Unplugged in Tampa!

10 Connects.com Tampa Bay, Florida

Good Morning Arizona Unplugged!

Aria shares her experience going unplugged with Good Morning Arizona.

The first Day After the Challenge!!!

Aria returns to technology. Congratulations Aria...you did it! Click below to watch Aria get her phone back. What did she learn??



My first Day After the Challenge!!!

Temptation Series Aria Wallace Unplugged Media Blitz!

Aria Wallace speaks to the nation about going unplugged for 40 days.

Unplugged in Florida!
 

Unplugged in San Diego!

Aria on FOX 5 San Diego



 

Unplugged on the Movie Mom!

Aria featured by the Movie Mom on www.belief.net.


http://www.beliefnet.com/Video/Entertainment/TV/Movie-Mom-Interview-Aria-Wallace.aspx

Unplugged in Baltimore!

WJZ13's Marty and Don talk with Aria (as they text, twitter and email) about (their) addiction to technology.

Unplugged in Colorado!

9NEWS.com Colorado's Online News Leader | Nickelodeon star challenges teens to unplug

9NEWS.com | Colorado's Online News Leader | Nickelodeon star challenges teens to unplug

NICKELODEON STAR
ARIA WALLACE IS GOING OLD SCHOOL!
WATCH THE TEEN STAR GO 40 DAYS VIRTUALLY TECH FREE!



How would a typical teenager get through the day without a cell phone? How about a rising teen star? In a digitally-distracted world where teens text rather than talk, 12-year-old Nickelodeon star Aria Wallace (of the Roxy Hunter movie series and iCarly fame) has challenged herself to find out. For 40 days, Wallace will be “Going Old School,” in conjunction with the Temptation Series to encourage kids to put down the cell phone and log off of the social networks to communicate in real time.

THE DETAILS
From October 12 through November 20, 2009, Wallace will be stripped of her cell phone and texting privileges and limited to only a few minutes a day online for school and business related work. “Aria Wallace is Going Old School: Unplugged for 40 Days,” will be documented with daily video diaries and blog entries at http://blog.ariawallace.com . To syndicate this content, the RSS feed is available at http://feeds.feedburner.com/ariawallaceblog.

“The Temptation Series has inspired me to help promote real-time communication!” exclaimed Wallace. “I want to take teens back to the days when we had face-to-face interaction and expressed emotions in person! Teens today need to know how awesome it is to actually see emotions rather than an emoticon, and be able to laugh instead of just saying LOL!”

“Aria Wallace is Going Old School: Unplugged for 40 Days,” will consist of the following rules;
(1) No cell phone use or texting
(2) Home phone use for 10 minutes per day
(3) Payphones are allowed
(4) No social networking
(5) Internet use is limited to daily blog/vlog and schoolwork as necessary

The Temptation Series has teamed up with Los Angeles based social media strategists, SocialNotions to execute the 40-Day Challenge. For more information on this digital marketing and social media agency, please visit www.socialnotions.com .

About half of American children 12 and older have cell phones¹, and more than half of American kids ages 12-15 use social networking websites². Let's see if Aria can survive this challenge...log on to find out www.ariawallace.com/blog/?page_id=2

The Metro Parent Interviews Danielle

Detroit's Metro Parent Interviewed Danielle for the August issue. "Schoolyard Bullies Go Digital".

Visit Metro Parent at www.metroparent.com

On Dr. Laura Today!!!

Thank you Dr. Laura for featuring Don't Hit Send Just To Fit In on today's Reading Corner.



The book giveaway begins Monday August 24, 2009 at 1:00pmPT and ends Tuesday August 25, 2009 at 1:00pmPT. You may enter the contest at any point during that time.

Don't Hit Send Just To Fit In
Danielle Tiano (Author), with Karen Child Ogden (Author), Arly Evensen (Editor), Edward Pollick (Illustrator)
Self Published

Book Description
Today's bully has a new playground; computers, cell phones and social networking sites. What was once known as teasing face to face, playing practical jokes, and making prank phone calls has evolved in to a generation of bullies that hides behind the veil of computer screens and cell phones.

