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Rep. Heath Shuler and Ask Listen Learn!
Now that school’s back in session, Ask, Listen Learn is back visiting schools! Today we visited Erwin Middle School in Asheville, NC with Congressman Heath Shuler!
We had a great time with the kids, and it’s always a pleasure to revisit Asheville. We’d like to thank Principal Hathaway and everyone at Erwin Middle School, and Congressman Shuler for his consistent support!
TIRF releases alcohol interlock study
We're very happy to announce the publication of “The Implementation of Alcohol Interlocks for First Offenders: A Case Study.”
This case study, written by Traffic Injury Research Foundation and commissioned by The Century Council, focuses on jurisdictions that have used alcohol interlocks to combat drunk driving. The purpose of this case study was to gain insight into how legislation is translated into operational practices, and to provide guidance to other jurisdictions using the knowledge that has been gained to inform decision-making.
Check out the executive summary of the case study, or the full report.
Can texting be addictive?
Originally posted in The Globe and Mail
Dear Dr. Wolf,
Is it possible to be addicted to texting? Our 14-year-old daughter has become so attached to her phone, we are beginning to worry about her. Although her marks are still excellent, she shows little interest in things she used to enjoy, such as reading and spending family time with us and her brother. Texting her friends has become the most important thing in her life, and she is sometimes in contact with as many as eight or 10 friends at once. We have imposed a daily three-hour no-texting window, but when the phone is off for those three hours, she seems antsy, fidgety and unable to focus on anything, which increases our concern. Do you have any advice for us?
Concerned Parent
A sample of typical teen messaging:
Kelsey texting her good friend Anyssa: “Did you notice how Lauren was ignoring Laura today at lunch?”
“You noticed too?”
“Yes. What’s going on between them?”
Simultaneously, Kelsey texting Logan (a boy who is a friend): “You were so rude to Kimmie today.”
“What did I do?”
Simultaneously, Kelsey receiving a text from Angela: “Tell me what you really think about my haircut.”
“I really like it.”
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not. It’s really cute.”
Why do they text all the time? It is being connected to what’s going on. It is being connected to the world of people you care about. It is a world that is not static – it constantly moves along, ever changing – and is of intense interest, especially if there is anything that pertains to you.
Your teen home alone: not the horror show you might fear
Originally posted in The Globe and Mail
If you don’t leave alcohol, money or prescription drugs lying around, chances are the worst they’ll get up to is sleeping and playing video games all day
“Oh boy. Oh boy. Oh boy. Home alone. This is so cool. Now I get to do anything I want and there’s nobody here to stop me or even know that I’m doing it. Am I going to have a good time.”
“Yes, that is exactly what I worry about. Now that it’s summer, and he has no school; and I have to work and he hasn’t been able to get a job, he’s going to be home alone for these big chunks of time with zero supervision. It would be great if I could afford to get him into a good summer program. But I can’t. It’s my nightmare. All the trouble he’s going to get into at the house.”
Oh boy.
In a world where most parents work, and have little ability to dictate their hours, summer with young teenagers presents a problem. Can they, if necessary, be left for hours with no adult at home?
10 ways to make your family vacation a pleasant one
Originally published in The Globe and Mail
1. If they have a good time, that’s great. But don’t spend too much effort trying to make them have a good time. Don’t be too disappointed if the vacation does not work out for them. You can’t force someone to enjoy themselves. Also, teens often get a lot more out of a vacation than you think. You just don’t get to see it: “Like I’m going to say, ‘Oh. Wow. This is great.’ to my parents. I don’t think so.”
2. Electronic devices are good. During the year, you may cut back and limit their use, but on family vacations – especially for long car trips – they’re a blessing. You’ll definitely get less of this: “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” There’s always something to do when you have the electronic world at your finger tips.
Cops in Shops hits the Jersey Shore
Today, New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow is joining The Century Council's Ron Engle and others to kick off a summer's worth of programs to fight underage drinking on the Jersey Shore.
One of these programs is Cops in Shops®. Cops in Shops® is a unique partnershp between retailers and law enforcement that helps stop illegal alcohol sales to those underage and prevents adults from buying alcohol for minors.The program places undercover cops in and around retail outlets selling alcohol, looking out for those underage. Cops in Shops® signage around the retail outlets also let buyers know underage drinkers are taking a substanital risk by attempting to purchase from that store.
We're very glad to have Attorney General Dow's support behind this program, and we're looking forward to seeing its impact on the Jersey Shore this summer.