South Brunswick Parents' Workshop Saturday: Teens & Social Media

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The South Brunswick Parent Academy will hold a special seminar this Saturday, Dec. 14 that will address the use of the Internet and social media for kids and teens today.

The workshop is called "The Social Media Symposium 4.0" and it will be held Saturday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Crossroads North Middle School. A complimentary breakfast will be provided and registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

The workshop will be given by South Brunswick school district administrators as well as with representatives from the South Brunswick police department. You'll also get to talk to South Brunswick tweens and teens about social media today.

This ‘special’ Saturday workshop is open to parents and students, 4th grade and above, and will offer a series of breakout sessions for each group. Parents and students will be able to choose from several sessions and discussions during the symposium, including: ‘Real Talk’ with students, the realities of cyber-safety according to the South Brunswick Police Department, information on available technology tools, as well as information for students on building and maintaining a positive digital footprint.

As an added bonus, ten lucky attendees will receive a copy of the workshop’s companion reading: "Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked" by Adam Alter. Please note that due to the large turnout expected, childcare will NOT be provided at this workshop.

The South Brunswick Parent Academy was founded on the concept of “Solving the Puzzle of Parenting … One Piece at a Time,” and began in collaboration with the South Brunswick Municipal Alliance. They are funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA).

Interested in attending? Go to www.sbschools.org and click the Parent Academy Quick Link or https://bit.ly/RegisterSBPA to register. While prior registration is encouraged and appreciated, walk-ins Saturday are always welcome!

Here are the upcoming South Brunswick Parent Academy lectures for 2020:

Jan. 23, 2020: Hidden in Plain Sight: A Drug Awareness Program Every Parent Should Attend

Retired DEA Special Agent returns with an important drug awareness program. Discover how alcohol, drugs and paraphernalia can be easily hidden in plain sight in your home. Become educated on the latest substance abuse trends, signs and symptoms and learn about local resources and ways to bring awareness to our community and keep our children safe! No one under 21 admitted.

Feb. 13, 2020: Freedom to Fail: Fostering Positive Risk Taking, Creativity & Growth

This workshop will discuss ways to challenge students to take positive risks and broaden their horizons, even at the risk of falling short, and then encourage them (and ourselves!) to reflect and build upon the life lessons learned, for even greater rewards in the future.

March 24, 2020: Get Ready ... Get Set ... Now What? Parenting During Times of Transition

This workshop will provide parents with strategies for preparing their children (and themselves!) for the various stages of transitions students face (elementary to middle, middle to high, life after high school).

April 29, 2020: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back? How to Combat the Summer Brain Drain

Discover how to help your child stay engaged and mentally active during the summer, while still enjoying a fun break from the demands of the classroom and school work.