As families continue to navigate advancing technology, parents may be wondering how to talk to their children about the important topics impacting their lives. The development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed children’s lives, from their education to daily tasks. But many parents and family members are probably wondering– how can I talk to … Read more
We have a responsibility to create and maintain relationships with people we care about. In this activity, students will talk to 2-3 adults about how they communicated and built relationships before social media. Click on this video to watch Youth Speak Out facilitator William Desravines Jr. talk about the activity. You can find step-by-step instructions … Read more
At Youth Speak Out, we aim to give youth space to share their thoughts and raise their voice. Our programs start conversations about important topics such as cyberbullying, the overuse of technology, and misinformation in the classroom. But we want these conversations to continue in other settings, especially at home. However, for many parents, conversations … Read more
In today’s world, it is easy to feel bombarded by devices and screens. Technology is part of how we do our jobs, how we go to school, how we access healthcare, and more. However, while technology plays an important and integral role in our lives, it is also important to understand the impact these devices … Read more
It’s hard to believe it, but the holiday season is already upon us. This time of year is full of joy, giving, and opportunities to connect with those we love. And after the year that children and parents alike have endured, we could all use a little bit of cheer. At Youth Speak Out, we’ve … Read more
We’re heading into the 4th of July weekend, one of the busiest times of the year for family vacations. Summer is a perfect time to slow down, take a break, and get out of the house. And whether you’re traveling by plane, train, bus, or automobile– whether you’re going across the country or down the … Read more
As more people become vaccinated against COVID-19, and governments begin to lift restrictions in public spaces, the list of questions and concerns for children is growing. This past year has been incredibly difficult for our youth. It has been a year filled with not only educational hurdles, but social and emotional hurdles as well. As … Read more
trigger warning: racism, mob violence, police violence On Wednesday, January 6th, the United States Capitol suffered an unprecedented attack. Images of people scaling the walls of the building, breaking down doors, and chasing down police officers were plastered across social media and television news. These events are difficult enough for an adult to process — … Read more
“Fake news” is a refrain we see a lot on social media. Now more than ever, it is important for kids and adults alike to be able to discern genuine news stories and articles from false narratives pushed by certain groups. According to Howard Schneider of the Center for News Literacy, giving kids and teens … Read more
During our current time of working and going to school at home, you might find an even bigger temptation in screen technologies like smartphones, tablets, laptops and video games. This time is a perfect opportunity to form memories together as a family that will last a lifetime, but family time can get lost as children … Read more