Fountain City Town Hall held a general membership meeting Sept. 11, at Church of the Good Shepherd, and the program was all about youth.
Town Hall members recognized several students from Gresham Middle School for their achievements, giving them certificates and backpacks. Braylen Young, Amaria Foster and Madison Baker were honored for academic perseverance, while Sophia Ogle, Devan Patel and Luke Rodgers were recognized for citizenship.
Sally Hunter
Sally Hunter of UT’s Department of Child and Family Studies spoke about use of social media by young people, giving families strategies for keeping kids safe and healthy. She said that young people whose brains are still developing need guidance from adults on how to use, and how not to use, social media, including the longterm consequences of posting something inappropriate.
“Young people can’t think in the ways we’re expecting them to think,” she said.
But, parents shouldn’t try to outsmart their kids when it comes to the Internet. Instead, set reasonable limits and expectations, then follow up yourself.
“We’re not going to outfox a fox,” she said. “We’re not going to get smarter than them or get better at Twitter.”
Fountain City Town Hall interim board chair Kelly Ellenburg said the organization always welcomes new members and is currently seeking people interested in serving on the board. Town Hall dues go to support events like Honor Fountain City Day. Info: www.fountaincitytownhall.org