Number 18


Here is the latest edition of YouthMoves – a news-sheet for people interested in youth issues in Australia

Written and Produced by Kirrilie Smout, Psychologist, Speaker and Youth Specialist

 

 

WELCOME

 

 

Welcome to the latest edition of YouthMoves, a news-sheet that gives ‘snatches’ of youth news, info & resources relevant to busy people relating to teens.  

 

What’s in this issue?

 

-         Desperate to Watch Desperate Housewives? – Teenagers and Television

-         Teens who want to work part-time

-         PLUS find out about useful youth resources

-         PLUS find out about upcoming youth events

-         Our contact details

-         How to unsubscribe OR join up friends and collegues to this newsletter

 

If you would like to see the back issues of Youth Moves log onto our website www.innovateonline.net

 

If I can assist your work with young people in any way (by offering counselling services, speaking/training or just answering a question about youth issues), please feel free to phone me on 8357 1711, or email kirriliesmout@innovateonline.net.

 

 

DESPERATE TO WATCH DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES?

 

One of the new “hit” shows watched by many teens (especially girls) is Desperate Housewives.  The slick packaging, relentless marketing, barbie doll like actors and offbeat sense of humour of the show are all drawcards for this demographic. 

 

Teenagers and television is a difficult issue for many parents.  Typical problems include:  parents feeling that their teenagers watch too much television, teenagers pushing parents for permission to watch shows beyond what is appropriate for their age level, conflict between parents and teens regarding the issue of having a television in the teenagers’ room, fights between siblings regarding what is watched on television and many others.  Young Media Australia is an organisation dedicated to raising awareness of children’s needs in relation to the media (www.youngmedia.org.au).  On their website they suggest parents need to be “media educators”, showing children and teens about the healthy use of television.  A few of their suggestions are more appropriate for younger children, but parents of teenagers can still take note of some ideas.

For example, they suggest that parents lead by example in their television watching.  In particular:  don’t have the television as a constant background companion, turn the television off after a favourite show, or when visitors arrive and support quality programs (and let television executives know what you like and what you don’t).

 

They also suggest having clear guidelines about when the television is turned off.  Examples might include no television before school, no television after 9pm, no television between 4.30 and 5.30 (eg homework time perhaps) and so on.  If these guidelines are clear and parents are consistent about these guidelines over time, teenagers come to accept them.

Another helpful suggestion is to have a comfortable television free space in the home for reading, games and conversation.  In addition, have the meals area away from the television.  I also advise parents against television in teenagers’ bedrooms.  I believe it has the potential to disturb sleep, significantly interfere with homework/study, isolate the teen from the family and substantially reduce the ability to supervise teens viewing habits (essential even in a teenagers’ upper years of schooling).

 

Television of course is not negative in itself.  For example, it can offer a terrific opportunity for teenagers and parents to connect (eg watch Desperate Housewives with your teenage daughter, mute the ads and laugh with her about the fun silliness of it).  However, parents need to be mindful that as with all tools and technology used by teens, it requires parental teaching, supervision and monitoring.
 

 

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK FROM PABLO PICASSO

 

“It takes a long time to become young.”

 

 

STATS and FACTS: More than one-third of children aged 10-13 own a mobile phone.

 

(NSW Commission for Children and Young People, Exchange, Issue 16, summer 2003-04, p.3.)

 

 

NEWS AND EVENTS

Inaugural Autism SA State Conference, “Through the Eyes of Autism”, 13th – 14th May 2005, Adelaide:

A showcase of South Australian innovations in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders. For further information, contact Jon Martin, CEO, Autism SA PO Box 339, Fullarton SA 5063, Ph: (08) 8379 6976, Fax: (08) 8338 1216, E-Mail: admin@autismsa.org.au or go to Autism SA’s website, http://www.autismsa.org.au/

Drug Action Week, June 20 – 24, Around Australia: This is the premier event to raise awareness about alcohol and other drug issues in Australia. In 2004 over 450 events took place throughout the country. Theme days for each day of the week include Young People, Treatment, Prevention, Indigenous Australians, and Consumers and Carers. For more information about events, go to http://www.drugactionweek.org.au/about.html

The Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s Public Health Seminars. These free seminars are held monthly on Wednesdays between 7.15 pm and 9 pm. For bookings or more details contact the Health Information Centre, Ph: (08) 8161 6875 or Email: healthinfo@wch.sa.gov.au. The May 18th seminar is on “Fathering”, and the June 15th seminar is on “Bullying.”

 

 

Forum: Teens WORKING PART TIME

 

Dear Kirrilie,

My 15 year old wants to get a part time job.  I am concerned that this will affect his homework, and I don’t feel like he is really mature enough to handle it.  To be honest, I’m also not looking forward to yet another thing to drive him to and from – especially late at night!  What do you think?

 

Dear Parent,

In Australia today, nearly half of 15-19 year olds in full time education have part time work.  One Queensland study found that over 70% of 14-16 year olds had part time work.  In general, I am in favour of appropriate, limited hours part time jobs for teenagers.  In my experience, part time work often improves the maturity of many teenagers, provides them with socialisation opportunities not always available at school, may help with time management and encourages financial independence.   However, parents should be aware of potential pitfalls with part time work, and plan for these.  For example, parents must set limits on the number of hours/shifts and the time of day/night the teen is allowed to work (this can be difficult with some employers so negotiation is necessary).  The teenager should also expect to organise their own transport to and from the part time job wherever possible, and pay for bus tickets etc out of their own money. Teenagers also need to understand that part time jobs are a privilege and if grades drop, or other problems arise, parental permission for them to work will be withdrawn.  It is also important for parents to understand that teens are often subject to unfair work practices (eg paid less than legal minimum wage and harassment) and should teach the teen how to deal with these situations.  Despite these cautions, you might be pleasantly surprised how your son responds to part-time work.  Perhaps let him try it out with the understanding that it will be reviewed after a term. 

Good luck, Kirrilie

 

 

RESOURCES

 

HOT TOPIC – VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

The Australian Government has created a kit for schools about domestic violence. These kits contain a documentary, teaching aids and lesson plans, and can be ordered by calling 1300 76 46 56 or by visiting the website, www.australiasaysno.gov.au.

 

 

“Supporting Our Family” Kit

Children of Mentally Ill Consumers (COMIC) has created this free kit, designed to help others support children with mentally ill parents. To download this document, go to http://www.howstat.com/comic/Downloads.asp.

 

 

ABSOLUTELY EVERY BODY

The Centre for Health Promotion (CHP) at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital has created a resource to help schools promote healthy body image amongst its students. It is available to trial by contacting Janine Phillips, ph: 8161 7777, fax: 8161 7778, or email: phillipsj@mail.wch.sa.gov.au

More information can be found also by visiting the CHP’s website, at http://www.chdf.org.au/

 

 

Produced by Kirrilie Smout, Psychologist and Professional Speaker specialising in Australian Youth Issues. Kirrilie is available for keynote presentations, training, counselling/assessment of young people, and offering comment on youth issues. For information please contact Innovate Psychology and Education:  phone 8357 1711 or go to www.innovateonline.net

 

 

To unsubscribe to this newsletter just send us an email at kirriliesmout@innovateonline.net.

 

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