Advantages vs. Responsibilities: Technology

One of the beauties of the modern world might just be the technological advantages. I don’t believe that’s the only beauty, but just think of the things it’s allowed people to do.  These advantages come in handy especially for those with a recent change.

For example, one of my best friends is moving eleven hours away next Saturday. What would I do to keep in touch with her other than “snail mail” (or writing letters) at a constant rate? One of the first things we promised each other is to text, call, Skype, Facebook chat, and message one another every day so the transition for both of us will go more smoothly.

What would I do to keep this pledge without technology?  Without the “gift of technology” there would be no way my friend and I would stay in touch. Luckily, these inventions will allow us to stay close, even while remaining across America.
But is it true that these advancements come with great responsibility? Of course, of course, of course. You’ve heard of all the disasters involved with these things. Texting has taken a nasty picture messaging turn. Facebook has leaked pictures, information, and rumors that have caused depression and suicide. Now I’m not trying to scare anyone out there- it’s the reality that everyone has to face in order to be prepared to deal with what happens.
What’s the best way to get rid of these hazards that deal with technology? The answer is pretty different for everyone if you’d go into detail, but I like to follow these three points:
1. Wait- there’s no rush to create a Facebook account, get a cellphone, or that new web-cam. These things should be treated as privileges, not rights, and the time you and your parents decide is the right time… well that’s the right time for you!
2. Be careful- sounds pretty open, right? Being careful means many things. I think the most important thing to be careful of, is watch what you put out there, it remains out there forever. Before doing something online or on your phone that you’d have any doubts about, carefully analyze what you’ll think about it next week, next year. Will it be the kind of thing that could possibly come back to haunt you?
3. Stick with your friends- you don’t have to be the 100% social butterfly technologically. Send messages and associate with the people you know in real life, which means you’ve met them in person.
Sounds like a lot? These are just some of the responsibilities that come with technology. With increasing free time over the summer, more girls will turn to these outlets. But to avoid all in general, make yourself busy! Reserve the minutes for your out of town friends- write a letter!  Just always keep the advantages and responsibilities that come with your devices.  PS…a new movie on Cyberbullying just came out.  Find out more here.

Girl Talk! An Exclusive Event for St. Louis Moms & Their Tween & Teen Daughters

This event is FREE and open to the public.

 Do you ever wish your mom just understood the way you feel? Do you worry about the issues both of you will face in middle and high school? In a quickly changing world where technology is shaping the way we all communicate with each other, and more teens are dealing with peer pressure and stress, parents find it …difficult to keep up and want to know how to help.

 

In this interactive workshop, Carrie Silver-Stock, MSW, LCSW, author and teen expert, will share tips every mom and daughter can use.

What You Will Learn:
· Key issues tweens and teens face and how to talk about it with each other.
· How to talk so you can both hear each other.
· How to create a foundation of trust in your relationship.
· How to stay safe with technology online and offline.
· How to deal with cyber bullying, texting, and the internet.
· How to deal with the Secrets Girls Keep.

Details:  Wednesday, February 16 · 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Ladue Chapel Fellowship Hall, 9450 Clayton Road, Ladue, MO .  Feel free to RSVP on Facebook!

Carrie Silver-Stock, MSW, LCSW, is a social worker and the founder of www.girlswithdreams.com, a social networking site that provides support, advice, and tips on the issues girls struggle with most. She has appeared on NBC, FOX, CBS, and numerous radio programs in addition to contributing articles to many media outlets. She is passionate about hearing and inspiring teens to help them find their own way. Carrie is an award winning author and has written two books, The Powder Box Secrets and Secrets Girls Keep (HCI).

Drop the Technology

I’m sick of hearing, “I found out you and your boyfriend broke up through facebook.”

I am FED UP with technology. I know I’m not the only one in the world who feels like they’re on facebook 24/7. Logging in has become my biggest addiction, so I am now trying to give up facebook for a while. In fact, I’m going to try cutting back on technology in general.

I’m tired of being in class, texting in my purse: “Hey what’s up?” “Nothing, bored… you?” I’m tired of my friends looking down at their phones and texting as I’m trying to talk to them.

Technology has taken over my life! Although technology improves my life by helping me keep in touch with friend I can’t always talk to in person and stay informed with world events, I want to encourage everyone to cut back. Put down your phone and enjoy the summer sun. Hide it if you have to! It’s amazing how much I rely on my phone. I miss it even after a few hours!

Cutting back on technology will also improve your communication skills. Strike up an actual conversation with that person you’re texting in the row next to you. Go a week without facebook and ride your bike instead of watching The Hills all day. It’ll be worth it in the end.

Friday is No Phone Zone Day: Can We Count On You?

Texting while driving and even talking on your cellphone while driving could have irreversible consequences.  These habits have become one of the most deadly in the United States.  Oprah is leading a campaign to create a “no phone zone” in cars (at least for the drivers). 