Creators of the renowned children's book series, Temptation of a Generation, will release their third book that tackles the tough issues today's pre-teens face with technology. Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In educates children and parents about cyber bullying, a topic rampant in schools across the country affecting kids as young seven years old.

Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In tells the story of a group of tweens who become victims to cyber bullies. On their way to discovering more positive ways to deal with these new found issues, the tweens become bullies themselves. Through the help of positive adults and a magical keyboard, they learn not to succumb to the lure of cyber bullying and realize that there are better ways to fit in and make friends.

"Bullying has always existed among youth, but today's bullying seems to have more devastating effects. The mode of delivery is much faster, and reaches inordinate amounts of people," states Karen Child Ogden, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and contributor to the series. "Once kids post a message on a social networking site or cell phone it can never be erased. Kids don't understand the consequences of their behavior with regard to cyber bullying, and neither do most parents."

Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In teaches children and parents how easy it is to become a cyber bully, or to be bullied online. Studies show 42% of children have been bullied while online, while 58% have not told their parents about something mean or hurtful that happened to them while surfing the net (from enough.org, isafe.org and ctia.org). The ramifications of cyber bullying are far-reaching and include depression, anxiety, school absence, and even death. The number of kids who take their lives due to cyber bullying grows each day.

"Kids are using their cell phones and personal web pages to send threatening messages to intimidate others. Bullying with a cell phone or computer, while less personal, is no less threatening," says Danielle Tiano, author of the Temptation Series. "Having electronic devices should include taking personal responsibility for their use."

The Temptation of a Generation Series tackles tough topics relating to tweens and technology such as Internet pornography, cell phone use and abuse, and cyber bullying. The series offers parents information and tools for raising their children to become more emotionally and socially healthy.

About Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In
The book illustrates a group of tweens who become victims of cyber bullies. In an attempt to fit in, they become cyber bullies themselves, not realizing the consequences of their actions. Through the help of positive adults and a magical keyboard, the group discovers more positive ways to deal with these issues.

About the Temptation of a Generation Team
Danielle Tiano, children's author, is the founder of Beyond Your Words. Tiano has written about difficult subject matter for children such as childhood obesity and attention deficit disorder. She is married and resides in Newport Beach, CA.

Karen Child Ogden is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Costa Mesa, CA. Ogden is married and the mother of three children.


www.drlaura.com/reading/index.html?mode=view&id=473

Parenting OC-Ask The Expert: Internet in a Child's Room?

Read this month's Ask The Experts column in Parenting OC!



WRONG ROOM FOR INTERNET

My 13-year old says that he needs his own computer (with Internet access of course) for the upcoming school year and wants to have it in his room like many of his friends do. I am uncomfortable with this. Am I being too paranoid?

No! You are right to not feel comfortable letting your child have a computer with access to the Internet in his room. It is very dangerous and may pose serious risks not only to him but also to your family. In a recent study by security technology company McAffee, 80% of parents said that they don't turn on their parental control software and 30% of parents said they leave their children alone in their bedrooms to surf the net. More shocking is the finding that 26% of all 5 to 7-year-olds have a computer in their bedroom! (www.mcaffee.com).

Two questions beg to be answered. Why would you allow a very young child to have unrestricted access to the Internet at all hours of the day and night? Other than giving parents a false sense of security, what good is parental control software if it is not enabled?

You wouldn’t leave your front door open at night, or send your 7-year-old on a trip around the world alone, so why would you leave the virtual door open into your child's room inviting strangers and inappropriate content into your home?

Purchasing parental control software is the first step in keeping your family safe from cyber predators, bullies and from developing dangerous addictions to things such as gaming, gambling or pornography; but knowing how to use the software and developing strict rules around Internet use are the real keys to a safe home.
Consider the following suggestions:

Make your family computer a laptop so that it can be turned off and hidden at night.
Install Internet filtering and parental control software and know how to use it!
Make computer time like television or gaming time, with limits and restrictions.
Make sure you are in the same room as your child while he is surfing the net, letting him know that you can look over his shoulder at any time.
The most influential step however, in protecting your children is to have frequent conversations with your child about the power of the Internet, both good and bad, and about what other kids are doing online (as kids are more likely to give information about what other kids are doing).

