Online, Offline, and Over-the-Line: Youth and the Internet

With an estimated 16 million users under the age of 18, it is impossible to deny that the Internet has changed the social life of youth. The Internet has influenced what youth know, and the way they think, feel, and behave. Clearly, the Internet has had a significant, positive impact in the lives of youth, but there is a dark side that we cannot deny. Pornography, gambling, sexual harassment, sex offenders, and online bullying; these are just a few of the issues youth face when they access the Internet.

This presentation will review the latest research related to youth and their online behavior. Particular attention will be paid to the sexual aspects of the Internet that influence youth in the online world. The presentation will also discuss what youth need to know to maintain emotional health in an electronic world and how adults can be involved in this process.

Presenter: Elizabeth Griffen

Elizabeth Griffin is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over twenty – nine years experience assessing and treating adolescents and adults who struggle with sexual issues. Ms. Griffin lectures and consults nationally on the assessment and treatment of problematic online sexual behaviors, sexually compulsive behaviors, and sexual offending behaviors. She also lectures on Internet safety issues to a variety of audiences including youth. Ms. Griffin has published numerous academic articles on issues related to problematic sexual behavior both offline and online. She has also co-authored several books and workbooks including In the Shadows of the Net: Breaking Free of Compulsive Online Sexual Behavior, Cybersex Unhooked, Cybersex Unplugged, and Illegal Images: Critical Issues and Strategies for Addressing Child Pornography Use.

Agenda:

• 9:30 a.m.  – 9:45 a.m.,  Registration and Networking
• 9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., Presentation
• 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Resource sharing

Note: Live streaming is also available

Presented by:

Sexual Violence Prevention Network (SVPN)
Sexual Violence Prevention Program
Minnesota Department of Health

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