Middle and high school students are encouraged to attend a free virtual session about social influences sponsored by Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Extension 4-H program July 7.
From 1-2 p.m., 4-H Health Rocks!: What Influences Me?; will be available through ZOOM teleconference. Participants for the ZOOM conference must register in advance at tinyurl.com/yclumuzr.
Health Rocks is a national 4-H program for young people between the ages of 8-14. Its purpose is to unite youth, families and communities in lowering drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.
Phillip Petway, FVSU 4-H Twiggs County Extension agent, will serve as presenter for the teleconference.
“We want students to be able to identify who their direct and indirect social influencers are. This will help them avoid situations that could affect their social and emotional well-being,” Petway said.
Topics for discussion include influences and social norms that affect youth, environment and surroundings, value and beliefs and media and technology.
“By attending this conference, youth will be able to look at their surroundings, environments and learn how to make smart, healthy decisions,” Petway said.
The FVSU agent said youth are influenced directly or indirectly by several factors in making decisions. Some of these factors include the home, church, school, social media and peer pressure.
4-H, offered through more than 100 universities such as FVSU with Cooperative Extension Programs, boasts a membership of over six million young people. Its four core values are Head, Heart, Hands and Health.
With various club activities involving civic engagement and leadership, agriculture, science and health, youth and teenagers learn lifelong skills.
For more information about the conference and 4-H programs in Twiggs County, contact Petway at (478) 954-7121 or petwayp@fvsu.edu.