The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

Shortcomings in the Law Allow Cyberdefamation Campaigns, Legal Expert Says Read entire article here: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/AheadoftheCurve/Story?id=6960397&page=1 The Law as an Accomplice Legal experts, however, emphasized that the law protects Web sites like Topix. Even if the comments are considered defamatory by a court of law, Topix has no legal obligation to take the content down. Defenders of the legal landscape argue that a change could stifle open discussion and free speech. But others maintain that in stories like this, regardless of who emerges, once the veil of anonymity is lifted, it is the law itself that is a co-conspirator. “The law as it currently stands is an accomplice because it creates no incentive whatsoever for Web sites to review or police themselves from content that is potentially devastating to real people and real lives,” Michael Fertik, a lawyer who specializes in online defamation , told ABCNews.com. Part of the problem, Fertik continued, is ...

Data Reveal First Major Increase in Number of Teens Reporting “Learning a Lot” About Risks of Drug Use From Parents Teen Abuse of Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medicines Remains a Serious Concern NEW YORK, NY – February 24, 2009 – The Partnership for a Drug-Free America today announced the findings from the 2008 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, (PATS) which revealed the first major increase in the number of teens who reported “learning a lot” about the risks of drugs from their parents. The study shows that 37 percent of teens reported learning a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents, a significant 16 percent increase from the previous year and the first major increase since the inception of the study. Research consistently shows that teens who learn a lot about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to use, yet many parents have difficulty talking with their kids about drugs and alcohol. This progress coincides with data showing remarkable, su...

Debra Beck , a mentor for teens and author, has created a wonderful and engaging website to help parents of today's young teen girls. Her book, My Feet Aren't Ugly , offers tools and information to help you help your child build their self esteem and feel good about who they are. About Debra: For fifteen years, Debra Beck has done workshops with Girl Power, a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is dedicated to helping “encourage and motivate eleven- to sixteen-year-old girls to make the most of their lives.” Her book " My Feet Aren't Ugly " will resonate with teenage girls and their parents equally for its sound advice and helpful suggestions, based on the author's own experiences. Learn more at her website at www.myfeetarentugly.com

As a parent advocate and a victim of the Teen Help Industry when my daughter suffered at an unregulated program , I have personally fought this fight through trials and years of litigation to be a voice that is still being heard today. My organization, Parents Universal Resource Experts, continues on a daily basis as being a resource for parents - educating them on this daunting and confusing industry, usually known as - teen help. It has been a long time coming, however the House has finally approves legislation to help protect children in teen help residential programs. The next stop is the Senate HELP committee ( http://www.help.senate.gov/ ) so now we need to contact them about when the Senate will take up this important bill. Please take time to read more. If you are in need of help for your teen, take the time you need to research programs and schools. Helpful hints and questions to ask schools and programs are listed on my website at http://www.helpyourteens.com/ . My recently...

As a parent advocate and a victim of the Teen Help Industry when my daughter suffered at an unregulated program , I have personally fought this fight through trials and years of litigation to be a voice that is still being heard today. My organization, Parents Universal Resource Experts, continues on a daily basis as being a resource for parents - educating them on this daunting and confusing industry, usually known as - teen help. It has been a long time coming, but there is finally a bill in Congress that is being voted on. Please take time to read more. If you are in need of help for your teen, take the time you need to research programs and schools. Helpful hints and questions to ask schools and programs are listed on my website at http://www.helpyourteens.com/ . Keeping Kids Safe - By Kittredge, Betsy Miller Tens of thousands of U.S. teenagers attend private and public residential programs – including therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness camps, boot camps, and behavior modi...

Source: Safe Teen Driving Club The CAUTION-NEWLY LICENSED ® Car Magnet was developed to reduce teen car crashes and fatalities.The magnet identifies teens with Learners Permits and First Year Licenses. Placed on the rear of the vehicle, the magnet alerts other drivers to use extreme caution, courtesy, and patience. A proven method to reduce teen car crashes is more experience behind the wheel. The CAUTION-NEWLY LICENSED ® car magnet provides a "shield of protection" from other drivers and allows the teen to concentrate on the road. The magnet protects not only the inexperienced drivers, but also surrounding drivers. Buses, semi-trucks and drivers education vehicles clearly mark new drivers. The same concept works for teen drivers. Identifying teen drivers is already the law in many other countries including those in Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia. The CAUTION-NEWLY LICENSED® Car Magnet Program launched a pilot program in Cobb County, Georgia in April 2007 with a distrib...

