We are inundated with facts. The computer brings so much to our desktop that sometimes it is overwhelming. The internet, although a wonderful resource, does not always offer the correct information and is not accessible to everyone. It also requires a great amount of searching to find those elusive facts. It is a time-consuming process to locate information on the Internet, but we all need information every day. Most adults learned, long before computers, how to find the facts they needed. We were taught how to use various resources from the phone book to the library. Not only information, but also knowing emergency procedures is necessary. Adults are fairly knowledgeable about who might have that information and what to do in emergencies. Unfortunately, I believe this has changed with our young people. Does your teen know how to find--offline-- the information he needs to function in everyday life?

An invaluable life skill is the ability to access information when you need it. I repeat the computer is a wonderful resource, but sometimes doing things the "old-fashioned" way is necessary. There are some basic resources your teen should know about.

When they're young, we teach kids how to report their name and address, phone number and parents' name to those in authority who need it to help them. When they are lost, they can report this information to a policeman. If they see an accident or witness a fire, they know to call 9-1-1. This is as far as we often go in teaching our kids, but teens need to know more.

Teenagers have a knack for getting themselves into jams. This stems from their new- found freedom, emotions that sometimes overrun common sense, and their belief that they are somehow immortal. They take more chances; tests limits, and just don't always think.

Beyond the Basics

If your teen is involved in a car accident, does he know what to do? Can he offer basic first aid to others who are injured, and does he know the steps one should take when an accident occurs? Can he call the police, an ambulance or rescue team and explain in detail where he is located and what the problem is? Does he know what reports to file when he is the driver involved in an accident?

When swimming, does your teen know how to help and respond when a person appears to be drowning or in distress? Does he know to throw something else in the water other than himself to rescue the person?

Your teen is home alone and the phone rings. It's a threatening phone call. Now what does he do? Or maybe it's just the water pipe that burst; can he shut off the water? Does he know what to do if there is a gas leak, or all the lights go out? Most parents are uneasy about letting teens stay home alone, but if teens are well prepared, there is no reason to worry excessively.

Survival Information

Let's move on to other types of information. Every teenager should, by this age, know how to locate information he needs in everyday life. A teen should know how to apply for a job, who to contact if he becomes jobless, and where to read about his rights as an employee.

College-bound students need to learn all about career possibilities, financial aid, how to locate scholarship information, and how to find the proper person to call about student housing. Does your teen know where to find this information? When they leave the nest, they may need to learn about the rights and responsibilities of renters. They must know how to look up the laws that affect their decision to enter into a contract or buy a vehicle.

Do your teens know enough about the laws to keep themselves on the right side of it? Many teens believe the laws do not apply to them and when they find themselves in serious trouble, they complain. But when the courts say ignorance of the law is no excuse, they mean it. If your teen will travel to another country, make sure they know its laws well, since many people believe the laws are the same everywhere. These are the same young people who are imprisoned in other countries for what we in this country consider minor offenses.

Introduce your children to all the resources you are aware of at an early an age as possible. They should know what is contained in the library, the courthouse and the White House. They must know how to look up agencies in the phone book, find zip codes and locate street addresses. I remember one young man who could not find house addresses because he didn't know odd numbers were on one side of the street and even on the other.

With the help of computers, we seldom need card catalogs at the library, but that is a shame. I believe the Internet has done one unfortunate thing and that is to keep folks out of the library. They believe they can find it all online and soon they will. But before that happens, teach teens about all the library has to offer and how to utilize its wonderful assets.

Can your teen apply for a social security card on his own, make a reservation for dinner, or find his way to the next county using a map? These seem like minor, unimportant tasks until you need them. A parent has many opportunities to teach the art of finding information. We look up phone numbers and resources everyday. Share these with your teen. Help them learn where to start to look for information and how to proceed until they find it.

Enhancing Life

Knowing what to do and how to find information can save a life, make it an easier and more enjoyable one, or help your teen reach new heights. These are important skills; make sure your teen has them.

© Copyright 2000

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel