Words/Wounds

Many of you have heard these words before but might be wondering what this latest article addresses. First let me define each word; Words - a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning, Wounds - an injury or hurt to feelings, sensibilities, reputation, etc.

Now that you have a better understanding of each word, let me place them into the life of a teenager. Teenagers communicate (the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs) through various means. Some find it easier to use a cellular telephone, by either talking, text messaging or sending pictures. Others use a cell phone to communicate through facebook (smart phones). Some other methods of communication are through the use of computers, which is what many of these cellular telephones have become. Teenagers can not live without a cell phone. If you disagree, simply take one away from a teen and see the reaction! If you are able to unlock the ties that connect them to their phones, you probably will need the unlock code or the battery. Teens are very private with what is on their phones. Many teens find cell phones hold their inter-most secrets. They hide behind their phones, feel powerful, secure and out of harms-way. These same teens would never share in-person with what they find it too easy to say on an electronic device.

By now you should begin to understand the purpose of this article. There exists a very "fine-line" between Words & Wounds. Teens say things that are quick to hurt the heart. What once was said to another face-to-face is now being communicated to hundreds electronically spreading the hurt and hate. How many times have you received a text or e-mail message and taken it the wrong way? With these types of messages you can't determine the voice inflection or body-language as to how it was communicated, thus misinterpreting. Should a teen take a message the wrong way, they maybe quick to react negatively. Have you heard the names Jesse Logan, Phoebe Prince, Megan Meier,Celina Okwuone and countless others whose lives have been silenced through bullying (a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people). Many feel bullying is only done when it is face-to-face, but in today's culture of electronic devices bullying takes on another form. This form of bullying is done where hundreds of others contribute to the messages of hate by sending them onto others electronically. This form is called cyberbullying.

“Help teens to let others know that they won’t allow cyberbullying, supporting the victim, making it clear that they won’t be used to torment others and that they care about the feelings of others is key. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

We need to teach our children that silence, when others are being hurt, is not acceptable. If they don’t allow the cyberbullies to use them to embarrass or torment others, cyberbullying will quickly stop. It’s a tall task, but a noble goal. And in the end, our children will be safer online and offline. We will have helped create a generation of good cybercitizens, controlling the technology instead of being controlled by it.” -STOP Cyberbullying

Parents Be Your Children's Role Models

We have all seen the signs that read, "Parents Who Host Lose The Most". So what does this actually mean? Simply stated don't be a host to underage drinking.

Help make alcohol less Attractive, less Available, less Affordable and less Acceptable. Knowing the 4 A's to preventing underage consumption can help students stay on the path to success!

The grass roots effort started in Ohio during 1998. Ohio was asked to look into underage drinking. What they found was alarming and decided to focus on house parties. What started back then is now found in 49 states!

Serving alcohol to any underage individual except your child is illegal. Alcohol consumption by youth presents an immediate hazard to both the child and the community. The goal is to deter the intentional purchasing, pouring, or providing alcohol for youth.

Prom is now over, but graduation is just around the corner. Many will be celebrating the end of high school and the start of something big, whether it be college, military, a career, or some other form of education. These celebrations do not need to include alcohol!

If an underage person can wait until they are 21 years old, they can reduce the likelihood of having problems with alcohol use as an adult by 70%. There can be civil and criminal liability for those who serve alcohol to minors. With so much at stake, it is clear "Those that host, lose the most".

What parents should know:

• As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your teen’s friends under the age of 21 even in your own home, and even with their parent’s permission.
• You cannot knowingly allow a person under 21, other than your own child, to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol.

If you break the law:

• You could face a $500 fine and/or automatic jail time for serious bodily injury or death that is the result of your knowingly permitting or failing to take action.
• Others can sue you if you give alcohol to anyone under 21, and they, in turn hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
• Officers can confiscate any alcohol, money or property used in committing an offense.
• Homeowner’s insurance coverage for property damage or bodily injury is in jeopardy.

Things you can do as a parent:

• Refuse to supply alcohol to anyone under 21, and avoid easy access in your home or garage.
• Be at home, and awake when your teen has a party.
• Make sure that alcohol is not brought into your home, or property, by your teen’s friends.
• Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at events your child will be attending.
• Create alcohol-free opportunities and activities in your home so teens will feel welcome.
• Report underage drinking to local law enforcement.