Workshops to Address Risky Behavior and Teen Technology Use

Conard High School's Community of Concern is bringing two experts to West Hartford Wednesday night to host workshops on behaviors that concern parents and guardians of teens.

Risky behaviors – including those that may lead to drug and alcohol use – are already a hot topic of many parent discussions. A conversation facilitated by Dr. Susan Averna, a visiting assistant professor of psychology at Trinity College, will address gateway behaviors and underlying reasons teens use drugs and alcohol. Parents will be encouraged to ask questions and share ideas with others.

In addition, Dr. David Greenfield will facilitate "Technology: Friend or Foe? Or is it just my Frenemy?" a workshop addressing technology and the potential for the virtual world to overtake the real world in the lives of today's teens.

Greenfield, who is director of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction, is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the UConn School of Medicine and author of "Virtual Addiction," will lead a discussion and share ideas and strategies "to help you and your family develop a healthy relationship with the technology in your life," according to the event flyer.

The workshops will be held in the Conard High School auditorium on Wednesday, March 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free and registration is not required.

The goals of Conard's Community of Concern are:

• To increase our focus from drug/alcohol/tobacco issues to risky behaviors that may lead to trying drugs, alcohol, or tobacco,
• To offer training and/or information sessions for parents/guardians regarding a variety of risky behaviors, and
• To provide the space and time for parents to connect with each other to support our youth in living healthy lives.