What could be better than fall in the Finger Lakes? Traditionally, I know that fall is the season when things are dying down, leaves changing and falling, gardens harvested and preparation for cold and snow is on everyone's minds. For me as an educator, I see fall is the season ripe with the excitement of the new school year, a season of growth and new possibilities.
Old friends, new friends and plans for enjoying time together are all part of the school year, especially for teens and young college students in our community. As teenagers, they are also facing many challenges, new experiences and temptations that come with increased independence and growth.
As those who care about these young people, we want to teach them to be safe and avoid the dangers that may confront them. My hope is that those of you who are parents, and those of you who work with young people, realize what an influence you have on those young people in your life.
Talking, using teachable moments as you watch TV or ride in the car, having heart-to-heart talks, or however you communicate with them, it is important that you do talk about their need to be aware and safe. Your concern for your child's safety does not go unheeded. Your child knows that you are concerned. When you take an interest in your child's life, in their school, in their activities and their friends, you are letting them know how important they are as individuals. Whether they're 5 or 17 years old, if you have clear safety rules and if they know that they have adults who care about them and are willing to listen to their concerns, they are able to develop a positive feeling of self. That self-esteem allows them to be assertive and less vulnerable to victimization.
One concern that I hear from people who work with teens and from parents is about substance-related sexual assault. This concern is justified, as confirmed by a University of Illinois study, which found that 70 percent of women and 80 percent of men had been drinking when an assault occurred.
For some teens and young adults, drinking and using drugs is a symbol of their independence, in spite of the fact that it is dangerous to their health and safety.
Alcohol and drugs are no excuse for this crime of violence. Alcohol use does not cause sexual violence, but it can contribute to an atmosphere where anything goes, including rape. Young people with increased independence and freedom need to understand the significance of their choices.
In a public service pamphlet from the drug company, Hoffman-LaRoche, Inc., they alerted the public that because of the increased use of “date rape drugs” we must be more cautious in social situations. It is important to remind young people, and be aware ourselves, that drinks, even non-alcoholic drinks, should not be left unattended. No beverage should be accepted from someone you do not know well and trust.
As I do educational programs regarding personal safety with teenagers, I encourage them to follow that old safety practice of childhood, “the buddy system.” Friends can watch out for friends at social events and help their peers to stay safe. It is most important that we encourage young people to look out for each other and get help it they notice unusual behavior or have a concern for another's safety.
Let's go back to the idea of this fall being a season of possibilities. For all those concerned, parents and grandparents who are sending their child off to the unknown of a new school year, problems do present themselves and challenges can seem overwhelming, but you and your child will face the challenges together. And if you need support or information to aide in your parenting confidence, we have a community that has many programs to help. As the educator for SAVAR of Cayuga Counseling I am more than glad to provide parents with free materials and information. You are always welcome to use SAVAR as a resource as you and your kids look forward to the challenges of the new school year.
This can be a wonderful season and the beginning of a wonderful year full of possibilities. Enjoy.
Rosa Grube is an education coordinator for SAVAR of Cayuga Counseling Services
As those who care about these young people, we want to teach them to be safe and avoid the dangers that may confront them. My hope is that those of you who are parents, and those of you who work with young people, realize what an influence you have on those young people in your life.
Talking, using teachable moments as you watch TV or ride in the car, having heart-to-heart talks, or however you communicate with them, it is important that you do talk about their need to be aware and safe. Your concern for your child's safety does not go unheeded. Your child knows that you are concerned. When you take an interest in your child's life, in their school, in their activities and their friends, you are letting them know how important they are as individuals. Whether they're 5 or 17 years old, if you have clear safety rules and if they know that they have adults who care about them and are willing to listen to their concerns, they are able to develop a positive feeling of self. That self-esteem allows them to be assertive and less vulnerable to victimization.
One concern that I hear from people who work with teens and from parents is about substance-related sexual assault. This concern is justified, as confirmed by a University of Illinois study, which found that 70 percent of women and 80 percent of men had been drinking when an assault occurred.
For some teens and young adults, drinking and using drugs is a symbol of their independence, in spite of the fact that it is dangerous to their health and safety.
Alcohol and drugs are no excuse for this crime of violence. Alcohol use does not cause sexual violence, but it can contribute to an atmosphere where anything goes, including rape. Young people with increased independence and freedom need to understand the significance of their choices.
In a public service pamphlet from the drug company, Hoffman-LaRoche, Inc., they alerted the public that because of the increased use of “date rape drugs” we must be more cautious in social situations. It is important to remind young people, and be aware ourselves, that drinks, even non-alcoholic drinks, should not be left unattended. No beverage should be accepted from someone you do not know well and trust.
As I do educational programs regarding personal safety with teenagers, I encourage them to follow that old safety practice of childhood, “the buddy system.” Friends can watch out for friends at social events and help their peers to stay safe. It is most important that we encourage young people to look out for each other and get help it they notice unusual behavior or have a concern for another's safety.
Let's go back to the idea of this fall being a season of possibilities. For all those concerned, parents and grandparents who are sending their child off to the unknown of a new school year, problems do present themselves and challenges can seem overwhelming, but you and your child will face the challenges together. And if you need support or information to aide in your parenting confidence, we have a community that has many programs to help. As the educator for SAVAR of Cayuga Counseling I am more than glad to provide parents with free materials and information. You are always welcome to use SAVAR as a resource as you and your kids look forward to the challenges of the new school year.
This can be a wonderful season and the beginning of a wonderful year full of possibilities. Enjoy.
Rosa Grube is an education coordinator for SAVAR of Cayuga Counseling Services
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