Talk Show Host to Speak on Children

Radio talk show host Dennis Prager will speak on “Why Children Should Speak to Strangers,” at an upcoming program presented by Pacific Lodge Youth Services and Chaminade College Preparatory.

Prager said he believes the old adage “Don’t talk to strangers” is creating a cold society where adults sometimes recoil when a new person talks to them in public.

“What we’re telling children is, ‘Never speak to anyone except the 20 people you know.’ What kind of thing is that to say to a child?” asked Prager, whose has three children, ages 6 to 23. “I’m deeply afraid of how much fear we instill in children in this country.”

The talk is part of a free symposium called “Youth at Risk--Creating Solutions” that is intended for parents and teachers.

“Dennis will speak about how to raise secure children in an insecure society. He speaks very frankly,” said David Genders, president and CEO of Pacific Lodge Services, a Woodland Hills residential treatment center for 76 teenage boys.

This is the fourth year Pacific Lodge has hosted the program as a way to reach out and provide support to the community.

The event is scheduled from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 4 in Chatsworth. The location will be given to those who make reservations, which are mandatory, by Tuesday.

For reservations, call (818) 347-1577, Ext. 115.