Ocala, Fla. — Adults who work with Marion County youths will learn how to help kids deal with online pressures during the 2016 BRAZEN Parent Workshop 6–8 p.m. Monday, June 27, at Howard Middle School.

Sponsored by the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, the free workshop is designed for parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, youth group leaders and other influential adults. Using the theme, “Power of the Post, It’s More than Just a Click,” the event will give adults a look into the online “teen world,” and help them guide children and teens as they navigate the online world.

Dinner will be served for adults attending the free workshop. There will also be a drawing for a $100 Publix gift card. Due to the sensitive nature of the topics, admission is open to adults only. There will be no child care provided. Howard Middle School is located at 1655 NW 10th St. in Ocala.

“We want to help Marion County’s adults have a conversation about the issues our children and teens are facing,” said Meaghan Crowley, the department’s Health Education program manager. “Studies show that teens list parents as their biggest influence in healthy decision-making. With the increasing popularity of social media sites and online access, we hope to educate parents on how they can help children and teens avoid the dangers of online predators, cyberbullying and unhealthy influences affecting their decision-making skills.”

BRAZEN is the Sexual Risk Avoidance program of the Florida Department of Health in Marion County. The program educates the community on healthy decision-making, helping to build character and self-confidence in the children and teens of Marion County.

For more information call Tracey Sapp at 352-629-0137, ext. 2284

The parent workshop follows the BRAZEN Summer Youth Rally. Speakers used the theme, “Power of the Post, Living for the Likes” to help children and teens learn about the impact of social media and how their online presence can affect both their own lives and those around them today and in the future.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit Marion.FloridaHealth.gov.