BRATTLEBORO — Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS) is hosting two free workshops for parents and community members aimed at keeping children safe: “Understanding and Responding to the Sexual Behavior of Children” and “Plugged-In: Technology, the Internet, and Child Safety (Revised!)”
Both workshops are set for Friday, April 19, at the Marlboro College Graduate Center in downtown Brattleboro, and presented by Karen Holz of Montpelier-based Prevent Child Abuse Vermont (www.pcavt.org).
“Understanding and Responding to the Sexual Behavior of Children” is 9 a.m. to noon and was developed at Denver's Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse.
Covered are sexual behaviors in children and adolescents that are beyond what is considered age-appropriate and healthy. Participants will learn how to discourage habituation of these behaviors, and prevent victimization of children.
“Plugged-In: Technology, the Internet, and Child Safety (Revised!)” is 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and examines the pros and cons of computer use in classrooms and child centers.
To be discussed are “screen time” and the effects of early technology on the brain development of young children; cyber-bullying; exposure to internet pornography; online gaming; sexting; cell phone usage; and warning signs of trouble.
Registration is required as seating is limited. Participants can register for one or both workshops. Contact Charmion Lea Handy, children's coordinator for Developmental Services, at 802-463-3532, ext. 1243, or chandy@hcrs.org.