With the summer swimming season just around the corner, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives campaign is releasing its 2011 television and radio public service announcements (PSAs) highlighting various water safety steps that can be taken to save a life. In the first few months of 2011, there have been 37 drownings and 38 near-drowning incidents reported by the media across America. Developed with the campaign's national partners the American Red Cross and the Y, the PSAs are being released nationally today urging parents and children to adopt as many safety steps as possible in and around pools and spas. The Pool Safely campaign is the federal government's first-of-its-kind national public education effort to reduce child drownings and near-drownings in swimming pools and spas.
"As the summer swimming season approaches, our message to parents and caregivers is simple: stay safe in and around pools and spas by practicing as many safety steps as possible. This includes staying close to children at all times, knowing water safety skills like CPR, and ensuring anti-entrapment drain covers are installed in all pools and spas," said Inez Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC.
The PSAs introduce four families and their stories about the simple steps that save lives: door alarms, knowledge of CPR, fencing around pools and spas and safety drain covers in pools and spas. The radio PSAs promote the importance of swimming lessons as a simple step that saves lives. Available to local television and radio stations in both English and Spanish, the English-language versions feature Ming-Na, the voice of Mulan in Disney animated films and star of the NBC drama "ER", "The Joy Luck Club" and "Stargate Universe". You can watch the PSA here.
"So many of the drowning and near-drowning incidents that happen every year are preventable and every drowning and near-drowning is a terrible tragedy."concluded Tenenbaum.
CPSC Chairman Tenenbaum delivered a keynote speech at the National Drowning Prevention Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado last week. Her address at the nation's premiere water safety and drowning prevention conference focused on CPSC's role in preventing drowning, the Pool Safely campaign and its efforts to encourage compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which mandated a national public education campaign about drowning and entrapment prevention. Tenenbaum also provided an update on the campaign and efforts to sustain drowning prevention advocacy through education, training and partnerships.
Since January 2010, the Pool Safely campaign has responded to over 600 media-reported drowning, near-drowning and entrapment incidents. Steps such as staying close to children at all times, learning water safety skills and having the appropriate equipment, can help families have a safer experience in and around pools and spas.
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Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friday, October 29, 2010
CPSC Reminds Parents How to Prevent Halloween Costume and Decoration-Related Injuries
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants parents of trick-or-treaters to know that there is nothing scary about preventing Halloween-related injuries. By taking a few simple safety precautions when selecting costumes and Halloween decorations, consumers can prevent burn, fall and laceration injuries.
Parents who make their kids' costumes can send off their little ghosts, goblins and superheroes safely by using inherently flame-resistant fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. These materials will resist burning if exposed to an open flame. When purchasing a costume, look for "Flame Resistant" on the product's tag or packaging
Lighting the night also is made safer when children have no access to open flames. Flameless candles, light sticks and flashlights provide a safe lighting alternative in jack-o'-lanterns and areas where children will have access.
"Uncovering Halloween's hidden dangers is simple with CPSC's safety steps," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Thoughtful costume selection, care with candles and careful placement of decorations and lighting will help ensure your Halloween is safe and enjoyable."
In addition to providing safety tips, the CPSC works to keep children and families safe during the holiday celebration by enforcing the Flammable Fabrics Act and recalling hazardous costumes and products at Halloween and throughout the year.
Make this year's holiday a safe one by following these safety tips on costumes, treats and decorations:
Costumes
* When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves, large capes or billowing skirts.
* Purchase or make costumes that are light colored, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
* For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
* Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
* To guard against trips and falls, costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground.
* Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.
* Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing their vision.
* If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
* Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.
Treats
* Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
* Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters younger than three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.
Decorations
* Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
* Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
* Indoors, keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other items that could ignite. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
* Indoors or outside, use only decorative light strands that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
* Don't overload extension cords.
-----
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Parents who make their kids' costumes can send off their little ghosts, goblins and superheroes safely by using inherently flame-resistant fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. These materials will resist burning if exposed to an open flame. When purchasing a costume, look for "Flame Resistant" on the product's tag or packaging
Lighting the night also is made safer when children have no access to open flames. Flameless candles, light sticks and flashlights provide a safe lighting alternative in jack-o'-lanterns and areas where children will have access.
"Uncovering Halloween's hidden dangers is simple with CPSC's safety steps," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Thoughtful costume selection, care with candles and careful placement of decorations and lighting will help ensure your Halloween is safe and enjoyable."
In addition to providing safety tips, the CPSC works to keep children and families safe during the holiday celebration by enforcing the Flammable Fabrics Act and recalling hazardous costumes and products at Halloween and throughout the year.
Make this year's holiday a safe one by following these safety tips on costumes, treats and decorations:
Costumes
* When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves, large capes or billowing skirts.
* Purchase or make costumes that are light colored, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
* For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
* Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
* To guard against trips and falls, costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground.
* Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.
* Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing their vision.
* If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
* Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.
Treats
* Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
* Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters younger than three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.
Decorations
* Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
* Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
* Indoors, keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other items that could ignite. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
* Indoors or outside, use only decorative light strands that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
* Don't overload extension cords.
-----
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
New Study Finds Bullying and Cyberbullying are Parent's #1 Fear More Than Kidnapping, Domestic Terrorism and Suicide
/PRNewswire/ -- Whom do parents fear more, Stranger Danger or a Facebook friend? According to a national survey commissioned by Care.com, Inc. (http://www.care.com), bullying and cyberbullying have eclipsed kidnapping as the greatest fear parents have regarding their children's safety.
Nearly one in three (30%) parents of children 12-17 years old fear bullying and cyberbullying over kidnapping, domestic terrorism, car accidents, suicide or any other incident. And of parents whose children are under 12 years old, more than one in four (27%) parents say they are most afraid of bullying and cyberbullying, with kidnapping only slightly higher (30%).
Care.com, Inc., the premier source of trustworthy family care options, including profiles of hundreds of thousands of babysitters, nannies, and senior caregivers, found that parents are taking the issue seriously. In response to recent news coverage of teens being bullied or cyberbullied across the country, 75% of parents are now monitoring text messages and social media activity. They report also now speaking with their children about the dangers of bullying.
Is Technology to blame? Parents clearly feel that it is. Almost two out of three (62%) parents agree that increased use of texting, social media activity and the playing of more violent video games are resulting in meaner behavior among kids. This concern increases in the South (71%) and Northeast (67%), but decreases to half (50%) of parents in the Midwest.
Parents want their children's schools to take action. More than one in three parents surveyed, report encouraging their schools to create anti-bullying programs and have teachers address bullying as well. Nearly half (46%) feel that the schools are listening, giving their children's schools a grade of A or B. However, one out of five parents (19%) feel that their schools are doing a poor job or simply failing their kids when it comes to this issue.
"Mean kids and bullies are not new, but the access to social media networks and cell phones that can make bullying both anonymous and seemingly innocuous is the new danger. And parents are genuinely afraid," said Wendy Sachs, editor-in-chief of Care.com. "Our study found that parents are also stepping up and want their schools and communities involved."
The failure increases in the West where more than one out of four parents (29%) give their children's schools a poor or failing grade. By comparison, more than half (57%) of parents in the Northeast believe their schools are doing a good job at handling bullying. Other findings include:
* Fathers fear bullying and cyberbullying the most, of which a quarter of men (25%) cite it as the number one fear compared with a third (35%) of mothers who perceive kidnapping to be the greatest danger.
* In New York, one in three parents (31%) cite bullying and cyberbullying as a greater fear than domestic terrorism (19%) despite the WTC attacks less than ten years ago.
* The Midwest is the most concerned about bullying and cyberbullying, where a third of parents (33%) felt it was the most significant fear for them.
* Western states parents remain most concerned about kidnapping with 43% versus bullying and cyberbullying (20%). However, when asked to evaluate what their child's school has done to educate kids about the dangers of bullying and cyberbullying, one out of four (24%) gave a poor or failing grade (D or F).
* In the South, kidnapping and bullying and cyberbullying are of equal concern to parents with a quarter of parents (24%) acknowledging that they are fearful of them.
The Care.com survey was conducted via a national telephone survey among a weighted sample of 394 adults 18 years of age and older living in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing for this CARAVAN Survey was completed during the period October 8-11, 2010.
-----
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Nearly one in three (30%) parents of children 12-17 years old fear bullying and cyberbullying over kidnapping, domestic terrorism, car accidents, suicide or any other incident. And of parents whose children are under 12 years old, more than one in four (27%) parents say they are most afraid of bullying and cyberbullying, with kidnapping only slightly higher (30%).
Care.com, Inc., the premier source of trustworthy family care options, including profiles of hundreds of thousands of babysitters, nannies, and senior caregivers, found that parents are taking the issue seriously. In response to recent news coverage of teens being bullied or cyberbullied across the country, 75% of parents are now monitoring text messages and social media activity. They report also now speaking with their children about the dangers of bullying.
Is Technology to blame? Parents clearly feel that it is. Almost two out of three (62%) parents agree that increased use of texting, social media activity and the playing of more violent video games are resulting in meaner behavior among kids. This concern increases in the South (71%) and Northeast (67%), but decreases to half (50%) of parents in the Midwest.
Parents want their children's schools to take action. More than one in three parents surveyed, report encouraging their schools to create anti-bullying programs and have teachers address bullying as well. Nearly half (46%) feel that the schools are listening, giving their children's schools a grade of A or B. However, one out of five parents (19%) feel that their schools are doing a poor job or simply failing their kids when it comes to this issue.
"Mean kids and bullies are not new, but the access to social media networks and cell phones that can make bullying both anonymous and seemingly innocuous is the new danger. And parents are genuinely afraid," said Wendy Sachs, editor-in-chief of Care.com. "Our study found that parents are also stepping up and want their schools and communities involved."
The failure increases in the West where more than one out of four parents (29%) give their children's schools a poor or failing grade. By comparison, more than half (57%) of parents in the Northeast believe their schools are doing a good job at handling bullying. Other findings include:
* Fathers fear bullying and cyberbullying the most, of which a quarter of men (25%) cite it as the number one fear compared with a third (35%) of mothers who perceive kidnapping to be the greatest danger.
* In New York, one in three parents (31%) cite bullying and cyberbullying as a greater fear than domestic terrorism (19%) despite the WTC attacks less than ten years ago.
* The Midwest is the most concerned about bullying and cyberbullying, where a third of parents (33%) felt it was the most significant fear for them.
* Western states parents remain most concerned about kidnapping with 43% versus bullying and cyberbullying (20%). However, when asked to evaluate what their child's school has done to educate kids about the dangers of bullying and cyberbullying, one out of four (24%) gave a poor or failing grade (D or F).
* In the South, kidnapping and bullying and cyberbullying are of equal concern to parents with a quarter of parents (24%) acknowledging that they are fearful of them.
The Care.com survey was conducted via a national telephone survey among a weighted sample of 394 adults 18 years of age and older living in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing for this CARAVAN Survey was completed during the period October 8-11, 2010.
-----
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Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tips For A Healthy Halloween
(StatePoint) Halloween ghouls may give kids a fright, but the buckets and bags of candy that come home can be equally scary for parents. With the abundance of sweet treats consumed on Halloween, not to mention the Thanksgiving pies and holiday cookies to come, now is the perfect time to teach your kids healthy habits, such as nutritious eating and good oral hygiene.
