misbehave aren’t given a great deal of attention until they get into trouble at school. Getting in trouble [...]

As time passes, each generation gets more and more sexually aware, and this one is no exception. Social media, easier access to the internet, and sexual promiscuity add fuel to an already burning fire. A big problem now with the pre-teen and teen age group is sexting. Sexting is defined as sending sexually explicit photographs or messages via mobile phone. Sexting at any age can have repercussions, but at an age where brains are still developing, bullying is on the rise, and the consequences can be far reaching, the trend is even more disturbing. The writers and directors of “Screenagers, Growing up in the Digital Age” focus not only on the issues around technology use and kids, but they also send weekly emails about current trends and what to watch for. The following information was [...]

Recently Tamara Ancona partnered up with other mental health and educational professionals to host a showing of the film “Screenagers, Growing up in the Digital Age” for other community professionals. After the showing Tamara and four additional mental health and educational professionals led a panel discussion and provided additional resources to the attendees. “Screenagers” is the first feature documentary to explore the impact of screen technology on kids and to offer parents proven solutions that work. Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston decided to make “Screenagers” when she found herself constantly struggling with her two kids about screen time. Ruston felt guilty and confused, not sure what limits were best, especially around mobile phones, social media, gaming, and how to monitor online homework. Hearing repeatedly how other parents were equally overwhelmed, she realized this is one [...]