The most disturbing finding in the recent McAffee study is that nearly two thirds of parents said they had not raised the issue of Internet safety with their children. Maybe you don’t know much about the Internet and don’t want to seem uneducated, maybe you don’t really want to know what’s going on with your child, or maybe you are unaware of the dangers lurking in cyber space…whatever the reason, don’t delay! Educate yourself and start the conversation with your child today!

The virtual world is not for a child to explore alone! They will thank you later for protecting them. —Karen Child Ogden, LMFT

http://www.parentingoc.com/ate_0908.html

Parenting OC "Cracking Down on Bullying", by Janet Otsuki

Read this month's Parenting OC magazine for not only fantastic information for parents and families in Orange County, but for a great article on Bullying by Janet Otsuki. Let's teach our children to take a stand against bullying!

http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/publication/?i=20393&p=11

www.parentingoc.com

Temptation Series given at the Teen Choice Awards gifting suite

Alyssa Pometta with Brandi Cyrus & Band Members

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 08, 2009 – Baby Swags, a celebrity gifting and public relations firm headed to Hollywood with client products in hand for the Teen Choice Awards gift suite presented by Totally Texty and T2PR. The one-day young Hollywood event was held at the well-known nightclub, Level 3 on August 6, 2009.

Baby Swags is a well-known celebrity gifting company located in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and has a network of over 400 mom-based businesses that provides client products to award events, charity events, VIP gift bags, and has hosted their own gift suite, “Rockin’ Lollipop Lounge” as a way to bring more exposure and credibility to their clients products.

“The day was jam packed with fun and great opportunities to get my clients products seen by many well-known celebrity teen idols, publicists, celebrity stylists and media.” Baby Swags founder, Phyllis Pometta adds, “Thanks to T2PR and Totally Texty, my clients received a great new following!”

Celebrities at the event went home with products from Pink Pewter, Toffee Creations, and Temptation of a Generation, The Series.

Pink Pewter offers Original designs that are premium quality fashion hair accessories for children, teenagers and adults. Their collection of limited quantity, fashion headbands deliver the high quality you expect in a top brand at an affordable price. Their collections include unique designs featuring SWAROVSKI crystals, genuine leather and soft silk flowers.

Toffee Creations Their mission is to introduce and tantalize your taste buds with creative and “Out of the Box” flavors of their sinfully delicious, and unique combination's. Each creation is “homemade” using some of the finest and purest ingredients available.

Temptation Series The “Temptation of a Generation Series” is the first illustrated book series of its kind to tackle the tough issues of today’s pre-teens face with technology. Computers, cell phones, and personal electronic devices are wonderful tools, yet can be dangerous to children when used without parental supervision. “The Temptation Series” is designed for pre-teens and their parents as a tool to open communication and to help create rules for using such technology.

Celebrities in attendance consisted of, Brandi Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Jason Earles, Tiffany Thornton, Chelsea Staub, Christina Murphy, Kaycee Stroh, Brittany Curran, Molly Burnett, Chelsea Hobbs, Justin Chon, Ashley Argota, Ryan Newman, Kyle Massey, Dakota, Emily Grave Reaves, David Henrie, Keana Texeira, Austin Butler, Jonathan Morgan Heit, Scott Baio, Chris Atkins, Crystal Hill, Emma Winkler, Porscha Coleman, Derrex Brady and many more.

Decoding the Secret Language of Teen Texting- The Fish Atlanta

I was interviewed today by Kevin & Taylor, morning show hosts of 104.7 FM The Fish Atlanta, about the secret teen text language. Visit the Temptation of a Generation website to take our Text Talk Quiz. How many texting codes do you know??

www.thefishatlanta.com
www.temptationseries.com

OC Family: Wired Kids. Can High-Tech Mean High Risk?

Read July's issue of OC Family and learn about whether or not your tween's high-tech lifestyle could be putting them at high risk. Thanks again OC Family!

Wired kids: Can high-tech mean high risk?
BY AMANDA ESTEP

More than ever, kids interact with some form of technology every day. They are constantly exposed to computers, video games, music players and cell phones – among a variety of other state-of-the-art devices – and in recent years parents have asked a number of disturbing questions: How much tech exposure is too much? And is the growing concern tech-
related or kid-related?

