908-575-7350

Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in an Age Of Instant Everything

Presenter: Michael M. Osit, Ed.D.
Download this webinar’s corresponding slides here.
View this webinar by clicking here
Dr. Osit offered parents practical techniques and realistic strategies to help parents raise happy, well adjusted, and well behaved kids. He shared tips and advice on establishing a foundation of limits and expectations.

Comments(12)

  1. Laurie F says:

    How do teachers assist students to understand that texting is a social and not school function when it comes to functionally daily among peers while trying to focus on education?

    • Dr. Osit says:

      First off, cell phones do not need to be turned on during the school day. There are some schools in the country that have students surrender their phones as the enter the building, and retrieve them at the end of the day. So, although there are some that believe there is a place for the cell phone as a tool to be used to teach curriculum, I think it is just a matter of teachers and administration enforcing the cell phone rules of the school.

  2. AllisonR says:

    What is to prevent a teen who has had to provide their passwords and screen names to their parents to establishing another account.

    • Dr. Osit says:

      As I stated in the Webinar, kids are very sophisticated and know more than their parents when it comes to technology. So, they could very easily have a secret Facebook account. However, If parents monitor the account or cell phone carefully, they will eventually uncover it. They then need to approach their teen from the standpoint of trust and take Facebook away for a time stating that “it is clear that you are not mature or responsible enough to have a Facebook account.”

  3. JamesJ says:

    Several families I know with high school kids have not allowed a computer in their child’s bedroom. They are used in a public areas of the house. What’s your thought on that as a method of managing computer time and internet access.

    • Dr. Osit says:

      I recommend placing computers in a public area of the home so that parents can monitor Internet activity easier. Many kids have their own laptops. They should only be allowed to use them in public areas. If computers and laptops are in the bedroom, it far more difficult to monitor its use and whether or not your child is complying with the time restrictions you have placed on computer use.

  4. VictorZ says:

    Speak a little about the celebrity that is extended to popular sports figures, foot ball players for example. They are portrayed as such bad boys and the public loves them. What kind of a message does that send.

    • Dr. Osit says:

      Famous people have always served as role models for kids. The difference today is that kids have significantly more and frequent exposure to public figure behavior. To make matters worse, the media jumps on their antics. This tends to glorify and glamourize inappropriate behavior, sending a message to kids that it is not only okay, but it is cool to emulate them. There are many professional athletes, entertainers, musicians and politicians that exemplify positive role models and values for kids to copy. But you never hear about their “do gooding.” Did anyone ever hear of the Brees Dream Foundation (Drew Brees. Braylon Edwards is a great example. Everyone who follows football knows about his legal issues. But hardly anyone knows that he provided 100 $10,000 college scholarships to inner city teens if they maintain a 2.5 GPA in high school – and delivered.

  5. JohnnyC says:

    In the current economy do you encounter any problems with kids whose parents are not able to maintain their former spending practices. What impact do you see in that situation.

    • Dr.Osit says:

      Most definitely. I wrote an article about it last year and have been interviewed for several magazine article regarding this issue. Kids who are used to getting what they want and lots of privileges that cost money have had to adjust to their parent now saying “no” out of necessity. I am seeing a mixed reaction, both positive and negative. Kids who were previously indulged, are now appreciating and limiting their requests. They are learning the value of money. Others are not accepting the financial and quality of life adjustments many families need to make due to a change in their financial status.

  6. KelleyT says:

    We have a number of educators listening tonight and it seems to me that they are on the receiving end of some of these missteps that parents make. Can you give any guidance to how an educator fits into the solution.

    • Dr. Osit says:

      I beleive that public and private schools need to include cell phone and Internet Safety, as well as cyberullying issues into the curriculum as part of character education. In the middle and high school levels it can easily be taught in Health classes. There needs to be more of a bridge between parents and students when it comes to the education of appropriate use of technology. It is similar to what has been done with sex education and DARE programs.