When it comes to supporting teenagers during the pandemic, schools and families need to work together to coordinate social-emotional as well as academic support — whether learning ends up taking place at home or in the classroom.
In a webinar for the Society for Research on Adolescence, developmental psychologist Nancy Hill observed that schools have always provided teens with a space to think independently, to experiment, and to form support networks with peers. Yet in the middle of a pandemic, this space to build their identities may be lost, impacting their overall wellbeing and development.

​“While the focus is on academic learning, rightfully so, for adolescents, we should not ignore the significance of the loss of peer relationships and friendships on their mental health and wellbeing,” said Hill, who appeared in the webinar alongside adolescent psychologist Larry Steinberg. “Learning to navigate and find affirmation in the broader social context is essential. School closures and social distancing is especially challenging in this regard.”
Hill identified six developmental areas, in addition to academics, that schools have traditionally helped nurture. Here, we summarize her suggestions for how schools can work with families to continue to do so in a pandemic.

1.    Peer Groups and Social Connections
Schools provide young people with a chance to develop relationships with peers, and for teens, these relationships are often key contexts for their development of identity. Whether formed through affinities and alliance groups, interest-based clubs, or a group projects, these relationships help teens stay connected to school and enhance their understanding of who they are as a learner. The loss of these relationships can lead to increased anxiety and feelings of isolation.

To support social connections both in and out of school, teachers should consider:

2.    Opportunities to Feel Competent
Teens feel the pressure to keep up with their peers both academically and socially. Falling behind can undermine their perception of themselves as a good student and as a community member.

Boost feelings of competence by:

3.    Being Part of the Solution
In addition to feeling capable, adolescents like to contribute to and feel valued by their communities. Especially in a pandemic when powerlessness and helplessness are common, teens need to feel they have control over their lives and can make a difference.

Empower young people by:

4.    Changes in the Parent-Child Relationship
Teens and their parents often clash around questions of autonomy and control. The pandemic especially may have heightened these conflicts, as parents often had to oversee remote learning last spring. Research suggests that having parents directly instruct their adolescent children is unproductive; parents are more successful in supporting their teenagers by helping to establish work habits, managing time, and motivating kids.

Educators can facilitate the parent-child relationship by:

5.    Mental health
According to a recent study, 81% of students have said that the pandemic has made their mental health problems worse. Losing school routines can cause an increase in feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and isolation. Schools provide mental health services and other supports on site, but the pandemic may make it difficult to identify students who are in need.

Support student mental health by:

6.    Safety
When schools are open, parents and communities know that teenagers are safe during the day. However, when schools are closed, Hill notes that inequities around safety and monitoring are exacerbated — particularly for young people whose parents are required to work, who have to care for younger siblings, or live in high density, urban areas where the risk for exposure is higher.

​To provide safe and supportive learning environments for all, think about:

​While at Home...

​Caregivers have been asked to take on the responsibility of supervising their children’s education during the pandemic, in some cases having to deliver direct instruction. But Hill emphasizes that with adolescents, the most important thing caregivers can do is to help teens advocate for themselves and take greater responsibility for their schoolwork. 
“Rather than doing more, parents can hold youth accountable for getting the work done and encourage and guide them in asking for extra help when they need it,” says Hill, adding that teens crave autonomy and independence, and this is a context where parents can cater to that developmental need. 

Parents can help youth learn to be independent by:

Articles by Emily Boudreau

​Vocational schools, or trade schools, can be great places to learn important skills for your career development. Be aware, however, of what you are getting into before you commit to any one school.

Vocational schools, which may also be known as trade schools or career colleges, exist primarily to provide students with the education they need to perform a certain job. Vocational schools are not institutions that focus on a well-rounded, liberal arts education.
Vocational schools can be everything from local career centers, high schools, and technical institutes to actual vocational school facilities. Three types of vocational school systems exist: public, private non-profit and private for-profit.

Some of the many occupations a student can train for through vocational schools include automotive technician, electronics technician, paralegal, truck driver, hair stylist, welder, medical assistant, and licensed practical nurse (LPN). While vocational schools may have remedial classes to bring students up to speed and more advanced classes in writing and other courses, the main focus is on a specific job.

Another difference between traditional colleges/universities and vocational schools is the fact that vocational schools are similar to the apprenticeship style of learning. As such, vocational schools emphasize on-the-job training.

There are over 300 vocational or trade schools in the United States, each claiming they are the best. While many of these schools offer a good education and make few claims they can't back-up, potential students should do some research before making a commitment to their vocational school. The old adage 'if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is' applies here. The problem sometimes comes from certain for-profit vocational schools. In this case, more students equal more money for the people in charge, and that can lead to unsubstantiated claims made by the school for the sole purpose of boosting enrollment numbers.

