Are you interested in learning more about addiction and how it impacts youth? Are you curious about the role technology plays in addictive behaviour?
Come to a free public presentation by Ross Laird at G.P. Vanier Secondary School on Wednesday, April 27 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Laird is a best-selling author, award-winning scholar, and clinical supervisor to social service organizations in the fields of trauma, addictions, and personal development. He has worked extensively in Vancouver’s downtown Eastside and in many smaller communities throughout B.C.
Laird will discuss the matter of addiction: what it is, how to understand it, who is at risk, and how to deal with it. He’ll talk about the importance of mentorship and how mentorship serves as a protective factor for youth.
This presentation will explore the emerging cultures of technology and their impact on childhood development, family life, and education. Gaming, micro-blogging, social networking, texting, and other digital tools provide a central means by which adolescents manage the challenges of their development.
Issues such as anxiety, depression, isolation, anger, and addiction are increasingly finding niches in the online world. Educators, parents, counsellors, and all those who work with children must be able to respond with new skills and strategies.
Laird’s public presentation is part of a two-day wellness event at G.P. Vanier Secondary School.
He will lead a workshop for School District 71 staff earlier in the day on April 27. On April 28, Grade 9 students will participate in a series of workshops on topics such as Healthy Relationships, Active Living, Lifestyle Management, and Sexual Exploitation. Laird will facilitate one of these workshops.
The wellness event is funded by the City of Courtenay’s Drug Strategy Committee, G.P. Vanier Secondary, and District Parent Advisory Committee (DPAC), and co-organized by the John Howard Society of North Island and G.P. Vanier Secondary. Donations are welcome at the April 27 evening presentation for future projects that will help youth struggling with substance misuse issues.
For more information about Ross Laird, visit www.rosslaird.com.