“It seems that the biggest problem with technology is not so much with the device in particular but that kids are ‘wired’ to a device almost all of their waking hours,” says Karen Child Ogden, a licensed marriage and family therapist who is well-versed in the problems related to compulsive addictions. “The most problematic devices by far are the cell phone, computer (particularly the Internet) and video games – both online and traditional video games such as Nintendo.”

Children are being exposed to technology at a very young age. Educational and tech media can be a wonderful thing.
But their developing minds may also be affected negatively if technology is not monitored and controlled. What can parents do?

“Parents can keep in mind that the task of childhood is to prepare them for adult life and adult relationships,” says Ogden. “Allowing them to spend too much time with technology will NOT serve them as adults. Keep in mind the atmosphere of your home and ask yourself the following questions:

“Is the TV always on as background noise? Does the computer take center stage in the home, inviting and encouraging kids to use it rather than playing outside or interacting with family members? What are the rules surrounding cell phone use? Is it permissible at school, during homework time, at dinnertime, during church service, at night?

“Consider implementing rules around cell phone use such as handing over all cell phones to parents after 5 p.m.,” continues Ogden. “Are you as parents addicted to your cell phone, Blackberry or computer? The behavior regarding technology that you display will be absorbed by your children.”

Cell phones in particular are one of the most popular forms of technology among children; parents need to be constantly aware of their use – and possible abuse.

“The cell phone should be of particular concern to parents,” says Ogden, who sees these devices as the area of greatest risk. “Especially phones with multiple applications such as the Internet, gaming, texting and cameras. These components are a potentially dangerous combination for the curious teenager.”

Because cell phones are carried throughout the day and night, Internet exposure is continuous and un-checked. Total trust would be ideal, but the seemingly limitless number of Web sites – not to mention Internet predators – makes the devices potentially very dangerous. Using Web filters can be an effective tool to keep your kids safe.

A multitude of other problems crop up when tweens are constantly exposed to tech devices, says Ogden: They include the distraction, impatience and anxiousness related to social networking media; eye and repetitive finger strain; and problems with English, due to the near-constant use of abbreviations used when texting.

Dealing with kids and their tech devices could be a tricky task. Their use should be used as an incentive to first take care of responsibilities such as homework and shared housework. And limit their use.

“Although today’s kids seem to possess the skills to operate almost any device,” says Ogden,” I do think that there are more disadvantages and dangers to tweens’ high-tech lifestyle. The task of childhood is to explore, experience and learn appropriate social behavior. Being so tech-focused takes kids away from face-to-face communication and relationships hindering social and relationship skills.”

Amanda Estep is an intern for OC Family magazine.

http://www.ocfamily.com/t-MiddleYears_tech_risk_texting_cell_phone_Internet0709.aspx

Chattanooga Parent Magazine

Read the latest mention of the Temptation Series in the Chattanooga Parent Magazine. 'The Caring Cyber Parent:Talk to your kids early and often about Internet safety.'

http://chattanoogaparentmagazine.com/?p=1211

OC Family: Sex Ed 101

I was asked by writer Kimberly Gomes to comment on the topic of Sex Ed. Kudos OC Family and Kimberly! Read on!

Sex Ed 101:Breaking The Family Silence
By Kimberly Gomes

SEX. Yes, I said it, but this time there’s no need to cover your little one’s ears. When it comes to this subject, parents often feel uncomfortable about the infamous “sex talk.” Various concerns pop up as they wonder what to say and when to stop – and if the talk gives the green light for sexual activity.

Even though you may not be an expert in basic sex education, don’t be alarmed; we’ve come prepared. Since knowing this information is critical to a child’s development, we’ve contacted a number of experts who can help you educate your child on this subject.

Despite misconceptions, sex should not boil down to one awkward conversation. Casual discussions need to be continual throughout a child’s life.

“Discussions should not be a preaching session, but an open discussion,” says Genie Schulz, O.C. mother of three. In order to create a gateway for open communication, it’s best to begin the discussion at a young age and progress as the child matures.

Identifying a child’s body parts as he dresses or bathes can be an important and natural introduction to sexuality.

