It’s unlikely that teenagers will ever express complete adoration for their parents. But we may be able to earn their appreciation in the long term, when young adults reflect on how our community worked to provide a safe and secure final phase of their formative years.
Why? Technology has created an increasingly connected world where the barriers that used to separate school life from personal identity are blurred. In the modern world, what used to be minor on-campus feuds become ubiquitous in the medium of cyberspace. The relative anonymity, permanence, and public nature of the Internet magnify the problem. What people call “cyber-bullying” has led to an uptick in teen suicides and violence.
Too often, the signs of depression and substance abuse are right in front of us. A newly rebranded CV Alliance is educating the community about these important topics. Next week they will host a talk on Bullying Prevention in the Glendale Unified School District. The event will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Crescenta Valley High School library.
We owe it to all children (even teenagers, which can be challenging!) to get involved in their lives and show them good examples. Whether you get involved with a local organization, or just by paying attention to or praying for a local teen, you will have served the next generation well.
As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, or your teen, please do not hesitate to contact my district office at (818) 558-3043.
Mike Gatto is the chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly. www.asm.ca.gov/gatto