Parent Education Series Hosted by Aptos High School March 2
Adolescence is an exciting period of development with many neural, biological and social changes. It is also marked by stressful experiences with school, family and friendship pressures that have important and potentially long-lasting effects on the adolescent. A 2013 American Psychology Association survey found that stress is extremely common among teenagers. Teenagers who responded to the survey report they’re experiencing what they think are unhealthy levels of stress especially during the school year. It is a fact that the top source of stress for teens is school. Getting into a good college or deciding what to do after high school is the second-biggest source of tension.
Aptos High School Parent Education Series is excited to host Dr. Adriana Galvan on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 to discuss the effects of stress on today’s teens. Adriana Galvan, PhD. is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Brain Research Institute of University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Galvan serves as the Director and Principal Investigator of the Developmental Neuroscience Laboratory with an expertise in adolescent brain development.
Casey O’Brien, Principal of AHS and a parent himself, sees firsthand the potential crippling effects of stress on teens and on adults. O’Brien shares “The funny thing is that stress is our perception and reaction to events that happen in our lives. If this is true then we all can learn how to manage our perceptions and reactions (and stressors) to life’s events. Anytime we can educate ourselves on how to cope or react in a way that helps our mental health and lessens stress we should take advantage of that education or opportunity. I encourage everyone to attend Dr. Galvan’s presentation where we can learn together, as a community, how to help our teens manage their stress in this difficult time in their lives.”
Using brain imaging technology Dr. Galvan has uncovered the effects of daily stress on the adolescent brain and behavior. At this event she will present her most recent findings, discuss the implications for parent-child interactions and describe how to better help adolescents navigate the challenging transition from childhood to adulthood.
Parents and family members in addition to educators can relate to stress as a normal part of life but it can feel overwhelming, especially for teens. With the right tools and coping strategies, daily stress can be manageable and can lead to an improved overall positive outlook on life and well being for all of us.
Please join Dr. Galvan as she examines these issues and imparts her knowledge to learn more about stress on the teen brain and techniques to cope. This Aptos High School Parent Education event will be a rich and relevant conversation that gives insight to handle stress during the adolescent years. This event is open to the public from 6:30-8:30 pm including the Q&A immediately following Dr. Galvan’s presentation (doors open @6:00 p.m.) at the Aptos High School Performing Arts Center 100 Mariner Way, Aptos