“Parents should begin during infancy by properly naming the body parts, so by the time children are toddlers, they’re
comfortable with their bodies,” says SueAnn Ingersoll, advanced registered nurse practitioner of Laguna Hills.

Discussing the ownership of one’s body is essential when teaching appropriate touching.

“Children often begin to touch or play with their private parts in toddler-hood,” says Karen Child Ogden, licensed marriage family therapist and co-creator of the “Temptation Series for Tweens.” “It’s a good opportunity to talk with children about their bodies, about how touching makes them feel and what the family values and beliefs about sexuality are, including masturbation.”

As children mature, sex-related questions emerge; parents often assume the worst and panic. Remember to provide the amount of information based on the child’s maturity and curiosity level.

“Don’t pour a pitcher-full of information into a teaspoon of inquiry,” says Ogden.

“If they ask about something, ask them first what they see or think, and then respond,” says Ingersoll. “By doing so, you’ll understand where the child’s mindset is.”

Aside from child inquiries, parents need to seek opportunities to initiate informative conversations. Bring up a pregnant family member or use driving and television time to create a comfortable setting for sex talks without uncomfortable formalities.

Parents must take the first step and be direct during sex education.

“It’s important to foster communicative relationships, especially with pre-teens from age 8 to 12 years,” says Ingersoll. Participating in intimate discussions furthers the parent/child relationship and eliminates false information.

“There is no drawback with educating our kids about their bodies and about sex,” continues Ogden. “By doing so, we open communication, build relationships of trust and arm them for future relationships.” This is especially important in today’s sexualized techno-culture; misleading information can be attained at the click of a mouse.

“The benefits of discussing sex is that they’re being educated by you,” says Ingersoll. If parents avoid the discussions, children often attain misconceptions from their peers and the media.

Although it’s a common concern, demystifying sex does not encourage sexual activity. “This unfortunate thought process could not be further from reality,” says Schulz.

“It is a myth that talking with your kids about sex will make them more curious and more likely to engage in early sexual activity,” agrees Ogden. “We need to be the first to give them information so that they will develop healthy attitudes and expectations about sex.”

As a child develops, parents must recognize the need to unveil the secrecy around sex. Children should feel comfortable with this topic rather than feel that it’s taboo.

“Discussing the pros and cons of sexual behavior, morally and health-wise, is imperative to a young preteen’s mind,” says Schulz. “This discussion is not giving the green light; it is giving your child the tools of morality and safe sex.”

Parents may still feel uncomfortable with discussing the topic.

“If parents have a lack of communication with their child, I strongly recommend to start the communication slowly,” says Schulz. “It is important, first, to simply get to know your child. Build her trust. Ask her, on a day-to-day basis, how she is doing, how school is, how their friends are, without any judgment.”

Kimberly Gomes is an intern for OC Family magazine.

'THE TALK'
Ready to talk about sex with your child? Here are a few suggestions:

Be the first to give appropriate information.

Never shame a child for his or her curiosity.

Invite conversations about sex as often as possible.

Just because they’re not asking doesn’t mean they aren’t curious.

Have both parents equally involved in the discussion.


Helpful reading material for beginners

“Amazing You: Getting Smart About Your Private Parts,” by Gail Salz

“Your Body Belongs to You,” by Cornelia Maude Spelman

“My Body is Private,” by Linda Walvoord Girard


Source: Karen Child Ogden, MFT

Good Morning Arizona - Text Talk Quiz

Danielle appeared on Good Morning Arizona Channel 3 in Phoenix today talking about decoding the secret text language of tweens. Watch her appearance by following the link below, and take the "Text Talk Quiz" on our website www.temptationseries.com.


www.azfamily.com/video/gmaz-index.html?nvid=362006

San Diego Living - May 5

Danielle was interviewed on San Diego's CW 6 San Diego Living. Watch Danielle's Interview or visit www.sandiego6.com.

