As part of an ongoing series, there will be a special presentation for parents and their children called “Raising Positive Children: Recognizing the Signs – Cyberbullying, Suicide, Depression” held at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, located at 601 City Center Way. It will take place on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This is the third in a series of presentations hosted by Pembroke Pines Commissioner Iris A. Siple, West Campus Charter School Principal Michael Castellano, the Education Roundtable Forum and the City of Pembroke Pines to call attention to and find solutions for the many issues children face today at home and at school.
“It’s extremely important for our schools and community to collaborate and increase suicide prevention efforts and tackle those issues that can lead to tragedy head on,” said Commissioner Iris A. Siple. “Parents in particular play a key role in prevention and must be able to distinguish normal teenage angst from serious depression, be aware of what their child is going through or causing on line, be conscious of painful consequences such as cutting, and know how to get help for their child.”
This presentation will help parents, school and community mental health and law enforcement personnel increase their understanding of the most common factors in youth suicide, dispel myths about suicide, and recognize the relationship between cyberbullying, cutting, bullying and suicide. Participants will also learn effective strategies to prevent youth suicide, learn the warning signs and be empowered to save a life.
Dr. Scott Poland, a Professor at the College of Psychology and Co-Director of the Suicide and Violence Prevention Office at Nova Southeastern University, will once again be the special guest speaker. A licensed psychologist, he is internationally recognized as an expert on youth suicide, self-injury, school violence, bullying prevention, threat assessment and school crisis. Dr. Poland has authored or co-authored five books and many chapters and articles on these subjects.
While children in 3rd grade and up are welcome, these are serious topics and parents should judge their presence accordingly. Participants will have an opportunity for questions and answers. Community resource information also will be available, and light refreshments will be served. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please call 954-450-1030. Tickets are not required, however, participants are encouraged to register at https://tinyurl.com/raisingpositivechildren3 .