Source: KidsHealth Can a girl get pregnant if she has sex during her period?– Jamie* A lot of people think that if a girl has sex during her period, she can't get pregnant. But it is possible for a girl to get pregnant while she is bleeding. This can happen for a couple of reasons: Not all vaginal bleeding is the result of a menstrual period. Sometimes a girl will have a small amount of vaginal bleeding at the time of ovulation — the time when she is most fertile. During ovulation, an egg is released from one of the ovaries and travels down a fallopian tube to the uterus. It's common for girls who are ovulating to have some vaginal bleeding that can be mistaken for a period. Sometimes ovulation can occur before the bleeding from a girl's period has stopped, or it may occur within a few days after her period is over. Sperm can fertilize an egg for several days after ejaculation. So in both cases, having sex before the period is finished can result in pregnancy . Having unpro...

Source: Connect with Kids “Part of it I think now is there is so much more pressure in the academic settings. There are kids who are working tremendous numbers of hours each evening to get their schoolwork done. I get a sense that many of them worry about how they are doing academically, and that tends to spill over into difficulties with sleep.” – Richard Winer, M.D., Psychiatrist Whether it’s an over-the-counter medication like Nyquil, or a prescription drug like Ambien or Sonata, more and more teens say they often take something to get to sleep. “It’s mainly just stress… you want to study and then you realize you need to sleep because you have a test the next day and then you just take something,” says Chelsea, 19. “An Ambien to knock me out,” adds 19-year-old Jessica. “I’ll take Nyquil or something like that, just to help me get to sleep easier,” explains Allison, 19. Why do kids today need help getting to sleep? Experts say there are several answers: greater academic pressure, mor...

Bullying is part of your child’s life – find out how to reduce it in your neighborhood, at school, and online. Education.com and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) invite all parents to participate in a powerful and free web seminar that will reveal common myths surrounding bullying, the real facts, and actions parents can take to reduce bullying. The web seminar will be delivered by renowned bullying expert Dr. Shelly Hymel, PhD who will present a highly interactive session with plenty of time devoted to answering participants’ questions. Don’t miss this event – chances are your child is experiencing bullying. This is your chance to find out how you can help. When: Wednesday, February 25, 2009 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PST

I hear all the time how parents can’t talk to their teens, or should we say, can’t get our teens to listen. In many situations it is how we as parents approach our teens. It seems like a game, but the end result is worth it. Opening up the lines of communication can be critical in today’s teen generation. Here is a great tip list from Shoulder to Shoulder. Source: Shoulder to Shoulder When talking with teens, keep the following in mind: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE APPROACH. Don’t blast teens with “20 questions” when they first walk in the door. Catch them when they are genuinely ready to talk. However, you may have to create that moment by going out for ice cream, taking a bike ride or working on a project together. If you’re upset with your teen, you can’t solve a problem effectively. Give yourself some time to cool down before addressing the issue. Keep the situation in perspective. It’s normal for teens to push the boundaries. Let them experience how to question what they see, and to develop...

Today more and more teens are joining Facebook as well as the other Social Network - however Facebook seems to be growing. Why? I honestly don’t know, but I do know parents are enjoying Facebook as much as many kids are. Recently I stumbled over an article on Tangerine Times written by a parent helping us navigate our way through the Social Cyberspace. This topic is critical - as keeping your child’s privacy is important for many reasons. Help your kids stay safe with Social Networking - read this valuable article. Source: Tangerine Times How to Help Your Teen Use Privacy Settings on Facebook Many parents tell me they are frustrated with their teens’ use of Facebook. Here are some of the comments I hear frequently from parents: “They know more than I do about how to use it and set it up, so how can I control it?” “My kids are using it when I am not around, so how can I possibly know what they are doing, who they are talking to and if they are being safe with their information?” “I fe...

Yes, it is Valentine's Day , however if you are a parent dealing with a defiant , belligerent at risk teenager and you are at your wit's end - It may be time to think about intervention . It is out of love that we seek to give our teens a second opportunity in life. If it is obvious they are escalating in a downward path, as a parent, it is our responsibility to find help. Whether it is seeking local therapy or support groups, or taking the major step of residential boarding schools - be a proactive parent. If you are debating residential therapy for your teen, learn more about this extremely daunting and confusing industry. Yes, you need to get help - but educate yourself first.Learn more about Wit's End at http://www.witsendbook.com/ and author Sue Scheff at http://www.suescheff.com/ -the response has been overwhelming! If you are struggling with your teen today - pick up Wit's End and learn more! For a quick read, check out http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ ...

What do you get your teen as a Valentine's gift? Hmmmm .... is it always about gifts? Simply reminding them you love them and and maybe spending time with - lunch, dinner? We know most teens sleep through the breakfast hour! Why not get your teen a book - a book that can help them in their relationships in life and love. It could be a priceless gift - for those that remember those puppy love years, they can be as painful as they are blissful. Check out HCI's Teen Love Series on Relationships by Kimberly Kirberger . Love is such a mystery - sometimes painful, other times glorious, always challenging. This book will guide you to understand and sort out your myriad feelings and experiences. However you feel about love - love it, hate it, wish you knew, wish you didn't, or feel too scared and confused to even try to find out - this book will show you that your feelings are okay, and most important, that you are not alone. In it you'll find letters from other teens an...

Since I speak with parents on almost a daily basis, I hear more and more of teens today selling, buying and/or taking prescription drugs. Parents need to be aware of this. Especially if you have a child on ADD/ADHD medication - keep count - be alert - be a proactive and educated parent. Or if you or anyone else in your home is on prescriptions meds, if you suspect you are refilling these prescriptions more often - stop, take count. Source: Connect with Kids “I was a bum, I had slept outside, I mean all the stuff that you hear … and I always pictured a drug addict to be somebody that sleeps under a bridge … and it happened before I even knew it.” – Andrew Theriot, 21 years old Andrew Theriot first tried the prescription painkiller OxyContin when he was 17. Within a month, he turned into someone nobody liked. Andrew says, “My friends, nobody trusted me. My family pretty much told me to get out after a long period of time … I would steal things.” Experts say OxyContin gives an instant f...

Bullying is part of your child’s life – find out how to reduce it in your neighborhood, at school, and online. Wednesday, February 25, 2009 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PST The most recent data indicates that more than half of all school aged children are directly involved in bullying either as a bully or as a victim. Many more are affected by bullying as witnesses or accomplices. Bullying is an ‘equal opportunity’ issue affecting kids of all races, genders, and socio-economic statuses. While bullying is a serious and pervasive problem there is hope. By learning the truth about bullying and taking action as a family, parents can help keep their kids safer and happier in their neighborhood, at school, and online. Education.com and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) invite all parents to participate in a powerful and free web seminar that will reveal common myths surrounding bullying, the real facts, and actions parents can take to reduce bullying. The web seminar will be deli...

Source: Love Our Children USA Knowing that the world we live in today is very different, Love Our Children USA recognizes that we must redefine parenting. No one is a perfect parent and there is no magical way to raise children. And we know kids can be challenging! Parenthood and caring for a child is a gift bestowed upon us which comes with the greatest responsibility and pledge … to guarantee the safety, nurturing, loving environment and physical and emotional wellness of our children … for ALL children! Anyone and everyone can learn good parenting skills. Even parents who are overwhelmed, or alone. The first three years of your child’s life are crucial. Those are the years that your child will develop significant intellectual, emotional and social abilities. That’s when they learn to give and accept love. They learn confidence, security, and empathy … they learn to be curious and persistent …everything your child needs to learn to relate well to others, and lead a happy and product...

Are you struggling with debating whether you need to look for outside help with your troubled teenager? Are you ready to make some very difficult decisions? Are you at your wit's end ? Do you believe you need teen intervention from outside resources? Struggling financially and emotionally with this decision? Are you willing to share your story on TV? This is not about exploiting your family, but helping others that are silently suffering and not realizing they are not alone as well as giving your teen a second opportunity at a bright future. Most remember Brat Camp - this is a bit different. Starting with educating parents about the first steps in getting your teen help - determination and transportation. If you are interested in participating, read below and contact Bud and Evan directly. Brentwood Communications International is an award-winning television production company in Los Angeles, California. We have recently begun work on a new television series about the real l...