Fox News 5 San Diego - May 5

Danielle was interviewed today on San Diego's Fox News 5. Talking about the topic of decoding teen text messaging, watch Danielle's interview on www.fox5sandiego.com or cut and paste the link below.

http://www.fox5sandiego.com/pages/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3725345

USA Weekend -Ask Dennie

Issue Date: May 3, 2009

Ask columnist Dennie Hughes your question
Embarrassing online photos

My friends and I posted very embarrassing video footage one night after too many drinks. I'm graduating soon and worried it could resurface, especially because I know that human resources people are doing Web searches about potential candidates. What can I do about this?
P.M., North Carolina

Heavy sigh. Marriage and family therapist Karen Child Ogden says about a third of young adults ages 20 to 26 and 20% of teens have sent or posted naked or semi-naked photos and/or videos of themselves without thinking there could be consequences. That's especially likely when fueled by drugs or alcohol.

Many think they are safe because they are not actually identified. But all it takes is one person to recognize you and bring it to a current or potential employer's attention. And with today's job market so tough, it could be a deal-breaker between you and another candidate.

Although Ogden says there are ways you can minimize the damage (e.g., if a friend has the video posted on his sites, get him to remove it), I have a better idea: Launch a great offense so that this video "oops" moment doesn't have to put you on the defensive down the road. Fill your Facebook, MySpace and other personal sites full of great things you're doing. Start volunteering and blog about it. Remove any sexy pics and put up some travel shots instead.

Bottom line: Make it so the first info that comes up in a Google search is a great reflection of you.

www.usaweekend.com/09_issues/090503/090503relationtips-embarrassing-picture.html

Photos from Baby/Tween Celebration, Los Angeles

A great event for tweens! If you didn't attend this year, GO NEXT YEAR! Radio Disney was on hand along with tween celebrities like Aria Wallace, who stars as Roxy Hunter in Nickelodeon's hit TV series, and who appears in iCarly.

Danielle & Aria with our third book, Don't Hit Send Just To Fit In


Danielle & I with our publicist Kara Birkenstock

Kevin & Taylor, The Fish Atlanta Radio

Listen to Kevin & Taylor in the morning on 104.7FM in Atlanta. They interview me on the topic of cyber bullying. www.thefishatlanta.com.

Thanks Kevin & Taylor!

Your Time With Kim-April 15

I was invited to join Kim Iverson again on her radio program 'Your Time With Kim' for her "Lifeline" show where listeners call in to ask questions about their teens and technology. Listen to the program on Kim's website www.yourtimewithkim.com.

Thanks Kim!

Find us in Los Angeles April 25-26 at the Baby & Tween Celebration

Danielle and I will appear at the Baby & Tween Celebration at the Los Angeles Convention Center April 25-26th. Look for The Temptation Series booth near the Rockin' Lollipop Tween Lounge. Purchase our books, pick up tips and resources for parents, and fantastic give-a-ways for tweens. We'd love to meet you!



www.seascapeproductions.com

Chikii Woman to Woman-Cyber Bullying

Danielle appeared in a fantastic segment on the website Chikii Woman to Woman about Cyber Bullying. Watch Danielle at www.chikii.com

Mark Twain Middle School-Los Angeles, CA, February 25

Danielle and I were invited to Mark Twain Middle School in Los Angeles to present to students and their parents on the issue of Cyber Bullying and other issues relating to technology and tweens. What a fantastic faculty, group of parents and teens! After a brief presentation on Cyber Bullying in the headlines, Danielle read with the kids our latest book Don't Hit Send Just To Fit In then had a "Positive Party" in which they took turns giving and receiving positive feedback..illustrating the fact that positive words are always better than negative ones. What a powerful exercise!

I spoke with parents about the effects of pornography, cell phone use and cyber bullying on kids and offered tips to help keep their families safe. I learned quite a bit from savvy parents about the things they are already doing to protect. Thank you Mark Twain and keep up the good work!

KSL Television Salt Lake City, March 5 - Cyber Bullying

For our third visit to KSL's Studio 5 in Salt Lake City we took on the issue of Cyber Bullying. Watch the interview on www.temptationseries.com, and visit www.studio5ksl.com for signs that your child may be cyber bullied or even a cyber bully. Thank you Brooke and Darin and Studio 5!

Park City TV, Wednesday March 4

Danielle and I were interviewed by host Ori Hoffer on Park City TV's Mountain Views evening program Wednesday, March 4th on the issue of Cyber Bullying, our tweens and the technology that we both love and hate. Watch for the video posted on www.temptationseries.com.

Thank you Ori and Park City TV!