Author to discuss protecting children in today's society

Levin The co-author of a book on the sexualization of childhood will be the featured speaker at a symposium for parents and professionals who work with children throughout Southwest Florida.

Diane Levin, Ph.D, will be the keynote speaker at "So Sexy So Soon: Protecting Children in a Sexualized Society," on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. In addition, a panel discussion will be led by a physician, psychologist, educators and members of the news media and monitored by a representative of Lee Mental Health.

The program will be held at the Barbara B. Mann Hall at Edison State College in Fort Myers. Admission is $10 for preregistration or $20 at the door. Registration is available at www.edison.edu/foundation. Continuing Education Units for educators are available.

"Parents and people who work with children are frequently fed up, confused and even scared by what kids do and say," said Dr. Levin. "I realize that saying 'no' to commercial culture isn't a realistic option for most families. Instead, there are age-appropriate strategies to counter the assault."

Dr. Levin does more than 25 major presentations a year and has appeared on the "Today Show", "Fox News Weekend Live", "Good Morning America", "Nightline", and "Talk of the Nation". Her work has been covered in major print publications

including The Washington P ost, B oston

Globe and the Christian Science Monitor.

For more information, call 489-9265 or to register, visit www.edison.edu/foundation