Here are some ideas for keeping things healthy while still having fun:
Candy Common Sense
Consider offering alternatives to candy on Halloween. Stickers, removable tattoos or bottles of bubbles will be a refreshing change for kids of all ages. Toys like jump ropes, hacky sacks or sidewalk chalk for hopscotch will encourage kids to be active while still having fun.
Of course, you won't be able to avoid candy completely. Let your kids indulge now and then. Enjoying treats in moderation will help your kids learn to savor the moment.
The Unsweet Tooth
Half of all American kids will have a cavity by age 10. The good news is that you can play a role in teaching your kids healthy oral care habits from an early age. Be a role model with your own oral health by brushing and flossing every day and encourage your kids to practice along with you. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests parents supervise children under seven.
Making brushing fun can encourage interdependence so kids become accustomed to their daily routines. Power toothbrushes, which typically remove more plaque than manual ones, can assist parents in teaching healthy brushing habits. Consider trying a toothbrush like the Philips Sonicare For Kids. It's simple to use and designed with two gripping locations so you can help your child brush. It also has a "KidTimer" to help children reach the dentist-recommended two-minute brushing time and musical tones indicating when it's time to move to a different area of the mouth. To learn more, visit sonicareforkids.philips.com.
Snack-or-Treat?
On Halloween, offer your kids a healthy snack before they go trick-or-treating. Peanut butter and apple slices and a glass of low-fat milk will go a long way in keeping candy cravings at bay. Filling them with protein and fiber will leave less room for sweet treats that offer little nutritional value.
Party Down
Halloween parties are a great new tradition that allows kids to stay safely off the streets while eating a moderate amount of sweets and getting exercise from fun and games. Just make sure you keep lit candles and jack-o-lanterns away from high-traffic areas. Then join in the fun!
-----
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Twitter: @FayetteFP
Here are some ideas for keeping things healthy while still having fun:
Candy Common Sense
Consider offering alternatives to candy on Halloween. Stickers, removable tattoos or bottles of bubbles will be a refreshing change for kids of all ages. Toys like jump ropes, hacky sacks or sidewalk chalk for hopscotch will encourage kids to be active while still having fun.
Of course, you won't be able to avoid candy completely. Let your kids indulge now and then. Enjoying treats in moderation will help your kids learn to savor the moment.
The Unsweet Tooth
Half of all American kids will have a cavity by age 10. The good news is that you can play a role in teaching your kids healthy oral care habits from an early age. Be a role model with your own oral health by brushing and flossing every day and encourage your kids to practice along with you. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests parents supervise children under seven.
Making brushing fun can encourage interdependence so kids become accustomed to their daily routines. Power toothbrushes, which typically remove more plaque than manual ones, can assist parents in teaching healthy brushing habits. Consider trying a toothbrush like the Philips Sonicare For Kids. It's simple to use and designed with two gripping locations so you can help your child brush. It also has a "KidTimer" to help children reach the dentist-recommended two-minute brushing time and musical tones indicating when it's time to move to a different area of the mouth. To learn more, visit sonicareforkids.philips.com.
Snack-or-Treat?
On Halloween, offer your kids a healthy snack before they go trick-or-treating. Peanut butter and apple slices and a glass of low-fat milk will go a long way in keeping candy cravings at bay. Filling them with protein and fiber will leave less room for sweet treats that offer little nutritional value.
Party Down
Halloween parties are a great new tradition that allows kids to stay safely off the streets while eating a moderate amount of sweets and getting exercise from fun and games. Just make sure you keep lit candles and jack-o-lanterns away from high-traffic areas. Then join in the fun!
-----
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www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
SafetyWeb Launches New, Free Service to Help Find Missing Children
/PRNewswire/ -- SafetyWeb (http://www.safetyweb.com/), the groundbreaking online privacy and safety service for parents, announced today the release of SWOT(TM), the SafetyWeb Online Tracking Tool, to assist nationwide law enforcement agencies in finding online traces of missing children. The service is now available for free to any qualifying agency and is already in use nationwide.
SafetyWeb unveiled SWOT(TM) at the Crimes Against Children Conference, which it co-sponsored along with Google, Facebook, and Adobe last week in Dallas. More than 2,000 kids go missing daily in the United States, a statistic that SafetyWeb founders Geoffrey Arone and Michael Clark (both parents) found alarming.
"Michael and I visited The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and realized that SafetyWeb could help law enforcement efforts in locating missing children," said Arone. "SafetyWeb monitors nearly all the social networks and websites, making it much easier for law enforcement to gather clues about missing children in real time. There is nothing else available that is as advanced, comprehensive, and easy-to-use," said Clark.
SafetyWeb changed the online security space with advanced, cloud-based technology to help protect children. SafetyWeb looks at a child's public behavior as well as any public mentions of the child online. Unlike products that require installation or invade the privacy of the children, SafetyWeb runs on the Internet and can be accessed from anywhere, with almost any Internet connected device. SafetyWeb provides parents with easy-to-read weekly reports and 24-hour access to website services for $10/month. SafetyWeb is also available for both the iPhone and Android. To learn more or to get started, visit SafetyWeb.com.
-----
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SafetyWeb unveiled SWOT(TM) at the Crimes Against Children Conference, which it co-sponsored along with Google, Facebook, and Adobe last week in Dallas. More than 2,000 kids go missing daily in the United States, a statistic that SafetyWeb founders Geoffrey Arone and Michael Clark (both parents) found alarming.
"Michael and I visited The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and realized that SafetyWeb could help law enforcement efforts in locating missing children," said Arone. "SafetyWeb monitors nearly all the social networks and websites, making it much easier for law enforcement to gather clues about missing children in real time. There is nothing else available that is as advanced, comprehensive, and easy-to-use," said Clark.
SafetyWeb changed the online security space with advanced, cloud-based technology to help protect children. SafetyWeb looks at a child's public behavior as well as any public mentions of the child online. Unlike products that require installation or invade the privacy of the children, SafetyWeb runs on the Internet and can be accessed from anywhere, with almost any Internet connected device. SafetyWeb provides parents with easy-to-read weekly reports and 24-hour access to website services for $10/month. SafetyWeb is also available for both the iPhone and Android. To learn more or to get started, visit SafetyWeb.com.
-----
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Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Top Five Back-to-School Online Safety Questions Every Parent Should Ask
/PRNewswire/ -- As the role of technology as teaching aids continues to evolve, do you know how your school uses it in the classroom? What are the policies for Internet use? What about mobile devices? Is your school using a filter, and if so what are the monitoring policies?
With back-to-school time right around the corner, now is the time that parents should ask teachers and administrators about the school's technology policies. But as Internet-enabled devices take on more and more varied forms--pacing the Internet itself--just what questions to ask has itself become a complicated and multi-faceted question.
Here are the top five questions every parent should ask their child's teachers and administrators at the beginning of this school year.
5. What technology does the school provide for the classroom, and how will the teacher use it?
Internet connected devices today range from your standard desktop computer to SmartBoards and iPads. Ask how the technology will be used in the lesson plan, and if you have questions about the educational value of something--like YouTube--ask why it's being included.
4. What are the rules regarding mobile devices at school?
Are children allowed to use a mobile device for calculating and research? Is there a punishment for texting in class? Or, are mobile devices not allowed in the classroom at all? Knowing the answers to these questions can help your child steer clear of trouble.
3. What are the social-networking rules regarding student/teacher interaction?
Many teachers use Facebook and other social networks to connect to students and make themselves available for questions, while others do not allow such connections. Ask your child's teacher what their ground rules are, and make sure any social-networking requirements for your child fall within your comfort level as well.
2. Does your school have a Cyberbullying policy?
Cyberbullying refers to bullying through electronic means, and is an emerging area of concern for educators and parents alike. Ask about your school's policy for dealing with Cyberbullying, and what is expected from both the parents and student when it comes to dealing with Cyberbullying incidents. Many schools have recently implemented harsher penalties for Cyberbullies, including suspension and even expulsion.
1. Does your school filter?
Filtering school networks is becoming more common but is not yet ubiquitous. Find out what measures your school has in place to protect your child from harmful online content and contact while they are at school, and what steps are followed if a student tries to access banned material.
Make sure to review your school's rules with your child so he or she clearly knows what kind of online activity can get them in trouble. Establishing your own Internet usage rules at home helps kids carry that same care into web usage at school. For more information about building a game-plan for home and school Internet rules, visit http://www.internetsafety.com/internet-monitoring-game-plan.php/.
-----
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www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
With back-to-school time right around the corner, now is the time that parents should ask teachers and administrators about the school's technology policies. But as Internet-enabled devices take on more and more varied forms--pacing the Internet itself--just what questions to ask has itself become a complicated and multi-faceted question.
Here are the top five questions every parent should ask their child's teachers and administrators at the beginning of this school year.
5. What technology does the school provide for the classroom, and how will the teacher use it?
Internet connected devices today range from your standard desktop computer to SmartBoards and iPads. Ask how the technology will be used in the lesson plan, and if you have questions about the educational value of something--like YouTube--ask why it's being included.
4. What are the rules regarding mobile devices at school?
Are children allowed to use a mobile device for calculating and research? Is there a punishment for texting in class? Or, are mobile devices not allowed in the classroom at all? Knowing the answers to these questions can help your child steer clear of trouble.
3. What are the social-networking rules regarding student/teacher interaction?
Many teachers use Facebook and other social networks to connect to students and make themselves available for questions, while others do not allow such connections. Ask your child's teacher what their ground rules are, and make sure any social-networking requirements for your child fall within your comfort level as well.
2. Does your school have a Cyberbullying policy?
Cyberbullying refers to bullying through electronic means, and is an emerging area of concern for educators and parents alike. Ask about your school's policy for dealing with Cyberbullying, and what is expected from both the parents and student when it comes to dealing with Cyberbullying incidents. Many schools have recently implemented harsher penalties for Cyberbullies, including suspension and even expulsion.
1. Does your school filter?
Filtering school networks is becoming more common but is not yet ubiquitous. Find out what measures your school has in place to protect your child from harmful online content and contact while they are at school, and what steps are followed if a student tries to access banned material.
Make sure to review your school's rules with your child so he or she clearly knows what kind of online activity can get them in trouble. Establishing your own Internet usage rules at home helps kids carry that same care into web usage at school. For more information about building a game-plan for home and school Internet rules, visit http://www.internetsafety.com/internet-monitoring-game-plan.php/.
-----
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Fayette Front Page
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Georgia Front Page
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Friday, July 23, 2010
Put your cell phone away and keep your hands on the wheel
(ARA) - It's the new drinking and driving -- and for good reason. As Americans become more addicted to their cell phones, BlackBerry devices and other PDAs, lawmakers throughout the nation are taking action in the wake of a disturbing national trend linking cell phone use with car crashes.
The National Highway and Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) reports the use of cell phones and other mobile devices now accounts for 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes. Research shows that driving while talking, texting or e-mailing with a cell phone or PDA can pose a serious distraction and interfere with driving a motor vehicle.
