I recently spoke to youth and parents in Rockville Centre, New York, and gave two presentations: one on growing up in a digital age, and one on teen vaping awareness.
Both were recorded, so families who missed the community night can watch from home, and schools can see exactly what a presentation like this looks like.
Growing Up in a Digital Age
The first presentation, Growing Up in a Digital Age , covered the online and social media landmines young people run into every day, and how to use technology responsibly.
We talked about screens and mental health, conflict resolution online, online predators, and protecting your online reputation.
It is the kind of internet safety talk that works for students and for parents in the same room, which is why the community night format works so well.
Resources on Growing Up in a Digital Age
Vaping Awareness
The second presentation focused on teen vaping awareness . I explained how the vaping industry markets to young people by appealing to their interests and lifestyles, and why teens are such a target.
We covered the serious health risks, especially the potential long-term harm, along with the pressures that push teens toward vaping in the first place, like peer pressure, stress, and wanting to escape life's challenges.
For parents, I shared practical ways to help their teens make smart choices.
Resources on Vaping Awareness
- Escape the Vape
- Nicotine Withdrawal
- CDC: E-cigarettes and Youth, What Parents Need to Know
- U.S. Surgeon General: Sound the Alarm, Youth Vaping Can Harm
- CDC: Resources to Help Youth Reject or Quit Vaping
If you or someone you know needs help quitting nicotine, Truth Initiative has free resources on quitting smoking and vaping .
See What Your School's Families Will Get
Every Dynamic Influence community and school presentation comes with more than a single night.
Schools also get access to our online curriculum through the Dynamic Influence Edutainment Portal, where students can watch the presentation, join class discussions, and complete activities that extend the lessons in the classroom.
Families get a recording they can revisit anytime.
New York Resources for Families
New York State offers its own support on both topics covered in these presentations.
The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) shares substance use and vaping prevention resources for families and schools, and New York State provides guidance on recognizing and responding to cyberbullying.
A Special Thanks to the Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth
Thank you to the Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth for making these presentations and resources possible and for bringing them to the community.
Rockville Centre is lucky to have a group this committed to its young people.
Bring These Presentations to Your School or Community
Help students and families navigate today's biggest challenges, from social media safety and online reputation to vaping awareness and prevention.
Assemblies, parent nights, and a full year of follow-up curriculum, all in one program.