​The following questions and research tips may help you when looking for a vocational school:

​Does the school offer the program you want? Is the school/program licensed or accredited? If so, by whom?What are the instructors' credentials? Could I obtain the training I want from another school, such as a community/junior college? Do I even need this additional education, or will the employer likely train me on-the-job? What is the total cost (include tuition, books, uniforms, lab fees, etc.)? Is financial aid available? Have any complaints been filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or State Attorney General's Office? What is the school's reputation in the industry? What other services does the school offer students and graduates?What are the facilities and equipment in the labs like? Are they up to date?Are there other tools or supplies you must purchase? What are the program's completion and job placement rates? Debt upon graduation rate? Will all my credits transfer if necessary? 

Imagine a post-secondary education that provides you with the career-oriented training to smoothly and quickly make the transition from attending school to obtaining the career you desire. If you want to become career-ready in less time than an ordinary college or university, adult career and vocational education is for you.
Vocational training is a great option for those with a specific career plan, who know exactly which industry and job position they are aiming for. Attending a vocational school allows students to quickly and efficiently learn the necessary job-related skills and background, often in less than a year, and graduate prepared to step into the career they have always wanted.

​These are great questions. After all, the terms used to describe various types of post-secondary schools can definitely be a little confusing sometimes. But in this case, the answer is simple and easy to remember.

So, what is a technical school? It's basically the exact same thing as a vocational school. Heck, you can even add trade school to the list. These days, they are all interchangeable.
At a technical, vocational, or trade school, the programs are short and streamlined. They focus on helping you get practical, employment-ready skills for specific occupations. And, when necessary, many of them help you prepare for certification or licensing exams in the occupation that you're training for.

Most technical/vocational programs take less than a year or two to complete. Yet some schools also offer longer programs that may last up to three or four years for more in-depth training.

Students enrolled in vocational education can choose from a wide variety of available programs from many different industries, including business, health, technology, legal, and skilled trades. Popular programs can include dental assistant, administrative assistant, paralegal, IT specialist, and HVAC training. Many programs include a well-rounded curriculum that ensures students receive classroom learning and hands-on training, as well as real-life experience through externships at off-campus facilities.

Upon graduation from a vocational college, you will be prepared to go after the career of your choice, whether your goal is to work as a carpenter, legal assistant, medical billing and coding specialist, computer programmer, or graphic designer. You can become an asset to businesses, government offices, and contractors with a vocational education that prepares you to make a seamless transition into the work force.

​Vocational schools can also help prepare you to launch your own business from the ground up. Specialized training and the development of business skills, techniques, and an extensive base knowledge can allow you to graduate and move on to become a business owner, living the dream of becoming 'your own boss'.

​If vocational training sounds like the right fit for you, make an action plan for vocational education by exploring the vocational colleges and the vocational education jobs available. The career of your dreams is waiting for you, make it a reality in less time than you imagined with a career-specific education from a vocational school.

The entire world has moved to the cell phone. It’s no longer a convenient tool to speak to someone when you are mobile. Now it is the town square. It’s the place to socialize, it’s the library, the arcade, the TV, the shopping mall, the remote control, etc. Kids know it and feel left out of the world when they don’t have one. So they will tell you that they need one and that everyone has one except them. A kid getting a smart phone today is similar to our generation getting a drivers license. It is releasing them into a whole new world.
Unlike many other parenting topics, you cannot think back to how your parent handled the situation when you were a kid because cell phones were not around yet. Regardless of how old your child is when you decide it is time to give them one, here are 10 rules for kids and cell phones.

1. The Plan
Discuss with your child what their cell phone plan entails. Let them know how many minutes and text messages they have a month. Determine consequences for running over. One idea is to charge them for the price difference.

2. Picture/Video Messages
Let your child know if picture and video messaging is part of your plan. Tell them what is and isn’t appropriate. Discuss and forbid behavior such as sexting and let them know how inappropriate pictures can spread and ruin reputations.

3. Downloads
Set rules on downloads. Require your kids to talk to you before downloading something. Use your discretion. There is no rating system for video games for cell phones.

4. Numbers to Avoid
Give your child a list of relatives to call or text sparingly. Also, warn them of incoming calls from unknown numbers who may be trying to get their information.

​5. Driving and Cell Phones
Be familiar with the state laws to know if a headset is required for talking on the phone while driving and to know if texting while driving is illegal. Make your own rules for using the cell phone while driving.

6. Cell Phone Etiquette
Share with your child when it is not appropriate to use their cell phone. Examples include, in school, at the movies, on dates, during meals with people (especially family), during tests, at appointments, etc.

​7. Cyber Bullying
Stop cyber bullying before it starts. Discuss with your child how painful it is for the victim and how there is no escape from cyber bullying once it starts.

​8. Internet Usage
Tell your child if your phone plan covers internet usage or not. If it does, inform your child of any websites or applications you do not want them on.

9. Communicate Clearly
Explain to your child to write clearly over text messaging or if it is an important conversation to use the phone or even better, have it in person. Many conflicts are created using texting through miscommunication.

​10. Attachment
Today, everyone has their cell phone attached to their ear or to their thumbs. Warn your child of becoming dependent on their cell phone and of becoming so attached they miss what is happening in front of them.