As a result of the growing number of cell phone-related car accidents, more states are pushing for legislation to ban cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle, according to FindLaw.com, the Internet's leading Web site for legal information. States that have banned the handheld use of cell phones by drivers include California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington as well as the District of Columbia.
The facts are especially alarming for teenagers, for whom driving-related incidents are the leading cause of death. According to an NHTSA report, more than 50 percent of teens admit to talking or texting on a cell phone while driving. At least 20 states, including Texas, currently ban any kind of cell phone use by teenage drivers, says FindLaw.com.
Because of the alarming trend linking cell phone use and driving, the National Safety Council has gone even further by calling for a complete ban on the use of all cell phones, including "hands-free" devices, for drivers nationwide.
Any activity a driver engages in while driving has the potential to distract the motorist from the primary task of operating the vehicle. A distraction is defined by any event or action that takes your eyes off the road (visual), mind off the road (cognitive), or takes your hands off the steering wheel (manual). Some research findings compare cell phone use to other activities such as passenger conversations or changing a CD while driving.
For example, studies have shown that cell phone use compared to carrying on a conversation with a passenger can be equally risky, while other studies show cell phone use to be more risky. The difference between the two is a passenger can monitor the driving situation along with the driver and pause for, or alert the driver to, potential hazards, whereas a person on the other end of the phone line is unaware of the roadway situation.
But what if a driver encounters an emergency situation or witnesses another driver's erratic driving? As a general rule, if you are in your car and witness a car accident or another emergency, pull your vehicle over to a safe location and call 911.
However, in emergency situations drivers must use their judgment regarding the urgency of the situation and the necessity to use a cell phone while driving. The key here is to avoid creating another emergency because you're using your cell phone.
In addition to using a cell phone, there are many other distractions that can increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle, according to FindLaw.com. Some activities that appear to be "hands free," such as looking at a GPS map screen, can be just as distracting as navigating a car while eating a hamburger. According to a study by the NHTSA and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near crashes involve some form of driver distraction.
The study further concluded that the typical distraction occurred within three seconds before the vehicle crash. The bottom line is that drivers who engage more frequently in distracted driving are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident or near crash. Some common distractions that should be avoided include:
* Eating while driving, including unwrapping food products.
* Changing a CD or adjusting the radio.
* Applying make-up.
* Settling a dispute between children.
* Controlling a loose pet.
* Reading a print map or watching a GPS map screen while driving.
* Looking at an object or event outside of your car, like another accident.
It is also important to keep in mind that some activities are carried out more frequently and for longer periods of time and may result in greater risk. The primary responsibility of the driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can distract drivers from this task, risking harm to themselves and others. Therefore, the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving.
To learn more about cell phone use and driving laws, visit www.findlaw.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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The National Highway and Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) reports the use of cell phones and other mobile devices now accounts for 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes. Research shows that driving while talking, texting or e-mailing with a cell phone or PDA can pose a serious distraction and interfere with driving a motor vehicle.
As a result of the growing number of cell phone-related car accidents, more states are pushing for legislation to ban cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle, according to FindLaw.com, the Internet's leading Web site for legal information. States that have banned the handheld use of cell phones by drivers include California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington as well as the District of Columbia.
The facts are especially alarming for teenagers, for whom driving-related incidents are the leading cause of death. According to an NHTSA report, more than 50 percent of teens admit to talking or texting on a cell phone while driving. At least 20 states, including Texas, currently ban any kind of cell phone use by teenage drivers, says FindLaw.com.
Because of the alarming trend linking cell phone use and driving, the National Safety Council has gone even further by calling for a complete ban on the use of all cell phones, including "hands-free" devices, for drivers nationwide.
Any activity a driver engages in while driving has the potential to distract the motorist from the primary task of operating the vehicle. A distraction is defined by any event or action that takes your eyes off the road (visual), mind off the road (cognitive), or takes your hands off the steering wheel (manual). Some research findings compare cell phone use to other activities such as passenger conversations or changing a CD while driving.
For example, studies have shown that cell phone use compared to carrying on a conversation with a passenger can be equally risky, while other studies show cell phone use to be more risky. The difference between the two is a passenger can monitor the driving situation along with the driver and pause for, or alert the driver to, potential hazards, whereas a person on the other end of the phone line is unaware of the roadway situation.
But what if a driver encounters an emergency situation or witnesses another driver's erratic driving? As a general rule, if you are in your car and witness a car accident or another emergency, pull your vehicle over to a safe location and call 911.
However, in emergency situations drivers must use their judgment regarding the urgency of the situation and the necessity to use a cell phone while driving. The key here is to avoid creating another emergency because you're using your cell phone.
In addition to using a cell phone, there are many other distractions that can increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle, according to FindLaw.com. Some activities that appear to be "hands free," such as looking at a GPS map screen, can be just as distracting as navigating a car while eating a hamburger. According to a study by the NHTSA and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near crashes involve some form of driver distraction.
The study further concluded that the typical distraction occurred within three seconds before the vehicle crash. The bottom line is that drivers who engage more frequently in distracted driving are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident or near crash. Some common distractions that should be avoided include:
* Eating while driving, including unwrapping food products.
* Changing a CD or adjusting the radio.
* Applying make-up.
* Settling a dispute between children.
* Controlling a loose pet.
* Reading a print map or watching a GPS map screen while driving.
* Looking at an object or event outside of your car, like another accident.
It is also important to keep in mind that some activities are carried out more frequently and for longer periods of time and may result in greater risk. The primary responsibility of the driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can distract drivers from this task, risking harm to themselves and others. Therefore, the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving.
To learn more about cell phone use and driving laws, visit www.findlaw.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
-----
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Monday, June 21, 2010
1 in 7 Kids Is Solicited for Sex Online
USNewswire -- Two new items are now available for kids between the ages of 8 and 12 that are not only fun but also teach them how to stay safe while on the Internet. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) and Sprint (NYSE:S) announced today that in honor of Internet Safety Month the popular child-focused Internet safety website www.NSTeens.org has been expanded to include a new animated video and educational game created for the "in-between" tween audience of 8 to 12 year olds. The new video "Mike-tosis," is already on the site and demonstrates how quickly information spreads through the Internet, on mobile phones, and other technology that is widely used today. In addition, a new online game "Cyberbully Zombies Attack," will be released June 30 and allows players to use Internet safety tips, trusted adults, and technology as tools to stop cyberbullying zombies from reaching their school.
The statistics are alarming: 1 in 7 kids is solicited for sex online; 1 in 33 kids receives aggressive online solicitations to meet in person; 1 in 3 kids receives unsolicited sexual content online; and 34% of kids online indicate they communicate with people they don't know.
"Today children have more access to the Internet that ever before in history. The majority of all households today have at least one computer and we know that most teens access the Internet from multiple locations," said Ernie Allen, president and CEO of NCMEC. "Kids already know that the Internet is a wonderful resource. They also need to understand the potential risks and the simple things that they can do that will help them stay safe. That is why NSTeens was created. It is designed for tweens but also can serve as an educational resource for parents and teachers. We are grateful to Sprint for their continuing commitment to help keep children safe while online."
As a part of Internet Safety Month, Sprint and NCMEC have also partnered again and have scheduled an online chat about Internet safety at 1:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, June 29. Nancy McBride, National Safety Director for NCMEC will be available to answer questions about online safety. The live chat can be accessed at http://community.sprint.com/. Questions can be submitted during the hour-long chat or can be submitted beforehand at http://community.sprint.com/. No advance registration is required for this event.
"There is perhaps nothing more important than protecting our nation's children," said Debby Ballard, Director of Community Affairs for Sprint. "The Internet provides many opportunities for fun and learning, but can also be the source of many potential dangers. As such, it's crucial for businesses, non-profit organizations, communities and schools to partner together to make sure our young people are safe online. We are pleased to work with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to expand the online-safety tools available for children, parents and educators in the effort to keep children safe."
NSTeens.org's animated videos feature a multi-ethnic cast of comic-book-style characters and are accompanied by real teens talking about their online experiences. "Mike-tosis" and all other NSTeens videos include activity cards to help teachers build the videos into their lesson plans and open a dialogue with their students. The new video and game, as well as all of the content on www.NSTeens.org, is available in English and Spanish.
NCMEC created the popular website www.NSTeens.org in 2007 in partnership with Sprint with the objective of providing a resource for the often overlooked "tweens" who are ages 8 to 12. NSTeens is an expansion of NCMEC's successful NetSmartz Workshop which is a web-based safety program designed specifically for children. Sprint provides funding for NSTeens through its Internet safety initiative, 4NetSafety(SM).
Both NetSmartz Workshop and 4NetSafety offer free resources to teens, parents, and teachers. Issues like online gaming, cyberbullying, and social networking are addressed through animated videos, games and other content. Since www.NSTeens.org was launched, the site has grown and expanded with new content added each year. NSTeens.org materials are also used in presentations by NCMEC's NetSmartz Workshop and have now been distributed to more than 550 schools and more than 250,000 students in grades 6-8.
Sprint's 4NetSafety Internet safety program is conducted in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the National Education Association Health information Network and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The program is funded through Sprint Project Connect(SM), Sprint's charitable wireless recycling program. For more Internet safety tips or information about how to recycle a wireless phone and/or accessories, visit www.4netsafety.com.
-----
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The statistics are alarming: 1 in 7 kids is solicited for sex online; 1 in 33 kids receives aggressive online solicitations to meet in person; 1 in 3 kids receives unsolicited sexual content online; and 34% of kids online indicate they communicate with people they don't know.
"Today children have more access to the Internet that ever before in history. The majority of all households today have at least one computer and we know that most teens access the Internet from multiple locations," said Ernie Allen, president and CEO of NCMEC. "Kids already know that the Internet is a wonderful resource. They also need to understand the potential risks and the simple things that they can do that will help them stay safe. That is why NSTeens was created. It is designed for tweens but also can serve as an educational resource for parents and teachers. We are grateful to Sprint for their continuing commitment to help keep children safe while online."
As a part of Internet Safety Month, Sprint and NCMEC have also partnered again and have scheduled an online chat about Internet safety at 1:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, June 29. Nancy McBride, National Safety Director for NCMEC will be available to answer questions about online safety. The live chat can be accessed at http://community.sprint.com/. Questions can be submitted during the hour-long chat or can be submitted beforehand at http://community.sprint.com/. No advance registration is required for this event.
"There is perhaps nothing more important than protecting our nation's children," said Debby Ballard, Director of Community Affairs for Sprint. "The Internet provides many opportunities for fun and learning, but can also be the source of many potential dangers. As such, it's crucial for businesses, non-profit organizations, communities and schools to partner together to make sure our young people are safe online. We are pleased to work with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to expand the online-safety tools available for children, parents and educators in the effort to keep children safe."
NSTeens.org's animated videos feature a multi-ethnic cast of comic-book-style characters and are accompanied by real teens talking about their online experiences. "Mike-tosis" and all other NSTeens videos include activity cards to help teachers build the videos into their lesson plans and open a dialogue with their students. The new video and game, as well as all of the content on www.NSTeens.org, is available in English and Spanish.
