Dr. Elizabeth M. Casparian This is Me

Education

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1. 1. HiTOPS.org ~ Contact HiTOPS

   www.hitops.org/contactus/conta - [Cached]

   Published on: 7/27/2008   Last Visited: 7/27/2008

   Elizabeth M. Casparian, PhD Director of Educational Programs ecasparian@hitops.org

2. 2. The Shreveport Times

   www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/p - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/7/2006   Last Visited: 6/14/2006

   "You give them the least information that will satisfy them," says Elizabeth Casparian, director of educational programs at Health-Interested Teens' Own Program on Sexuality, or HiTOPS, a teen health education center in Princeton, N.J.The nonprofit center offers a clinic and a variety of programs and support groups, as well as www.hitops.org, to help teens understand their sexuality and avoid sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
   
   The "most common mistake is giving all the information at once," Casparian says.
   ...
   "In my mind there is no such thing as 'the talk.' You need to have ongoing dialogue," Casparian says.But even if that hasn't happened, it's not too late, she says.Ideally, it is "important that you give them correct information" about puberty by fourth or fifth grade because often "they get frightened by body changes."
   
   When and where you do decide to talk?Casparian suggests the following:
   
   Have the discussion in a place where you won't be interrupted, like the car.
   
   Broach the subject just before bedtime, "when they're needy and have let their guard down," Casparian says."Kids will open up and ask questions.They're relaxed and know they're safe."
   
   Watch television with your kids."There are teachable moments," Casparian says.

3. 3. The ChronicleHerald.ca

   www.halifaxherald.com/Living/4 - [Cached]

   Published on: 3/23/2006   Last Visited: 3/23/2006

   Elizabeth Casparian, director of educational programs for Health-Interested Teens, Own Program on Sexuality, located in New Jersey, says the site leaves young people, and gay teens in particular, vulnerable to sexual predators.
   
   "For kids who feel like they don,t have an avenue to express who they are in their day-to-day life, they,re even more vulnerable because they,re using the Internet more often for support," Casparian said.Some teens may ignore the danger.
   
   "That,s where my anxiety is," she added.
   ...
   The sense of personal freedom to express oneself makes the site attractive to young people, Casparian said.
   
   "It,s a perfect world for teens," she added."It,s like creating your own little room: You can decorate it however you want, you can put music on it, you can bring your friends into it."
   
   But MySpace also has fewer social constrictions than similar sites, and in some pictures users show more than a little skin.Though Casparian said she ultimately supports MySpace because it provides an avenue for more positive expression, she urges parents to keep a careful eye on how young people use it.
   
   ,It,s a perfect world for teens.It,s like creating your own little room: You can