Kids in Crisis
Thriving Youth Darien poster LGBTQIA+ 101: An Introduction to LGBTQIA+ Identities and Allyship

Online Introduction to LGBTQ-plus, for Youth and Parents

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A Zoom webinar, “LGBTQIA+ 101: An Introduction to LGBTQIA+ Identities and Allyship,” presented by educator and community organizer Justin Zeigler, will show participants how to create more welcoming and supportive spaces with family and friends. — an announcement from Thriving Youth Darien

In Thriving Youth Darien’s 2023 survey of Darien 6th-12th graders, LGBTQ+ youth reported significantly lower rates of connectedness to youth in school, adults outside of school and the community where they live. They also reported significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety, leading to a heightened risk for substance use. Having adults in their lives who are supportive and accepting of LGBTQIA+ youth is a protective factor! This webinar is sponsored by Thriving Youth Darien, The Depot, and Lighthouse, a program from Kids in Crisis.

Teens

Before Friday’s DHS Jr Prom, Thriving Youth Darien and Police Publicize Law and Risks of Underage Drinking

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With Darien’s Junior Prom on Friday and graduation right around the corner, Thriving Youth Darien and the Darien Police Department are reminding teens and their parents to do so responsibly and legally. — an announcement from Thriving Youth Darien
Connecticut’s Social Host Law holds parents and property owners liable for underage drinking and/or cannabis use that occurs in their homes. A person convicted of violating this law may be fined up to $2,000 and receive up to one year in jail. According to Thriving Youth Darien’s 2023 Youth Survey, 69% of high-school aged youth believed it would be sort of or very easy to access alcohol, and 53% report getting alcohol from an adult or parent with their permission. ‘Sticker Shock Campaign’ for Safety
To address these concerning findings, Youth representatives from Thriving Youth Darien, The Community Fund of Darien’s Youth Asset Team, and The Depot’s Students Against Destructive Decisions group and Volunteer Club are conducting a “sticker-shock campaign.”

Teens
Surviving the Pressure Cooker Zoom Webinar 2024

How to Help a Teen Manage Stress in a High-Achievement Environment: Online Presentation May 15

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Parents and teens concerned about managing the stress that comes with living in a high-achievement environment are invited to a Zoom conversation on the subject Wednesday, May 15. Dr. Amanda Craig, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Rebecca Campbell, Director of Therapeutic Services at Sasco River Center, will discuss the problem. — an announcement from Thriving Youth Darien

“Surviving the Pressure Cooker: How to Help Teens Manage the Need to Succeed” will unravel the complexities of performance-driven culture and help us empower adolescents maintain a healthy balance between their goals and their mental health. An anonymous audience Q&A session will follow the discussion. The program is presented  by Thriving Youth Darien, The Depot and YWCA Parent Awareness.

Childhood 2.0
Poster for Childhood 2.0 documentary

Smartphones, Social Media and Your Kids: See ‘Childhood 2.0’ Followed by Q&A at Darien Library

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Issues confronting kids in the Digital Age, including cyberbullying, suicidal ideation and online predators, are the subject of a documentary, “Childhood 2.0,” followed by a question-and-answer session this Tuesday, April 23 at Darien Library. The event is jointly sponsored by the library, OK To Delay Darien, Darien Depot and Thriving Youth Darien this Tuesday evening, April 23. — an announcement from Darien Library
6 to 7:45 p.m. — Watch the documentary
The film, just under 90 minutes long, will be shown in the Community Room. If you are unable to attend the screening, you can watch the film ahead of time (see links, below) and attend the Q&A portion. The library’s announcement says “‘Childhood 2.0’ is required viewing for anyone who wants to better understand the world their children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age.

Parents & Kids
Poster for Childhood 2.0 documentary

Smartphones, Social Media and Your Kids: See ‘Childhood 2.0’ Followed by Q&A Tuesday at Darien Library

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Issues confronting kids in the Digital Age, including cyberbullying, suicidal ideation and online predators, are the subject of a documentary, “Childhood 2.0,” followed by a question-and-answer session this Tuesday, April 22 at Darien Library. The event is jointly sponsored by the library, OK To Delay Darien, Darien Depot and Thriving Youth Darien this Tuesday evening, April 22. — an announcement from Darien Library
6 to 7:45 p.m. — Watch the documentary
The film, just under 90 minutes long, will be shown in the Community Room. If you are unable to attend the screening, you can watch the film ahead of time (see links, below) and attend the Q&A portion. The library’s announcement says “‘Childhood 2.0’ is required viewing for anyone who wants to better understand the world their children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age.

Parents & Kids
Webinar The Social Scene Thriving Youth Darien

Webinar on Feb 8: How to Coach Your Teen or Tween to Make Better Decisions in Tricky Social Situations

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Thriving Youth Darien and two other area organizations are sponsoring a webinar on  how to help your teen/tween make healthy decisions, especially about substance abuse, and particularly at parties and other social events. The workshop will also offer tips for talking about the potential risks and consequences of substance use — its impact on physical health, mental well-being, academic performance, and future opportunities. — an announcement from Thriving Youth Darien
The Problem
The Thriving Youth Darien 2023 Youth Survey of 6th-12th graders showed that the most significant increases in alcohol use happen between 8th and 9th grade, and then again between 11th and 12th grade – most often at a party or with friends at a home. How can you help your kids stay safe & manage tricky social situations? More About the Webinar
Joyce Sixsmith, Darien High School’s connections counselor, and John Hamilton, president and CEO of Liberation Programs, will speak at the Feb.