NCMEC created the popular website www.NSTeens.org in 2007 in partnership with Sprint with the objective of providing a resource for the often overlooked "tweens" who are ages 8 to 12. NSTeens is an expansion of NCMEC's successful NetSmartz Workshop which is a web-based safety program designed specifically for children. Sprint provides funding for NSTeens through its Internet safety initiative, 4NetSafety(SM).
Both NetSmartz Workshop and 4NetSafety offer free resources to teens, parents, and teachers. Issues like online gaming, cyberbullying, and social networking are addressed through animated videos, games and other content. Since www.NSTeens.org was launched, the site has grown and expanded with new content added each year. NSTeens.org materials are also used in presentations by NCMEC's NetSmartz Workshop and have now been distributed to more than 550 schools and more than 250,000 students in grades 6-8.
Sprint's 4NetSafety Internet safety program is conducted in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the National Education Association Health information Network and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The program is funded through Sprint Project Connect(SM), Sprint's charitable wireless recycling program. For more Internet safety tips or information about how to recycle a wireless phone and/or accessories, visit www.4netsafety.com.
-----
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Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Ten Ways Parents Can Keep Children Safe This Summer
/PRNewswire/ -- School is out and summer is an exciting time for kids. What are your child's plans? Will he or she be spending time home alone or going to local parks and swimming pools with friends? The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children says there are ten things parents can do to keep their children safe this summer.
1. MAKE SURE children know their full names, address, telephone numbers
and how to use the telephone.
2. BE SURE children know what to do in case of an emergency and how to
reach you using cell phone or pager number. Children should have a
neighbor or trusted adult they may call if they're scared or there's an
emergency.
3. REVIEW the rules with your children about whose homes they may visit
and discuss the boundaries of where they may and may not go in the
neighborhood.
4. MAKE SURE children know to stay away from pools, creeks, or any body of
water without adult supervision
5. CAUTION children to keep the door locked and not to open the door or
talk to anyone who comes to the door when they are home alone.
6. DON'T drop your children off at malls, movies, video arcades or parks.
These are not safe places for children to be alone. Make certain a
responsible adult supervises your younger children at all times when
they are outside and away from home.
7. TEACH your children in whose vehicle they may ride. Children should be
cautioned to never approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless
accompanied by a parent or other trusted adult.
8. BE SURE your children know their curfew and check in with you if they
are going to be late. If children are playing outside after dark, make
sure they wear reflective clothing and stay close to home.
9. CHOOSE babysitters with care. Obtain references from family, friends,
and neighbors. Many states now have registries for public access to
check criminal history or sex-offender status. Observe the
babysitter's interaction with your children, and ask your children how
they feel about the babysitter.
10. CHECK out camp and other summer programs before enrolling your
children. See if a background screening check is completed on the
individuals working with the children. Make sure there will be adult
supervision of your children at all times, and make sure you are made
aware of all activities and field trips offered by the camp or
program.
"Child safety is important all year, but summer is an especially important time for parents and children to include safety in their activities," according to Ernie Allen, President & CEO of NCMEC. "Always listen to your children and keep the lines of communication open. Your children are your best source for determining if everything is okay. Teach your children to get out of dangerous or uncomfortable situations right away and practice basic safety skills with them. Make sure they know they are able to tell you about anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused."
NCMEC also recommends that parents be sure all custody documents are in order and certified copies are available in case your children are not returned from a scheduled summer visit.
For additional safety tips and information visit www.missingkids.com or www.netsmartz.org.
NCMEC is the leading nonprofit organization dealing with the issues of missing and sexually exploited children and operates a 24-hour toll free national hotline for reporting missing child cases. NCMEC has played a role in the recovery of more than 151,000 children and today, more children come home safely than ever before. Last year alone we helped recover 13,075 children, improving our recovery rate from 62 percent in 1990 to 97.4 percent today. And more of those who prey on children are being identified and prosecuted. Yet too many children are still missing and too many children are still the victims of sexual exploitation. There is much more that needs to be done.
-----
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1. MAKE SURE children know their full names, address, telephone numbers
and how to use the telephone.
2. BE SURE children know what to do in case of an emergency and how to
reach you using cell phone or pager number. Children should have a
neighbor or trusted adult they may call if they're scared or there's an
emergency.
3. REVIEW the rules with your children about whose homes they may visit
and discuss the boundaries of where they may and may not go in the
neighborhood.
4. MAKE SURE children know to stay away from pools, creeks, or any body of
water without adult supervision
5. CAUTION children to keep the door locked and not to open the door or
talk to anyone who comes to the door when they are home alone.
6. DON'T drop your children off at malls, movies, video arcades or parks.
These are not safe places for children to be alone. Make certain a
responsible adult supervises your younger children at all times when
they are outside and away from home.
7. TEACH your children in whose vehicle they may ride. Children should be
cautioned to never approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless
accompanied by a parent or other trusted adult.
8. BE SURE your children know their curfew and check in with you if they
are going to be late. If children are playing outside after dark, make
sure they wear reflective clothing and stay close to home.
9. CHOOSE babysitters with care. Obtain references from family, friends,
and neighbors. Many states now have registries for public access to
check criminal history or sex-offender status. Observe the
babysitter's interaction with your children, and ask your children how
they feel about the babysitter.
10. CHECK out camp and other summer programs before enrolling your
children. See if a background screening check is completed on the
individuals working with the children. Make sure there will be adult
supervision of your children at all times, and make sure you are made
aware of all activities and field trips offered by the camp or
program.
"Child safety is important all year, but summer is an especially important time for parents and children to include safety in their activities," according to Ernie Allen, President & CEO of NCMEC. "Always listen to your children and keep the lines of communication open. Your children are your best source for determining if everything is okay. Teach your children to get out of dangerous or uncomfortable situations right away and practice basic safety skills with them. Make sure they know they are able to tell you about anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused."
NCMEC also recommends that parents be sure all custody documents are in order and certified copies are available in case your children are not returned from a scheduled summer visit.
For additional safety tips and information visit www.missingkids.com or www.netsmartz.org.
NCMEC is the leading nonprofit organization dealing with the issues of missing and sexually exploited children and operates a 24-hour toll free national hotline for reporting missing child cases. NCMEC has played a role in the recovery of more than 151,000 children and today, more children come home safely than ever before. Last year alone we helped recover 13,075 children, improving our recovery rate from 62 percent in 1990 to 97.4 percent today. And more of those who prey on children are being identified and prosecuted. Yet too many children are still missing and too many children are still the victims of sexual exploitation. There is much more that needs to be done.
-----
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www.georgiafrontpage.com
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Saturday, January 9, 2010
SpectorSoft “Parent’s Guide to Internet Lingo” Cracks Secret Online Language of Children and Predators
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Simple acronyms like CUL8R and IMHO have rapidly evolved into a complex and often sexually-charged cryptic language, which has now been unlocked in the “Parent’s Guide to Internet Lingo” published by SpectorSoft Corporation (www.SpectorSoft.com).
This ground-breaking Internet safety guide defines more than 100 pages of terms like GNOC, IWSN and PAW used in email, chat, text, instant messages, and in Facebook and MySpace, and condenses them into Top 100 and Top 20 lists for easy reference. Best of all, the “Parent’s Guide to Internet Lingo” is a free download at: www.FreeLingoGuide.com along with an interactive Internet Lingo Quiz to reveal how much you really understand about what they’re saying online.
“SpectorSoft is firmly committed to helping parents keep children safe online and two ways we do this is with the free Lingo Guide and the automatic Lingo Translation feature built in to the new 2010 Spector Pro products”
Today the company also launched Spector Pro 2010 for Windows and Spector Pro mac 2010 at the Consumer Electronics Show, where SpectorSoft is exhibiting (North Hall LVCC Booth #3224B) and speaking on an Internet Safety Panel at the Mommy Tech Summit, January 8 at 12:00 noon (North Hall LVCC, N262).
Internet lingo originated with basic abbreviations like CUL8R (see you later), IMHO (in my humble opinion), and LOL (laughing out loud). It has since evolved into a complex language with thousands of terms and alpha-numeric expressions used to convey affection like HAK (hugs and kisses), covert signals such as PAW (parents are watching), illegal substances like 420 (marijuana), and sexual advances like GNOC (get naked on cam) or IWSN (I want sex now). The “Parent’s Guide to Internet Lingo” defines these and thousands of elusive terms like zerg (to gang up on someone), MIRL (meet in real life), 8 (oral sex), GYPO (get your pants off), and CD9 (Code 9 – parents are around).
SpectorSoft is also the first Internet monitoring software provider to offer a built-in Internet Lingo translation capability in its new Spector Pro 2010 for Windows and Mac. Whenever a parent encounters any email, chat or instant message containing an acronym they don’t understand, they simply roll their mouse over it from within Spector Pro 2010 and the true meaning is instantly revealed. Together, the free Internet Lingo guide and translation capability help parents protect their children from the Internet’s dark side, and shed light on what otherwise might be puzzling activities or cryptic conversations with friends, classmates, school bullies, or even predators who try to befriend them online. By understanding the one-digit difference between JFI (just for information) and JDI (just do it) or LHO (laughing head off) and LHOS (let’s have online sex), parents can know whether their child is acting appropriately or whether critical decisions need to quickly be made to ensure their safety and well-being.
“SpectorSoft is firmly committed to helping parents keep children safe online and two ways we do this is with the free Lingo Guide and the automatic Lingo Translation feature built in to the new 2010 Spector Pro products,” said SpectorSoft President C. Douglas Fowler. “Children can be extremely tech-savvy yet unaware that online actions can have consequences in real life. Parents have a right and a responsibility to know what their children are saying and seeing online, and what is being said to them, and one of the most effective ways to do this is to monitor their PC and online activity with Spector Pro.”
Spector Pro monitors and records everything an employee or child does at their computer and on the Internet, around the clock. It captures all chat discussions, keystrokes typed, web sites visited, what they search for, emails sent and received, programs run, as well as all activity in MySpace and Facebook. Spector Pro 2010 can be set to block access to desired websites and file sharing services, prevent online chat with certain individuals, and email an alert whenever specific keywords are used in email and chat.
In addition to capturing all of this detail, Spector Pro 2010 offers the industry’s most advanced snapshot recording capability for replaying all activity that took place on a computer. A step-by-step recording of screen snapshots can be viewed in a ‘forward and rewind’ sequence, much like a surveillance video of one’s desktop activity. Spector Pro has deservedly earned its reputation as not only the most trusted monitoring software in the world — and the only monitoring solution available for Mac — but also the most feature-rich, easy and intuitive solution ... even for parents who are not as tech savvy as their children.
-----
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Fayette Front Page
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Georgia Front Page
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This ground-breaking Internet safety guide defines more than 100 pages of terms like GNOC, IWSN and PAW used in email, chat, text, instant messages, and in Facebook and MySpace, and condenses them into Top 100 and Top 20 lists for easy reference. Best of all, the “Parent’s Guide to Internet Lingo” is a free download at: www.FreeLingoGuide.com along with an interactive Internet Lingo Quiz to reveal how much you really understand about what they’re saying online.