I love stumbling over great new parenting websites - and what a name - Power Moms Unite - Founder, Candace McLane offer a wide variety of articles, thoughts, tips, parenting resources and more on ADHD. As a mother of an ADHD son, I really enjoy this site. Check her Blog out too - great up to date info! What is a Power Mom ???? Power Moms are moms working to successfully balance the needs of child, family, and self. Some work outside the home, balancing a career with the needs of their child, family and personal self. Other moms are working from home, managing families while managing a small home-based business or managing large families and a homeschool. There are a wide range of us- all power moms- looking to do our best at our many hats as mom- be that nuturer, coach, educator, cheerleader, psychologist, disciplinarian, party arranger, role-model, etc. The roles are vast and numerous, the balance often difficult to strike. This site hopes to empower these moms by providing timely, ...

Featuring real kids talking about real issues, this Emmy award-winning Connect With Kids series helps inspire communication between parents and their children about the challenges, pressures and influences every pre-teen faces. Making it easier to talk to your Middle-Schooler about today’s tough issues, this Middle School Survival Kit contains programs covering these timely topics: Internet Dangers , Drugs & Alcohol , Dating & Sex, Anxiety & Depression . Selected video segments from our most popular titles are combined to create a must-have for every parent … Sticks and Stones and Invisible Weapons cover the problems of bullying, gossiping and emotional harassment. Gateway Drugs shows actual kids sharing their personal experiences about drugs, smoking and peer pressure. In Caught in the Web, real-life stories teach lessons about internet safety and cyberbullying. Anxiety and depression are discussed in Leave Me Alone, helping parents and kids distinguish between moodiness a...

CRAMSTER.com has been helping parents with their children that are struggling with completing homework or needs help understanding and learning study skills. Take a moment to review their free offer that can help you help your teen. Source: Cramster.com Cramster.com is a free and effective alternative to tutoring. With experts and knowledgeable community members available 24/7, we leverage the popularity of online social networks to boost your child’s understanding and grades. And don’t forget, you can brush up on your own knowledge anonymously as well. Sign up today. HERE’S WHAT YOU GET (It takes less than 30 seconds to register for free ) Step-by-step textbook solutions Sometimes answers in the back of the book just aren’t enough. Read our step-by-step solutions to actually understand how to solve the problems. And, unlike a solution manual, if you don’t understand the demonstrated steps, you can ask our community for clarification. Expert help at any time, day or night. Ask or a...

O- kay - Michael Phelp's , a role model for our kids - has screwed up. I am not condoning what he did - but can't help to think that this is yet another opportunity for parents to open up a discussion about drugs with their kids. Newsday.com has an article encouraging coaches to speak with young athletes about this. I think it can hold true to parents of all children that look up to celebrities and athletes. For more information visit D.A.R.E. Source: NewsDay Coaches: Michael Phelps scandal an opportunity to talk to young athletes Michael Phelps' apology for using a marijuana pipe presents an opportunity to talk to young athletes about drug use, poor judgment and how to learn from a mistake, Long Island swim coaches said. Long Island coaches said they would use the incident as a teachable moment, driving home the point that drugs undermine athletic performance and that Phelps will suffer the consequences of his actions, losing esteem, and perhaps endorsements. "It...

The CBS Early Show - Pumping Up the Brain Watch now: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4764808n Researchers are finding that exercise can not only keep you fit, but make you smarter. A school in Illinois has developed a program that gets students moving and learning. Debbye Turner Bell reports. In SPARK , John J. Ratey, M.D., embarks upon a fascinating and entertaining journey through the mind-body connection, presenting startling research to prove that exercise is truly our best defense against everything from depression to ADD to addiction to aggression to menopause to Alzheimer’s. Filled with amazing case studies (such as the revolutionary fitness program in Naperville, Illinois, which has put this school district of 19,000 kids first in the world of science test scores), SPARK is the first book to explore comprehensively the connection between exercise and the brain. It will change forever the way you think about your morning run—or, for that matter, simply the way you think. ...