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Cyber Citizenship Part 6: Code of Conduct

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

Cyber Citizens should abide by a strict code of conduct based on the rights, privileges and responsibilities of being a member of the cyber world. Obey the law.  □   Copyright Infringement:  using, selling or distributing products or creations without permission of the copyright owner □   Plagiarism:  presenting the words, music, thoughts or ideas of others without giving them credit □   …

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Cyber Citizenship Part 5: Civility

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

Civility is the foundation of civilized society (and not just because of te common derivation of the words).  It is how we get along with each other.  Civility is treating others with fairness and consideration for their feelings and needs.  It is treating others as people worthy of respect and dignity.  It is the golden rule:  do unto others as …

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Cyber Citizenship Part 4: Respect

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

As citizens of the cyber community, teenagers have a responsibility to be aware of the different aspects of the cyber world (see previous column).  It is also important for them to know about how to keep themselves safe and secure online (see other previous column).  Finally, teenagers have a responsibility as cyber citizens to respect the laws of the online …

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Raising Independent Kids

In The Blog by Dr James Wellborn

One goal of parenting is to raise independent and self-sufficient kids.  When parents talk about having independent kids it really means having their kids be able to support themselves, make good decisions and deal with challenges.  You can’t be independent if you have to rely on others for money, get yourself arrested (or thrown out of your apartment) or are …

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More Questions (for your teenager) from Steubenville, Ohio

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

The previous column presented questions to generate a conversation between you and your teenager about issues raised by the rape of a teenage girl in Steubenville, Ohio.  The questions continue. Responsibility Whose fault is it when someone is attacked?  What if they were saying really insulting things to the person who attacked them?  What if they were walking around in …

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Fostering Character Development in Teens: Responsibility (cont.)

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

Teach it.  Being a Responsible person requires a number of specific skills.  Your kid will need help developing them. Self control.  Responsibility requires the ability to resist impulses and delay gratification in the service of longer term goals.  Your kid will need practice dealing with frustration and remaining calm and focused under stress.  Make your kid wait.  Require them to …

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Fostering Character Development in Teens: Responsibility

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

def. (noun) accountable or answerable for your actions If your kid is going to accomplish anything, they have to take personal responsibility for making it happen.  Responsibility is directly tied to success.  Responsible people are both proactive in addressing issues and hold themselves accountable for the consequences of their actions.  Responsible people are trusted, they are given greater opportunities and …

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Fostering Character Development in Teens: Kindness (cont.)

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

Teach it.  Kindness is a combination of several different qualities you can help your kid develop.  Here are some worth cultivating. Empathy.  Kindness, like other prosocial Character-istics (e.g., Compassion, Generosity),  requires understanding of others feelings; viewing things from their perspective.  It is important to help your kid “walk a mile in their shoes.”  Take the time to talk about how …