“SpectorSoft is firmly committed to helping parents keep children safe online and two ways we do this is with the free Lingo Guide and the automatic Lingo Translation feature built in to the new 2010 Spector Pro products”
Today the company also launched Spector Pro 2010 for Windows and Spector Pro mac 2010 at the Consumer Electronics Show, where SpectorSoft is exhibiting (North Hall LVCC Booth #3224B) and speaking on an Internet Safety Panel at the Mommy Tech Summit, January 8 at 12:00 noon (North Hall LVCC, N262).
Internet lingo originated with basic abbreviations like CUL8R (see you later), IMHO (in my humble opinion), and LOL (laughing out loud). It has since evolved into a complex language with thousands of terms and alpha-numeric expressions used to convey affection like HAK (hugs and kisses), covert signals such as PAW (parents are watching), illegal substances like 420 (marijuana), and sexual advances like GNOC (get naked on cam) or IWSN (I want sex now). The “Parent’s Guide to Internet Lingo” defines these and thousands of elusive terms like zerg (to gang up on someone), MIRL (meet in real life), 8 (oral sex), GYPO (get your pants off), and CD9 (Code 9 – parents are around).
SpectorSoft is also the first Internet monitoring software provider to offer a built-in Internet Lingo translation capability in its new Spector Pro 2010 for Windows and Mac. Whenever a parent encounters any email, chat or instant message containing an acronym they don’t understand, they simply roll their mouse over it from within Spector Pro 2010 and the true meaning is instantly revealed. Together, the free Internet Lingo guide and translation capability help parents protect their children from the Internet’s dark side, and shed light on what otherwise might be puzzling activities or cryptic conversations with friends, classmates, school bullies, or even predators who try to befriend them online. By understanding the one-digit difference between JFI (just for information) and JDI (just do it) or LHO (laughing head off) and LHOS (let’s have online sex), parents can know whether their child is acting appropriately or whether critical decisions need to quickly be made to ensure their safety and well-being.
“SpectorSoft is firmly committed to helping parents keep children safe online and two ways we do this is with the free Lingo Guide and the automatic Lingo Translation feature built in to the new 2010 Spector Pro products,” said SpectorSoft President C. Douglas Fowler. “Children can be extremely tech-savvy yet unaware that online actions can have consequences in real life. Parents have a right and a responsibility to know what their children are saying and seeing online, and what is being said to them, and one of the most effective ways to do this is to monitor their PC and online activity with Spector Pro.”
Spector Pro monitors and records everything an employee or child does at their computer and on the Internet, around the clock. It captures all chat discussions, keystrokes typed, web sites visited, what they search for, emails sent and received, programs run, as well as all activity in MySpace and Facebook. Spector Pro 2010 can be set to block access to desired websites and file sharing services, prevent online chat with certain individuals, and email an alert whenever specific keywords are used in email and chat.
In addition to capturing all of this detail, Spector Pro 2010 offers the industry’s most advanced snapshot recording capability for replaying all activity that took place on a computer. A step-by-step recording of screen snapshots can be viewed in a ‘forward and rewind’ sequence, much like a surveillance video of one’s desktop activity. Spector Pro has deservedly earned its reputation as not only the most trusted monitoring software in the world — and the only monitoring solution available for Mac — but also the most feature-rich, easy and intuitive solution ... even for parents who are not as tech savvy as their children.
-----
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Sunday, December 13, 2009
Keep Baby Safe This New Year with Evenflo Home Safety Makeover Contest
/24-7/ -- Every parent waits with bated breath for children to reach those critical developmental milestones, whether it's rolling over, crawling or taking those tender first steps. Then watch out, because baby is on the move and exploring everything in sight with zealous abandon. To help parents ensure their home provides a safe environment for their little ones this New Year, Evenflo Home Safety Made Easier and renowned safety expert Alison Rhodes are launching the Evenflo Home Safety Makeover Contest.
"Home is where babies and children grow, play and explore, so it's essential to provide a secure home environment for little ones," said Alison Rhodes, The Safety Mom. "I've partnered with Evenflo and the Home Safety Makeover Contest to encourage parents to take action to make their homes safer in 2010. Even a few simple 'baby-steps' can help keep little ones out of harm's way and provide parents peace of mind."
From December 1, 2009 through January 15, 2010 parents can enter the Evenflo Home Safety Makeover Contest by telling their story, in 500 words or less, about how they would benefit from a home safety makeover in the New Year at http://www.evenflo.com/homesafetymakeover. The Grand Prize winner will receive a home-safety consultation by Alison Rhodes, Evenflo baby gates and other home safety products (valued up to $2500) tailored to their home and family's needs. In addition, five other lucky winners will receive an Evenflo Symphony65 car seat, valued at $199, to help baby stay safe when travelling away from home.
As we approach the New Year, here are some easy tips for parents to help make their home environment baby and child-safe:
• Always anticipate the unexpected and stay one step ahead of your little ones. Armed with pad and pencil, get down on your hands and knees, and record all the potential hazards you see from a child's-eye view.
• Consider children's ages and stages. Baby proofing is not a project you can do once and forget about it. Be vigilant; continuously monitor your baby's developmental stages.
• Know the danger "hot spots." Baby gates can provide safety zones within your home where you can keep a close eye on baby, while resting assured that he or she isn't in harm's way.
• Don't wait to baby proof your home. Keep safety at the top of your mind when creating a baby shower registry; add gates and home safety products to the wish-list.
Evenflo is committed to "Safety Made Easier" for parents and provides safety products, including gates made for every home and every lifestyle. For the official Home Safety Makeover Contest rules and more information on Evenflo's Safety Made Easier products, including tips and a simple tool to find the right gate for your home and family, visit http://www.evenflo.com.
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"Home is where babies and children grow, play and explore, so it's essential to provide a secure home environment for little ones," said Alison Rhodes, The Safety Mom. "I've partnered with Evenflo and the Home Safety Makeover Contest to encourage parents to take action to make their homes safer in 2010. Even a few simple 'baby-steps' can help keep little ones out of harm's way and provide parents peace of mind."
From December 1, 2009 through January 15, 2010 parents can enter the Evenflo Home Safety Makeover Contest by telling their story, in 500 words or less, about how they would benefit from a home safety makeover in the New Year at http://www.evenflo.com/homesafetymakeover. The Grand Prize winner will receive a home-safety consultation by Alison Rhodes, Evenflo baby gates and other home safety products (valued up to $2500) tailored to their home and family's needs. In addition, five other lucky winners will receive an Evenflo Symphony65 car seat, valued at $199, to help baby stay safe when travelling away from home.
As we approach the New Year, here are some easy tips for parents to help make their home environment baby and child-safe:
• Always anticipate the unexpected and stay one step ahead of your little ones. Armed with pad and pencil, get down on your hands and knees, and record all the potential hazards you see from a child's-eye view.
• Consider children's ages and stages. Baby proofing is not a project you can do once and forget about it. Be vigilant; continuously monitor your baby's developmental stages.
• Know the danger "hot spots." Baby gates can provide safety zones within your home where you can keep a close eye on baby, while resting assured that he or she isn't in harm's way.
• Don't wait to baby proof your home. Keep safety at the top of your mind when creating a baby shower registry; add gates and home safety products to the wish-list.
Evenflo is committed to "Safety Made Easier" for parents and provides safety products, including gates made for every home and every lifestyle. For the official Home Safety Makeover Contest rules and more information on Evenflo's Safety Made Easier products, including tips and a simple tool to find the right gate for your home and family, visit http://www.evenflo.com.
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
When it Comes to Children's Safety, Where You Shop Is as Important as What You Buy
/PRNewswire/ -- People are making their list and checking it twice, and while the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has ensured concerned parents that the number of recalls has fallen sharply from prior levels, holiday shoppers must be cautious when shopping for gifts for that special young person on their list. ExpertRECALL is putting shoppers on alert.
One thing is clear as shopping and spending data for the holiday season floods in. Recent data on retailers' November performance shows that, in general, shoppers favored lower priced items. According to data from the National Retail Federation, more than 40 percent of shoppers over the age of 18 shopped at discount stores during Black Friday weekend. When including thrift stores, resale shops and outlet stores, nearly 60 percent of shoppers over the age of 18 did their holiday shopping at these discounted retailers. In a continuing trend, less-expensive retailers, discounters or lower-priced apparel sellers are outperforming their competitors.
For those shoppers who are contributing to this trend, ExpertRECALL issues the following warning: where you shop may be as important as what you buy.
"When buying at deep discount stores and second-hand shops, take extra care to watch for recalled goods," explained Mike Rozembajgier, Director of Recalls at ExpertRECALL, the industry leader in managing consumer and juvenile product recalls. "Once a manufacturer's product leaves its primary supply chain, it can be difficult to track and remove goods from the marketplace. Also be careful of hand-me-down toys and items purchased at thrift stores and second-hand shops."
But there is good news for parents and shoppers. The number of toy recalls is down sharply from a few years ago. We experienced nearly 150 toy recall events in 2007 alone, with toy recall events down to roughly 40 to date in 2009.
Consumers should rest assured that manufacturers and retailers are doing what they can to protect their customers. But consumers can also take matters in their own hands. "There are several cautionary steps that consumers can take to protect themselves and the people they love during the holidays and throughout year to come," said Rozembajgier.
Important tips to consumers:
-- Check your shopping list in advance. Consumer safety websites,
parenting websites, the CPSC and others provide helpful information on
children's product safety. As shoppers go online to look for sales and
discount coupons, they might also cross check their shopping list for
safety. All product recall announcements are archived and easily
searchable on the CPSC website (www.cpsc.gov).
-- Remember to check the toys twice. Look again at toys that have been
sitting in lay-away or that were purchased throughout the year and
stored.
-- Be aware of current product safety issues. Most consumers know to look
for lead paint levels or toys with small parts that can cause choking.
Don't forget prior recalls as you shop at deep-discount stores who
purchase unsold lots, which could contain hazardous toys.
-- Complete registration cards for the products you purchase. By doing
so, you are allowing the company to contact you directly in the event
the product poses a safety or health hazard to you or your child.
-- Watch for product recall data after the holiday season. Just because
your gift wasn't recalled when you purchased it, doesn't mean it won't
be. Keep an eye on recall news in case you need to remove the toy and
make a return.
Manufacturers, under the vigilant eye of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ever watchful consumers, are taking the necessary steps to manufacture safer toys. Similarly, some retailers are taking matters into their own hands by testing products before stocking their shelves. But ExpertRECALL reminds and encourages consumers to do their part in keeping their children, families and loved ones safe this holiday season.
-----
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One thing is clear as shopping and spending data for the holiday season floods in. Recent data on retailers' November performance shows that, in general, shoppers favored lower priced items. According to data from the National Retail Federation, more than 40 percent of shoppers over the age of 18 shopped at discount stores during Black Friday weekend. When including thrift stores, resale shops and outlet stores, nearly 60 percent of shoppers over the age of 18 did their holiday shopping at these discounted retailers. In a continuing trend, less-expensive retailers, discounters or lower-priced apparel sellers are outperforming their competitors.
For those shoppers who are contributing to this trend, ExpertRECALL issues the following warning: where you shop may be as important as what you buy.
"When buying at deep discount stores and second-hand shops, take extra care to watch for recalled goods," explained Mike Rozembajgier, Director of Recalls at ExpertRECALL, the industry leader in managing consumer and juvenile product recalls. "Once a manufacturer's product leaves its primary supply chain, it can be difficult to track and remove goods from the marketplace. Also be careful of hand-me-down toys and items purchased at thrift stores and second-hand shops."
