Cyber-bullying topic of Feb. 16 seminar at Waukegan Y

The first in a new series of free community programs for parents offered jointly by Lake County Family YMCA and Rosalind Franklin University Health System focuses on the serious problems of bullying and, specifically, cyber bullying facing today's kids.

David J. Ventrelle, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, will address this age-old problem that's taken on new significance in this age of social media from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at Northern Lake YMCA, 2000 Western Ave., Waukegan.

Parents attending the program, "From the Playground to the Internet: Helping Your Kids with Bullying & Cyber Bullying," will learn what to do if they have a child who?s being bullied ? or, perhaps, is a bully ? as well as how to keep children safe on the Internet.

"Bullying has been an issue for as long as children have attended school; however, with more kids using the Internet for social connection, bullying has evolved into cyberspace," said Dr. Ventrelle. "Even when parents know it's happening, they may not know how to help their child deal with it. Addressing bullying in an assertive and proactive way can be essential to a child's emotional well being."

Dr. Ventrelle has been providing individual and family counseling for children, adolescents and adults for nearly 10 years in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. He practices in Vernon Hills at the Behavioral Health Center, a part of Rosalind Franklin University Health System.

While this informative programs is free and open to the public, advance registration is required to attend. This can be done by calling or stopping by the Northern Lake Y. The phone number is (847) 360-9622.

Future programs in this special series for parents will be held at Central Lake YMCA in Vernon Hills. "Managing the Meltdown: Outburst, Tantrums, and Everything in Between" is the topic on Thursday, March 8, while "Practical Strategies for Managing Your Child's ADHD" will be discussed on Thursday, April 12, again from 7 to 8 p.m. both days.

For more information about the content of these programs, contact Jeanne Trampe, RFUHS physician liaison, at (847) 578-8769 or j.trampe@rfuhs.com.

The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Chartered in 1912 as a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit, our association is comprised of the Central Lake YMCA in Vernon Hills, Northern Lake YMCA in Waukegan and Early Head Start in Waukegan. To learn more, visit www.ymcalakecounty.org