Girls With Dreams supports this campaign and the No Phone Zone Pledge!  Have you signed the pledge? 

Today, Friday April 30, Oprah is launching a No Phone Zone Friday.  We hope you’ll sign the pledge, share this blog post, and spread the word.  Together we can save lives! 

Share this widget with your friends!

Girl Talk in St. Louis FREE Event for Moms & Daughters

St. Luke’s Hospital St. Louis is hosting a FREE Girl Talk event Saturday January 30th from 1-4 PM for mothers and daughters ages 11 and older.

Program highlights include:

• Award winning author Carrie Silver-Stock will share “Why Girls Need Dreams” and “For Moms-Secrets Girls Keep: What’s Your Daughter Texting?”  Carrie’s new book, Secrets Girls Keep will be available to purchase and signing.
• Winter Skin Care with Dermatologist Amy Ney
• Sleep…Who Needs It? with sleep specialist Angie Randazzo, PhD
• Dance & Fitness Fun with Wii
• Sleep in Style ( a Pajama Fashion Show by Macy’s)

This event is FREE but registration is required:  visit St. Luke’s.com or call 314-542-4848

A HUGE Wake Up Call!

Did you know that texting while driving is equal to driving drunk?  This was a shocking new piece of information I heard on part of the Oprah show I saw while working out this week.

I realize many teens don’t watch Oprah, but I would encourage you to take one minute and check out her new NO PHONE ZONE pledge and help save lives!  6000 people die every year because of distracted drivers, and nearly 500,000 people are injured!!!   This was a BIG Wake Up call to me.  Oprah shared heart wrenching stories of people who lost loved ones because of texting or talking on cellphones.  One little girl, about the same age as my son, was killed about 15 pedals from her home as she was riding her bike.  These accidents are preventable if we would put our cell phones down!

A recent survey found 71 percent of drivers 18 to 49 admitted to text or talk on the phone when they were driving.  I know I had been part of that group.  Please take a minute and check out the story about distracted driving and help save a life by signing the pledge!!!

Confessions of a Text-A-Holic Part II

Staying away from technology has been a challenge. Although my free time revolves around my laptop and cell phone, I believe that I’ll be a happier person without them.

I’ve made it a goal to cut back on the texting! I want to be able to create relationships with new people and hold conversations with them.

Here are my silly tactics keep me distracted:
I always have a new CD in my car stereo so I don’t text while I’m driving.

Once I get to work, I keep my phone in the back room so I can focus on my responsibilities.

When I’m at home, I keep my phone in a different room so I can concentrate on my homework.

I put my phone on silent during dinner so I can spend some quality time with my parents.

In the hallways at school, I listen to my iPod so I’m not texting in my purse.

Even though it’s a pain to stay away from my cell phone, I have more time for my friends. I can tell them what I’m feeling in person, and I can relate to them better. It’s going to be a long way to recovery, but a challenge always stirs things up.

If you want to read Confessions of a Text-A-Holic Part I, check it out here. Are you a text-a-holic too? Do you have any other ideas for other teens?

Confessions of a Text-A-Holic Part I

I went to see a movie with an old friend this weekend. I hadn’t gone out with her in two years! I noticed that she kept checking her phone every five minutes and it bothered me because we could have been catching up during that time.

Technology is taking over our lives. I text instead of call, and I call instead of walking over to my neighbor’s house. I’m guilty of texting during class, while I’m on my break at work, and even while I drive!

I depend on my phone, but I’m not the only one. People are always texting when they’re talking to me. I even text while I’m already on the phone with someone else.

To be honest, I’m not completely sure I know how to talk to people anymore. I don’t know how to contribute to a conversation for very long because I’m so dependent on my cell phone and laptop.

I wish all of us could give the phones a break and talk to each other the real way.

Speaking

Carrie has a variety of workshops and talks available for teens and parents. Workshops and talks vary in length from one hour to multiple days.   For more information please contact carrie@girlswithdreams.com.

Carrie loves to personalize her workshops and talks to meet your needs.

These are a list of the most frequently requested topics for teens:
Secrets Girls Keep: What Girls Hide (& Why) and How to Break the Stress of Silence

What Are You Texting?  Tech Tips  Every Teen Needs to Know

Self-Esteem: Who’s Got It and How Do I Get It?

Mean Girls:  Which Side Are You On?

If You Dream It, You Can Do It!

Stand Up For Yourself: Real Skills for Teen Girls’ Everyday Problems

Finding Your Strengths and Planning for Your Future

These are the most requested workshops and talks for parents:

Keeping Girls Safe: How to Help Her with Peer Pressure, Drinking, and Bullies

What’s My Teen Texting?  Tips Every Parent Needs to Keep Their Kids Safe Online

Hiding Her Potential: Six Keys to Help Her Increase Self-Esteem, Confidence and Prepare to Lead

Secrets Girls Keep: What Girls Hide (& Why) and How to Deal With It

Secrets Teens Keep:  Improving Communication so Kids Will Listen