But there is good news for parents and shoppers. The number of toy recalls is down sharply from a few years ago. We experienced nearly 150 toy recall events in 2007 alone, with toy recall events down to roughly 40 to date in 2009.
Consumers should rest assured that manufacturers and retailers are doing what they can to protect their customers. But consumers can also take matters in their own hands. "There are several cautionary steps that consumers can take to protect themselves and the people they love during the holidays and throughout year to come," said Rozembajgier.
Important tips to consumers:
-- Check your shopping list in advance. Consumer safety websites,
parenting websites, the CPSC and others provide helpful information on
children's product safety. As shoppers go online to look for sales and
discount coupons, they might also cross check their shopping list for
safety. All product recall announcements are archived and easily
searchable on the CPSC website (www.cpsc.gov).
-- Remember to check the toys twice. Look again at toys that have been
sitting in lay-away or that were purchased throughout the year and
stored.
-- Be aware of current product safety issues. Most consumers know to look
for lead paint levels or toys with small parts that can cause choking.
Don't forget prior recalls as you shop at deep-discount stores who
purchase unsold lots, which could contain hazardous toys.
-- Complete registration cards for the products you purchase. By doing
so, you are allowing the company to contact you directly in the event
the product poses a safety or health hazard to you or your child.
-- Watch for product recall data after the holiday season. Just because
your gift wasn't recalled when you purchased it, doesn't mean it won't
be. Keep an eye on recall news in case you need to remove the toy and
make a return.
Manufacturers, under the vigilant eye of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ever watchful consumers, are taking the necessary steps to manufacture safer toys. Similarly, some retailers are taking matters into their own hands by testing products before stocking their shelves. But ExpertRECALL reminds and encourages consumers to do their part in keeping their children, families and loved ones safe this holiday season.
-----
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Parents Reminded to Check Their Window Coverings
/PRNewswire/ -- The Window Covering Safety Council is reminding parents and caregivers of potential window-cord dangers and urging them to make the right choice and only use cordless window products in young children's bedrooms and sleeping areas. Owners and renters should replace all window coverings in the home made before 2001 with today's safer products.
According to information provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1990, more than 200 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling in window cords.
"Parents who replace their window coverings with the cordless products available can feel more confident about their child's safety," explains Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) Executive Director, Peter Rush.
To maximize window-cord safety when young children are present, consumers are urged to follow these safety guidelines:
-- Install only cordless window coverings in young children's bedrooms
and sleeping areas. Replace window blinds, corded shades and
draperies manufactured before 2001 with today's safer products.
-- Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window
cords, preferably to another wall.
-- Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of
children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and
continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall.
Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit
movement of inner lift cords.
-- Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are
lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.
The Window Covering Safety Council is a coalition of major U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings. Consumers wishing to obtain additional information can contact WCSC at www.windowcoverings.org or its toll-free phone line at 1-800-506-4636.
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Arts Across Georgia
According to information provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1990, more than 200 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling in window cords.
"Parents who replace their window coverings with the cordless products available can feel more confident about their child's safety," explains Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) Executive Director, Peter Rush.
To maximize window-cord safety when young children are present, consumers are urged to follow these safety guidelines:
-- Install only cordless window coverings in young children's bedrooms
and sleeping areas. Replace window blinds, corded shades and
draperies manufactured before 2001 with today's safer products.
-- Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window
cords, preferably to another wall.
-- Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of
children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and
continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall.
Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit
movement of inner lift cords.
-- Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are
lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.
The Window Covering Safety Council is a coalition of major U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings. Consumers wishing to obtain additional information can contact WCSC at www.windowcoverings.org or its toll-free phone line at 1-800-506-4636.
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Arts Across Georgia
Thursday, August 27, 2009
How Long Should Infants Be Left In Car Seats?
(SPM Wire) Car safety seats are one of the most effective ways to protect children from injury and death in the first years of life.
For the best protection in a crash, car seats require infants to be placed in an upright position. However, this posture can partially compress the chest wall and reduce airway size, resulting in lower levels of oxygen and breathing problems, according to new research published in the medical journal, "Pediatrics."
Never use a car seat as a replacement for a crib and only keep infants in these safety devices for protection during travel.
Researchers compared oxygen levels in 200 newborns while in a hospital crib, car bed and car seat. They found that babies seated in car seats for 60 minutes had lower oxygen levels in their blood than those lying on their backs in hospital cribs.
But parents shouldn't use the results of the new research as an excuse not to use car seats when traveling with small children or to position them in the seats in incorrect ways. Car safety seats have been proven to protect babies and small children from injury and death, stress experts.
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For the best protection in a crash, car seats require infants to be placed in an upright position. However, this posture can partially compress the chest wall and reduce airway size, resulting in lower levels of oxygen and breathing problems, according to new research published in the medical journal, "Pediatrics."
Never use a car seat as a replacement for a crib and only keep infants in these safety devices for protection during travel.
Researchers compared oxygen levels in 200 newborns while in a hospital crib, car bed and car seat. They found that babies seated in car seats for 60 minutes had lower oxygen levels in their blood than those lying on their backs in hospital cribs.
But parents shouldn't use the results of the new research as an excuse not to use car seats when traveling with small children or to position them in the seats in incorrect ways. Car safety seats have been proven to protect babies and small children from injury and death, stress experts.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Toys"R"Us, Inc. Launches National Program to Spotlight Potentially Unsafe Baby Products Still in the Marketplace
/PRNewswire/ -- Toys"R"Us, Inc. today unveiled a national program that provides customers the opportunity to trade-in used cribs, car seats and other baby products in exchange for savings on a new item. The "Great Trade-In" event is designed to call attention to the fact that, due to safety concerns, certain used baby products, such as car seats and cribs, are not the best candidates to be handed down or resold.
Safety experts have recently reported that sales of used products are on the rise and are warning consumers to be cautious about purchasing second-hand children's items. The "Great Trade-In" event places an emphasis on specific old or second-hand baby products that may be potentially unsafe, but are still in circulation. According to consumer advocacy organization Kids In Danger (KID), in general, less than 30% of affected items are returned when a baby product is recalled. Beyond recalls, certain older and used baby products can raise other concerns. This could include products that have been damaged or others where advances in product safety have rendered older models non-compliant with the latest standards.
During the "Great Trade-In" event, which begins Friday, August 28 and continues through Sunday, September 20, all Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us locations nationwide will accept returns of any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards and high chairs in exchange for a 20% savings on the purchase of any new baby item, in any of these product categories, from select manufacturers.
"In today's economy, we are all looking for ways to stretch our dollars, but in doing so, children's safety should not be compromised," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "We hope this program will help raise awareness of the importance of being vigilant about potentially unsafe children's items that may still be in the marketplace, while encouraging customers to use the 'Great Trade-In' event as an opportunity to remove used baby products, such as cribs and car seats, from their garages and attics."
Safety agencies, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have noted that it continues to be challenging to get dangerous products out of the home following a product recall. The CPSC advises parents to check its website, www.cpsc.gov, to make sure a product has not been recalled before using or purchasing it second-hand. In addition, parents should be aware that used baby products can raise other safety concerns. For example:
-- Federal and voluntary standards and regulations for safety testing,
particularly for cribs, have changed significantly over the past few
years, and older products may not have been produced to meet these
stringent requirements;
-- Car seats can sustain damage in an accident that may not be visible to
the naked eye, but could prevent the seat from functioning properly;
-- Car seats have expiration dates, as the materials can deteriorate over
time, potentially making the car seat less effective in a crash.
Parents can check with the car seat manufacturer to determine the
recommended period of use for a particular car seat;
-- Certain baby products, particularly car seats, are regularly
introduced with new innovations in technology that can improve the
products' safety efficacy;
-- Products made of or that contain certain materials, like wood and
plastic, for example, can deteriorate when exposed to extreme weather
conditions, like heat, potentially compromising safety integrity; and
-- Parts or instruction books for proper assembly, installation or use
may be missing.
It can be difficult for consumers to determine whether used baby products are safe, and with so many ways to purchase used products, it's important for parents to be informed and vigilant when making purchasing decisions. And, because consumers often do not know the history of a second-hand baby product, leading safety organizations such as Safe Kids USA recommend not purchasing used car seats, for example. Additionally, the CPSC advocates not purchasing used items that have a history of safety problems, including cribs, play yards and bassinets.
Manufacturers participating in the "Great Trade-In" event include Baby Cache, Babi Italia, Baby Trend, Bertini, Britax, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Nature's Purest by Summer Infant, Safety 1st and Sorelle. Customers can save 20% on a new purchase, from any of the specified product categories and from any of the aforementioned manufacturers, in Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us stores nationwide on the day they trade in their used item. Day care centers or other organizations who wish to exchange items in bulk are encouraged to contact their local Babies"R"Us or Toys"R"Us store prior to returning their used items to ensure adequate availability of new merchandise.
Customers can visit the company's Safety website, Toysrus.com/Safety, for the latest information on product safety and to sign up to receive product recall notifications by e-mail.
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Safety experts have recently reported that sales of used products are on the rise and are warning consumers to be cautious about purchasing second-hand children's items. The "Great Trade-In" event places an emphasis on specific old or second-hand baby products that may be potentially unsafe, but are still in circulation. According to consumer advocacy organization Kids In Danger (KID), in general, less than 30% of affected items are returned when a baby product is recalled. Beyond recalls, certain older and used baby products can raise other concerns. This could include products that have been damaged or others where advances in product safety have rendered older models non-compliant with the latest standards.
During the "Great Trade-In" event, which begins Friday, August 28 and continues through Sunday, September 20, all Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us locations nationwide will accept returns of any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards and high chairs in exchange for a 20% savings on the purchase of any new baby item, in any of these product categories, from select manufacturers.
"In today's economy, we are all looking for ways to stretch our dollars, but in doing so, children's safety should not be compromised," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "We hope this program will help raise awareness of the importance of being vigilant about potentially unsafe children's items that may still be in the marketplace, while encouraging customers to use the 'Great Trade-In' event as an opportunity to remove used baby products, such as cribs and car seats, from their garages and attics."
Safety agencies, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have noted that it continues to be challenging to get dangerous products out of the home following a product recall. The CPSC advises parents to check its website, www.cpsc.gov, to make sure a product has not been recalled before using or purchasing it second-hand. In addition, parents should be aware that used baby products can raise other safety concerns. For example:
-- Federal and voluntary standards and regulations for safety testing,
particularly for cribs, have changed significantly over the past few
years, and older products may not have been produced to meet these
stringent requirements;
-- Car seats can sustain damage in an accident that may not be visible to
the naked eye, but could prevent the seat from functioning properly;
-- Car seats have expiration dates, as the materials can deteriorate over
time, potentially making the car seat less effective in a crash.
Parents can check with the car seat manufacturer to determine the
recommended period of use for a particular car seat;
-- Certain baby products, particularly car seats, are regularly
introduced with new innovations in technology that can improve the
products' safety efficacy;
-- Products made of or that contain certain materials, like wood and
plastic, for example, can deteriorate when exposed to extreme weather
conditions, like heat, potentially compromising safety integrity; and
-- Parts or instruction books for proper assembly, installation or use
may be missing.
