Teens & Technology: How Close is TOO Close??

Cell phones. Computers. iPods. Video Games.

We are surrounded  by technology 24 hours a day.  Technology has changed the way we work, communicate, and entertain ourselves. But have we become TOO dependent on it? Why is it so hard to be without our cell phones?

Teens in the Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble in Austin wanted to explore this question.  See their take on the issue: "Cell Phone Horror."

Concerned about over-texting, sexting, cyber-bullying, and digital privacy issues?  Learn about how to prevent digital abuse in your relationships!

Visit www.thatsnotcool.com and check out the video created by the Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble "Perhaps Tomorrow".

Olivia Burke Wins “RIOT THE SILENCE 2 STOP DATING VIOLENCE!” Teen Poetry Contest!

“I Wanted You to be the One to Save Me” by Olivia Burke, 17, Taylor High School

I met him on Facebook 

  We started to text.

 Every text said you’re cute.

I didn’t even know him, really.

“Let’s hang out!”

Mom and Dad said no.

He told me…

“I wanted you to be the one to save me.”

I thought I like the way he made me feel.

So much attention…

I felt pretty, not stupid,

But something didn’t feel right.

So quick to jump in,

No should mean no.

I still care

But sometimes you just have to

Walk away.

Check back soon to learn about more startstrongaustin contests and use your creativity to speak out against teen dating violence!

2009 Poster Contest Winners

The Austin/Travis County Family Violence Task Force challenged local middle and high school students to create a poster that encourages positive romantic relationships and promotes strategies for reaching out to friends: Help prevent violence so that everyone can enjoy safe and peaceful relationships!

 

 

1st Place: Ethan Miller, Akins High School

 

2nd Place, Cesar Villanueva- Vasquez, Lanier High School

3rd Place, Nahomy Nassman, Ann Richard's Leadership Academy

 

"Monologues"

Artists Cora and Ashlee, participants in the Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble, entered the minds of a teen dating violence victim and the person who abused her.



"Is this love?"

Poster designed by Kimberly Gim, Winner of the Texas Advocacy Project's Dating Violence Poster Contest 2006.