On August 19, 2010, we had the opportunity to present the TY101 message to a college audience for the first time.  We were able to change our message to address the needs and concerns of the average college student.  The audience was Freshmen, Athletes and members of the Greek family at Augusta State University.  It has always been our hope to expand the scope of our message to include the college-aged students because so many believe (incorrectly) that the issues addressed in TY101 are limited to high school students.  Many college students enter college still in their teenage years, at least in the eyes of the law.

I will leave it to others to determine whether the message was well received but the feedback from the students was very positive.  Thanks to WRDW for choosing to cover the event in their evening newscast.  The more we talk about the issues presented in these discussions, the better prepared we will all be for life.

     I have been referred to this site (LINK) and have looked around.  It seems like a great source of information on the subject.  I did notice that they put up a map of the USA and ommitted some states where texting while driving  is illegal (i.e. Georgia).  It may just be an older map so if you do not see your state on the list, you may want to update the information.

     Effective July 1, 2010, it is illegal for anyone (adults included) to text while driving.  There is no exception for when the car is stopped at a traffic signal, in traffic, etc.  The important point that might be missed is that if the driver is under age 18, it is also illegal to talk on a cellular telephone.  The media has explained the no texting law in some detail but there has been less coverage on the cellular issue for those under 18.  I am not aware of any exception for a “hands free” device and I believe the restriction applies to being involved in a cellular telephone call in any manner. 

     Law enforcement officers have explained that they think it may be tough to enforce (a fact that was also discussed by Governor Perdue at the time he signed the bill) but teens need to be aware of the ban.  There are numerous Web-based photos, videos, etc of tragedies which have occurred as a result of texting while driving but, as always, teens seem to think those things will never happen to them.

Recently, the dangers of “sexting” became apparant in an Atlanta school.  Click here to read the AJC article on the incident.  The issue has been prominent in the news for several years but most teens believe that this can never happen to them.  Most adults believe that their children would never do such a thing.  As we have repeatedly stated, the advances in technology usually cause a delayed response from lawmakers who try to react to cases where technology is misused.

If you are addressing a sexting issue in your home, remind your teens of this fact: everyone has been involved in a romantic relationship that ended badly.  If the ex is in possession of a sexting message, he/she may well use that message against you in the aftermath of the breakup.  AND, once such a message is sent, you are no longer in control of where that message ends up.

There is a great article that is very much appreciated in February, 2010 edition of “Parent” Magazine published by the Metro Spirit concerning TY101.  We never know how much impact the program has and the article included input from some other folks unconnected with TY101.  If you are interested in the article, please pick up a copy of the magazine (FREE) at local distributors.  The link to the article is HERE but PLEASE support the Metro Spirit “Parent” edition!

Several parents have asked about Youth Challenge Academy.  I do not pretend to be an expert on the program but I have presented TY101 there several times and think the program can be very beneficial for teens with “issues.”  Understand that as a judge, I cannot sentence your child to attend Youth Challenge.  But I have seen cases where relatively minor charges are dismissed when the offender agrees to voluntarily attend Youth Challenge.  But Youth Challenge is hard–it has qualities that are similar to boot camp but there is no military commitment after the program ends.  The goal is to change attitudes and assist with education (HS diploma or GED) and some job skills.  But more importantly, life skills.  For some participants, this program is the difference between prison and life outside of prison. 

I have been impressed with the program and think it fills a huge need in our community.  But like everything else, it is not the quick fix that many folks think it is.  Changing behaviors that have been in place for years is not corrected in minutes or even days.  HERE is the website for Youth Challenge at Fort Gordon.

     Ok, what is it and why do kids do it?  The reality is that our teens have cell phones with messaging plans and they frequently share messages that are not a good idea.  But the advent of sexting is real and more common than you might believe.  A person takes a photo of themselves (usually nude or partially nude) and shares that photo with a boyfriend/girlfriend.  It all seems like a good idea, right?  Well, my message is that we have all been through relationships that ended with “bad” breakups.  And now that ex-boyfriend/girlfriend has a photo of you that he/she will forever be able to hold over your head.  Images on the Internet (or cellphones) never expire and Lord only knows who all has these photos.

     The other thing that always struck me is how crazy taking a nude photo of yourself is, regardless of who you think you are sharing it with.  Same with videos of private moments.  Just do not understand it.  But sexting has a cool name and has been in the news recently more than any of us wish.  HERE is a link to a recent article on the subject.  For some reason, there are people who do not see this trend as a problem (see comments to the article).  I am not one of those people.

HERE is a site for basic information about teen drug use (including alcohol) and they have links to other sites as well.  Remember, I am not endorsing any site that is linked here–just giving you information that you can use in your own family/class to discuss issues YOU think are important.

There have been several recent articles about the issue of abstinence and the impact that abstinence training has on teens.  The website for the National Abstinence Education Association is HERE.  Again, remember I am not endorsing any particular website on this site–just giving you information to discuss in your home, class, church, etc.  Do what you wish with this information.

Recently District Attorney Ashley Wright spoke to a local gathering about her concerns and observations with teens and the Internet.  Click HERE to read the article from the Chronicle.