It can be difficult for consumers to determine whether used baby products are safe, and with so many ways to purchase used products, it's important for parents to be informed and vigilant when making purchasing decisions. And, because consumers often do not know the history of a second-hand baby product, leading safety organizations such as Safe Kids USA recommend not purchasing used car seats, for example. Additionally, the CPSC advocates not purchasing used items that have a history of safety problems, including cribs, play yards and bassinets.
Manufacturers participating in the "Great Trade-In" event include Baby Cache, Babi Italia, Baby Trend, Bertini, Britax, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Nature's Purest by Summer Infant, Safety 1st and Sorelle. Customers can save 20% on a new purchase, from any of the specified product categories and from any of the aforementioned manufacturers, in Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us stores nationwide on the day they trade in their used item. Day care centers or other organizations who wish to exchange items in bulk are encouraged to contact their local Babies"R"Us or Toys"R"Us store prior to returning their used items to ensure adequate availability of new merchandise.
Customers can visit the company's Safety website, Toysrus.com/Safety, for the latest information on product safety and to sign up to receive product recall notifications by e-mail.
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Thursday, August 20, 2009
Toys"R"Us Unveils Annual Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids
/PRNewswire/ -- Toys"R"Us, Inc. today announced the release of the 2009 Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, an easy-to-use toy selection guide that matches specific skill sets with a wide range of everyday playthings. Released annually, this complimentary resource will be available in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores nationwide and online, in English and Spanish, at Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled. Whoopi Goldberg, mother and grandmother, Oscar , Tony, GRAMMY and Emmy Award-Winner and child advocate, is featured on the cover along with Grace Kurowski, a five-year-old girl from Skillman, NJ.
New this year, the Guide features a special section dedicated to providing critical safety tips to help parents and caregivers avoid playtime injuries. While the 2009 edition includes updated features and an enhanced website, the fundamental elements that remain family favorites year after year, like the recognizable skill-building icons, still appear in this beloved resource.
"I am honored to appear on the cover of the 2009 Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids and advocate on behalf of children of all abilities who persevere in their efforts to reach new heights," said Whoopi Goldberg. "With the help of the Guide, caregivers can find appropriate toys for a child's individual abilities, providing an equal opportunity for all children to enjoy playtime."
"All children regardless of ability can imagine new worlds and share the joy of learning through the magic of play," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "We love kids and, as part of our ongoing mission to help keep them safe, we've included safety tips in the 2009 edition of the Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, ensuring playtime is a positive, memorable experience."
Helping Kids with Special Needs Enjoy Safe Play
Research shows accidental injuries occur more frequently among children with special needs, and most significantly among children with cognitive, emotional or social limitations. To help those who care for a differently-abled child prevent accidental injuries during playtime, the 2009 edition of the Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids features safe play tips for children with special needs. Tips range from basic advice about supervision to suggestions for effective communication. These safe play tips include:
-- Never Leave a Child Unsupervised: It is especially critical that a
child with special needs is properly supervised by an adult or trusted
caregiver at all times.
-- Survey the Play Area: Designate a specific area of the home for
regular playtime - one void of hazards, such as electric wires across
the floor that a child could trip over, hanging cords that could cause
strangulation and pools or windows that may pose a threat.
-- Use Visual Warnings: Post notes with phrases, such as, "Don't Touch!"
and "Off Limits!" on toys for older children, as well as power tools,
the stove, the kitchen drawers or any other potential source of
injury.
-- Review and Repeat: After setting playtime rules, create visual
reminders to post somewhere in the house or play area to serve as a
constant reminder to the child.
National Lekotek Center Partnership and Toy Selection Process
Since 1994, Toys"R"Us, Inc. has partnered with the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the world accessible to children of all abilities, to assess the play value of hundreds of toys for children with special needs. Through therapeutic play sessions with some of the toughest toy critics - kids - the National Lekotek Center assigns at least two skill-building traits to each toy that appears in the Guide. Color-coded symbols signify the specific benefits of each item. Following are examples of the toys and corresponding skills featured in the Guide:
-- Auditory: Rock 'n Rollin' Piano from Sakar
-- Creativity: Fold & Go Barn from Melissa & Doug
-- Fine Motor: My First Duplo Set from LEGO
-- Gross Motor: Fold-2-Go Trike from Radio Flyer
-- Language: Laugh & Learn(TM) Say Please Tea Set from Fisher-Price
-- Self Esteem: Yo Gabba Gabba Muno's Groovin' Guitar from Spin
Master(TM)
-- Social Skills: Spongebugs Kids Fun Bowling Set from Gamenamics
-- Tactile: Color-Fillz(TM) from Crayola
-- Thinking: Disney Netpal(TM) Netbook from ASUS
-- Visual: Nerf(TM) Cosmic Catch from Hasbro
To further assist consumers, the Guide also includes a list of the "Top Ten Tips for Buying Toys" from the National Lekotek Center.
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New this year, the Guide features a special section dedicated to providing critical safety tips to help parents and caregivers avoid playtime injuries. While the 2009 edition includes updated features and an enhanced website, the fundamental elements that remain family favorites year after year, like the recognizable skill-building icons, still appear in this beloved resource.
"I am honored to appear on the cover of the 2009 Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids and advocate on behalf of children of all abilities who persevere in their efforts to reach new heights," said Whoopi Goldberg. "With the help of the Guide, caregivers can find appropriate toys for a child's individual abilities, providing an equal opportunity for all children to enjoy playtime."
"All children regardless of ability can imagine new worlds and share the joy of learning through the magic of play," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "We love kids and, as part of our ongoing mission to help keep them safe, we've included safety tips in the 2009 edition of the Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, ensuring playtime is a positive, memorable experience."
Helping Kids with Special Needs Enjoy Safe Play
Research shows accidental injuries occur more frequently among children with special needs, and most significantly among children with cognitive, emotional or social limitations. To help those who care for a differently-abled child prevent accidental injuries during playtime, the 2009 edition of the Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids features safe play tips for children with special needs. Tips range from basic advice about supervision to suggestions for effective communication. These safe play tips include:
-- Never Leave a Child Unsupervised: It is especially critical that a
child with special needs is properly supervised by an adult or trusted
caregiver at all times.
-- Survey the Play Area: Designate a specific area of the home for
regular playtime - one void of hazards, such as electric wires across
the floor that a child could trip over, hanging cords that could cause
strangulation and pools or windows that may pose a threat.
-- Use Visual Warnings: Post notes with phrases, such as, "Don't Touch!"
and "Off Limits!" on toys for older children, as well as power tools,
the stove, the kitchen drawers or any other potential source of
injury.
-- Review and Repeat: After setting playtime rules, create visual
reminders to post somewhere in the house or play area to serve as a
constant reminder to the child.
National Lekotek Center Partnership and Toy Selection Process
Since 1994, Toys"R"Us, Inc. has partnered with the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the world accessible to children of all abilities, to assess the play value of hundreds of toys for children with special needs. Through therapeutic play sessions with some of the toughest toy critics - kids - the National Lekotek Center assigns at least two skill-building traits to each toy that appears in the Guide. Color-coded symbols signify the specific benefits of each item. Following are examples of the toys and corresponding skills featured in the Guide:
-- Auditory: Rock 'n Rollin' Piano from Sakar
-- Creativity: Fold & Go Barn from Melissa & Doug
-- Fine Motor: My First Duplo Set from LEGO
-- Gross Motor: Fold-2-Go Trike from Radio Flyer
-- Language: Laugh & Learn(TM) Say Please Tea Set from Fisher-Price
-- Self Esteem: Yo Gabba Gabba Muno's Groovin' Guitar from Spin
Master(TM)
-- Social Skills: Spongebugs Kids Fun Bowling Set from Gamenamics
-- Tactile: Color-Fillz(TM) from Crayola
-- Thinking: Disney Netpal(TM) Netbook from ASUS
-- Visual: Nerf(TM) Cosmic Catch from Hasbro
To further assist consumers, the Guide also includes a list of the "Top Ten Tips for Buying Toys" from the National Lekotek Center.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Back to School Ideal Time to Test Family's 'Safety IQ'
/PRNewswire/ -- The clothes fit, backpacks are filled, and lunches are packed; but, according to Underwriters Laboratories (UL), parents might want to consider one more thing before sending their children back to school - safety. Each year, children sustain an estimated 14 million potentially-disabling unintentional injuries in the U.S. UL - an independent product safety organization - is providing parents with important tips to share with their children before they head back to school this fall.
A new national UL Safety Smart Survey reveals that 90 percent of parents feel responsible for supplying their children with safety information. At the same time, nine out of 10 children grades K-5 rely on their parents for safety information to keep them safe.
According to UL's survey, though, it's possible that not all the correct safety information is being communicated to children. While the overwhelming majority of children said they would know exactly what to do if there was an emergency, they did not choose the safest option. When asked what their reactions would be in the event of a fire, only 47 percent of children knew to get out of the building right away, and nearly half would put themselves in serious danger by trying to call 911 (26 percent) first or trying to find a parent or teacher (22 percent).
"The reality is that accidents happen, so identifying and taking advantage of teachable moments can go a long way toward preventing accidents that are all too often avoidable," says John Drengenberg, director of Consumer Safety at Underwriters Laboratories. "The back-to-school time is the perfect opportunity to test your child's 'safety IQ' and provide opportunities to help them learn and practice safe behaviors at home, school and beyond."
To help parents convey the most accurate safety information to their children, UL is providing parents with safety tips and asking them to take advantage of the back-to-school time to reinforce safety with their children:
-- GET OUT and STAY OUT! Make certain that your child knows that the
first thing they should do in the event of a fire is to get out of the
building. Reinforce fire safety by discussing the importance of
learning and participating in fire escape drills at home and at
school.
-- GO LOW and KNOW: Physically lower yourself to your child's point of
view and search each room for objects or situations that may endanger
them. For example, teach them not to put their fingers or any objects
in uncovered electrical outlets, or cover them with plastic outlet
covers.
-- PLAY It SAFE! Talk to your child about the safe way to play on the
playground equipment. Make sure your child knows to use both hands on
swings, slide down the slide feet first and not to stand on the
see-saw.
"The survey demonstrates that more work needs to be done to prevent accidents and help prepare our children to know what to do whenever there's an emergency," said Drengenberg. "With a few well placed lessons and a little encouragement, parents can go a long way toward not only preventing accidents, but demonstrating the importance of safe behavior that could last a lifetime."
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A new national UL Safety Smart Survey reveals that 90 percent of parents feel responsible for supplying their children with safety information. At the same time, nine out of 10 children grades K-5 rely on their parents for safety information to keep them safe.
According to UL's survey, though, it's possible that not all the correct safety information is being communicated to children. While the overwhelming majority of children said they would know exactly what to do if there was an emergency, they did not choose the safest option. When asked what their reactions would be in the event of a fire, only 47 percent of children knew to get out of the building right away, and nearly half would put themselves in serious danger by trying to call 911 (26 percent) first or trying to find a parent or teacher (22 percent).
"The reality is that accidents happen, so identifying and taking advantage of teachable moments can go a long way toward preventing accidents that are all too often avoidable," says John Drengenberg, director of Consumer Safety at Underwriters Laboratories. "The back-to-school time is the perfect opportunity to test your child's 'safety IQ' and provide opportunities to help them learn and practice safe behaviors at home, school and beyond."
To help parents convey the most accurate safety information to their children, UL is providing parents with safety tips and asking them to take advantage of the back-to-school time to reinforce safety with their children:
-- GET OUT and STAY OUT! Make certain that your child knows that the
first thing they should do in the event of a fire is to get out of the
building. Reinforce fire safety by discussing the importance of
learning and participating in fire escape drills at home and at
school.
-- GO LOW and KNOW: Physically lower yourself to your child's point of
view and search each room for objects or situations that may endanger
them. For example, teach them not to put their fingers or any objects
in uncovered electrical outlets, or cover them with plastic outlet
covers.
-- PLAY It SAFE! Talk to your child about the safe way to play on the
playground equipment. Make sure your child knows to use both hands on
swings, slide down the slide feet first and not to stand on the
see-saw.
"The survey demonstrates that more work needs to be done to prevent accidents and help prepare our children to know what to do whenever there's an emergency," said Drengenberg. "With a few well placed lessons and a little encouragement, parents can go a long way toward not only preventing accidents, but demonstrating the importance of safe behavior that could last a lifetime."
-----
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Wednesday, March 18, 2009
CPSC Warns that 9 Out of 10 Unintentional Child Poisonings Occur in the Home
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Each year, unintentional poisonings from consumer products commonly found in the home kill about 30 children and prompt more than 2 million calls to the nation's poison control centers. More than 90% of these calls involve poisonings in the home. On average, each year an estimated 80,000 children are treated in hospital emergency departments for unintentional poisonings.
This year's 48th observance of National Poison Prevention Week, which is March 15-21, aims to help prevent those childhood poisonings. As one of the longest running public health campaigns, National Poison Prevention Week has contributed to the more than 80% reduction in the number of deaths related to poisonings (down from 216 in 1972). While there has been a significant decrease in deaths, studies show that unintentional child poisonings still remain a serious concern.
Children younger than age 5 account for the majority of the non-fatal poisonings. A recent review conducted by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission staff found that 70% of poisonings involve children 1 to 2 years of age. Oral prescription drugs, non prescription drugs and supplements were involved in more than half of the incidents.
"Awareness and action are the keys to preventing unintentional poisonings," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "Children act fast. So do poisons. That's why we urge parents, grandparents and caregivers to have layers of poison prevention protection in the home."
CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers immediately take these three steps. First, keep medicines and household chemicals in their original, child-resistant containers. Second, store the potentially hazardous substances up and out of a child's sight and reach. And lastly, keep the National toll-free poison control center telephone number, 800-222-1222, handy in case of a poison emergency.
Additional poison prevention tips to check during National Poison Prevention Week:
-- When hazardous products are in use, never let young children out of
your sight, even if you must take them along when answering the phone
or doorbell.
-- Keep items closed and in their original containers.
-- Leave the original labels on all products, and read the label before
using.
-- Always leave the light on when giving or taking medicine so that you
can see what you are taking. Check the dosage every time.
-- Avoid taking medicine in front of children. Refer to medicine as
"medicine," not "candy."
-- Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically and safely dispose of
unneeded and outdated medicines.
-- Do not put decorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where
children can reach them. Lamp oil can be very toxic if ingested by
young children.
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This year's 48th observance of National Poison Prevention Week, which is March 15-21, aims to help prevent those childhood poisonings. As one of the longest running public health campaigns, National Poison Prevention Week has contributed to the more than 80% reduction in the number of deaths related to poisonings (down from 216 in 1972). While there has been a significant decrease in deaths, studies show that unintentional child poisonings still remain a serious concern.
Children younger than age 5 account for the majority of the non-fatal poisonings. A recent review conducted by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission staff found that 70% of poisonings involve children 1 to 2 years of age. Oral prescription drugs, non prescription drugs and supplements were involved in more than half of the incidents.
"Awareness and action are the keys to preventing unintentional poisonings," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "Children act fast. So do poisons. That's why we urge parents, grandparents and caregivers to have layers of poison prevention protection in the home."
CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers immediately take these three steps. First, keep medicines and household chemicals in their original, child-resistant containers. Second, store the potentially hazardous substances up and out of a child's sight and reach. And lastly, keep the National toll-free poison control center telephone number, 800-222-1222, handy in case of a poison emergency.
Additional poison prevention tips to check during National Poison Prevention Week:
-- When hazardous products are in use, never let young children out of
your sight, even if you must take them along when answering the phone
or doorbell.
-- Keep items closed and in their original containers.
-- Leave the original labels on all products, and read the label before
using.
-- Always leave the light on when giving or taking medicine so that you
can see what you are taking. Check the dosage every time.
-- Avoid taking medicine in front of children. Refer to medicine as
"medicine," not "candy."
-- Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically and safely dispose of
unneeded and outdated medicines.
-- Do not put decorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where
children can reach them. Lamp oil can be very toxic if ingested by
young children.
-----
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Monday, February 2, 2009
Children with Special Needs Affecting Behavior More Likely to Use Child Restraints Correctly
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Results of the first large-scale study on child restraint use and injury risk among children with special needs likely to affect behavior (i.e. autism and developmental delays) were released today in the journal Pediatrics. Researchers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) found that children with special needs likely to affect behavior were more likely to be appropriately restrained in motor vehicles as compared to children with no special needs. Even so, this group of special needs children has a similar risk of injury compared to children without these conditions.
"Children with special needs are driven in private vehicles every day, and we wanted to study their safety in crashes compared with other children," said the study's lead author, Patty Huang, M.D., Fellow, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The results highlight the importance of appropriate restraint use for all children, especially those older than age four. Parents of children with special needs likely to affect behavior should consult their health care provider or a certified Child Passenger Safety technician for vehicle safety advice that accounts for the unique experiences and needs of their child."
Researchers used the State Farm-funded Partners for Child Passenger Safety study to examine real-world crashes involving more than 14,500 children ages 4 to 15 over a four-year period. They point to a number of reasons why children with special needs affecting behavior might be more likely than other children to use child restraints appropriately.
"Children with special needs are more likely to be driven by a parent than their counterparts without special needs, and previous research shows that children riding with their parents are more likely to be appropriately restrained," said Dr. Huang. "In addition, parents of children with special needs are often extra-vigilant when it comes to their children's safety and therefore ahead of the game with safety practices."
Further research is needed to determine why increased likelihood of appropriate restraint use among children with special needs does not translate to a reduced risk of injury. In the meantime, Huang and her colleagues urge parents and physicians to remain vigilant and to follow recommended restraint practices for all children, keeping in mind each child's unique experience as a passenger, and considering any special needs a child may have.
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"Children with special needs are driven in private vehicles every day, and we wanted to study their safety in crashes compared with other children," said the study's lead author, Patty Huang, M.D., Fellow, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The results highlight the importance of appropriate restraint use for all children, especially those older than age four. Parents of children with special needs likely to affect behavior should consult their health care provider or a certified Child Passenger Safety technician for vehicle safety advice that accounts for the unique experiences and needs of their child."
Researchers used the State Farm-funded Partners for Child Passenger Safety study to examine real-world crashes involving more than 14,500 children ages 4 to 15 over a four-year period. They point to a number of reasons why children with special needs affecting behavior might be more likely than other children to use child restraints appropriately.
"Children with special needs are more likely to be driven by a parent than their counterparts without special needs, and previous research shows that children riding with their parents are more likely to be appropriately restrained," said Dr. Huang. "In addition, parents of children with special needs are often extra-vigilant when it comes to their children's safety and therefore ahead of the game with safety practices."
Further research is needed to determine why increased likelihood of appropriate restraint use among children with special needs does not translate to a reduced risk of injury. In the meantime, Huang and her colleagues urge parents and physicians to remain vigilant and to follow recommended restraint practices for all children, keeping in mind each child's unique experience as a passenger, and considering any special needs a child may have.
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Monday, November 17, 2008
Child Safety Handbook Addresses After-School Dangers
(NAPSI)-Regardless of age, whether a child is 6 or 16, it is crucial for parents to discuss safety issues with their children. According to new data released by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), it was found that almost half of nonfamily abduction attempts happen when a child is walking to or from school or a related activity. It was also found that the majority of children affected by abduction attempts are young girls (74 percent) between the ages of 10 and 14 years old.
Free Safety Handbook
To help parents, NCMEC and Duracell have expanded their child safety resources with the addition of a free "Child Safety Handbook."
Because of the different stages of a child's development, the handbook outlines age-appropriate safety tips and scenarios that parents need to be aware of. A sampling of current technologies such as applications of GPS, wireless and Radio Frequency Identification technologies used for child safety precautions are also highlighted.
Here are a few tips from the Power of Parents "Child Safety Handbook":
• Talk to your child. Teach young children their address and telephone number and how to use a telephone. Make sure they know how to handle situations such as adults offering them a ride home.
• Monitor Internet usage and set guidelines for the people they may communicate with. Only with your knowledge and supervision should kids use webcams or post photos online.
• Pay attention to the adults your child interacts with-tutors, coaches, day care providers. Notice when someone shows one or all of your children a great deal of attention or begins giving them gifts.
• Check out the latest technology. Child locator devices with GPS are a popular tool being used in an effort to help keep children safer. These devices range from simple audio units that will emit a high-volume beep until the child is found, to cell phones, watches, shoes, coats and backpacks installed with GPS technology.
The Power of Parents Program offers a variety of important child safety tools at www.powerofparentsonline.com.
These include a free downloadable child photo ID guide, seasonal safety tips, a six-month photo ID reminder service, a free children's book designed to help 4- to 6-year-olds understand safety concepts and Teachable Moments Guides.
-----
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Free Safety Handbook
To help parents, NCMEC and Duracell have expanded their child safety resources with the addition of a free "Child Safety Handbook."
Because of the different stages of a child's development, the handbook outlines age-appropriate safety tips and scenarios that parents need to be aware of. A sampling of current technologies such as applications of GPS, wireless and Radio Frequency Identification technologies used for child safety precautions are also highlighted.
Here are a few tips from the Power of Parents "Child Safety Handbook":
• Talk to your child. Teach young children their address and telephone number and how to use a telephone. Make sure they know how to handle situations such as adults offering them a ride home.
• Monitor Internet usage and set guidelines for the people they may communicate with. Only with your knowledge and supervision should kids use webcams or post photos online.
• Pay attention to the adults your child interacts with-tutors, coaches, day care providers. Notice when someone shows one or all of your children a great deal of attention or begins giving them gifts.
• Check out the latest technology. Child locator devices with GPS are a popular tool being used in an effort to help keep children safer. These devices range from simple audio units that will emit a high-volume beep until the child is found, to cell phones, watches, shoes, coats and backpacks installed with GPS technology.
The Power of Parents Program offers a variety of important child safety tools at www.powerofparentsonline.com.
These include a free downloadable child photo ID guide, seasonal safety tips, a six-month photo ID reminder service, a free children's book designed to help 4- to 6-year-olds understand safety concepts and Teachable Moments Guides.
-----
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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