This is a very short (less than 5 minutes) video about how technology is negatively impacting social emotional learning in our children. It is worth the watch!
Watch video here
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Dangerous Teen Trends
Students in middle school and high school have an insatiable craving for social connection. It is quite easy to satisfy this craving given the multiple opportunities for connection through technology. They can use their cell phones, itouch devices, tablets, laptops, and now even smart televisions to connect to friends.
We also know during this age, there can be a great amount of impulsive behavior that results in poor choices, undesirable consequences, and introductions to inappropriate situations much too soon.
The medical world has done extensive research on the adolescent brain and found that the frontal lobes, used to make objective decisions, do not mature until age 25. Since the brain is still developing, peer pressure can be a strong influence on your teen. That means as parents/caregivers we have to be vigilant in supporting their need to connect while still guiding and teaching them the proper boundaries.
In order to support our teens and teach them safe and appropriate behaviors, you need to be aware of some dangerous trends going on in their world today.
The Fire Challenge: This one is particularly
dangerous. Teens are taking the “fire challenge.” They are dousing
themselves in flammable liquids, lighting it and — in theory
—extinguishing it before being seriously injured, while recording the
act and then sharing the video on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Yes,
our kids are recording themselves being engulfed in flames, flailing and
screaming in pain.
There are thousands of the videos circulating and injuries have included severe burns and hospitalization. Officials around the country, along with the American Burn Association, are asking parents to warn their child about the game.
Many parents just can’t believe their child would actually do something like this, but even “good” kids are taking the challenge. Be sure and talk to your child about these types of videos and persuade them not to share or promote them with friends.
There is also a "lite version" of this game using an eraser. Students are burning themselves by vigorously rubbing the eraser on their body. It leaves a burn mark that can blister and become infected.
Synthetic Pot or Spice: Also called “Scooby snacks,” “K2,” or any of half a dozen other names, teens might consider this an “alternative” to pot, but it’s dangerously more potent. These “synthetic cannabinoids” consist of dozens of chemicals manufactured in China, Eastern Europe and American labs.
The drug looks like potpourri or lawn clippings. The pieces have been sprayed or soaked with a solution of designer chemicals.
Because of the popularity of these drugs, there has been an explosion of ER visits related to Spice or K2 over the past few years. There’s been a reported death in California of a 19 year –old that took one after he took just one hit of Spice. So if you hear your kids talking about it, know that despite the name, the only thing that is being cooked here is your teen’s brain.
Dirty Sprite: Although this may sound like a soda that’s got dirt on it- it’s much more insidious than that. When you hear a reference to “Dirty Sprite,”. Kids are talking about the latest teen party drink. It’s also called “Drank” or “”Lean.” It’s a combination of Sprite, candy (usually Jolly Ranchers) and prescription drugs or codeine cough syrup.
There are YouTube videos of teens creating the concoction, and even sweatshirts with the recipe printed on it.
Experts warn that Dirty Sprite can be addictive and tell parents that it’s best to keep prescription meds locked up, as well as discarding ones that have expired. If you think that it won’t help to talk to your kids about prescription drug abuse, you’re wrong. Children who learn a lot about the risks of drugs are up to 50 percent less likely to use them, according to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.
Texting and Walking or Driving: Every year a new batch of teens is behind the wheel, especially once school begins. Never stop reminding your teen of the dangers of texting and driving. They may roll their eyes or give you the typical “I get it mom (dad)” response, but repeated warnings stick in the mind. A recent study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health found that among teens, 25 percent reported responding to a text message at least once every time they drive, and 20 percent admitted to holding multi-message conversations.
Since videos are one way that other dangerous trends are spread, you can share more valuable videos by showing your teen stories that show the outcomes of teens’ texting and driving. They act as a third-party negotiator that makes the point clearly.
But perhaps the best type of parental influence is to just be a good role model. Sadly, adults are the biggest offenders of texting and driving. The “Do as I say, not as I do” attitude never brings about the desired results.
It's not just driving, either. Pedestrian injuries among 16 to 19-year olds have been increasing and the death rate among older teens is at least twice that of younger kids, according to SafeKids.com. It's unclear how many of those are because of mobile devices, but it's worth reminding your teen, "eyes up while walking."
Let's promote open dialogue between our kids and teach them ways to say no to their peers. It sounds so simple to "say no", but we really need to role play and teach them ways to say no. When working with teens, I usually tell them to say things like: "I can't, because my coach will bench me", "I can't because I'm on the random drug testing list and I want to drive and play my sport", or "I can't because my parents drug test me at home randomly and read my texts". Let someone else be the bad guy for them and teach them ways to communicate that to give them an out.
Source: http://www.today.com/parents/fire-challenge-spice-4-things-parents-should-get-clue-about-2D80183586
There are thousands of the videos circulating and injuries have included severe burns and hospitalization. Officials around the country, along with the American Burn Association, are asking parents to warn their child about the game.
Many parents just can’t believe their child would actually do something like this, but even “good” kids are taking the challenge. Be sure and talk to your child about these types of videos and persuade them not to share or promote them with friends.
There is also a "lite version" of this game using an eraser. Students are burning themselves by vigorously rubbing the eraser on their body. It leaves a burn mark that can blister and become infected.
Synthetic Pot or Spice: Also called “Scooby snacks,” “K2,” or any of half a dozen other names, teens might consider this an “alternative” to pot, but it’s dangerously more potent. These “synthetic cannabinoids” consist of dozens of chemicals manufactured in China, Eastern Europe and American labs.
The drug looks like potpourri or lawn clippings. The pieces have been sprayed or soaked with a solution of designer chemicals.
Because of the popularity of these drugs, there has been an explosion of ER visits related to Spice or K2 over the past few years. There’s been a reported death in California of a 19 year –old that took one after he took just one hit of Spice. So if you hear your kids talking about it, know that despite the name, the only thing that is being cooked here is your teen’s brain.
Dirty Sprite: Although this may sound like a soda that’s got dirt on it- it’s much more insidious than that. When you hear a reference to “Dirty Sprite,”. Kids are talking about the latest teen party drink. It’s also called “Drank” or “”Lean.” It’s a combination of Sprite, candy (usually Jolly Ranchers) and prescription drugs or codeine cough syrup.
There are YouTube videos of teens creating the concoction, and even sweatshirts with the recipe printed on it.
Experts warn that Dirty Sprite can be addictive and tell parents that it’s best to keep prescription meds locked up, as well as discarding ones that have expired. If you think that it won’t help to talk to your kids about prescription drug abuse, you’re wrong. Children who learn a lot about the risks of drugs are up to 50 percent less likely to use them, according to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.
Texting and Walking or Driving: Every year a new batch of teens is behind the wheel, especially once school begins. Never stop reminding your teen of the dangers of texting and driving. They may roll their eyes or give you the typical “I get it mom (dad)” response, but repeated warnings stick in the mind. A recent study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health found that among teens, 25 percent reported responding to a text message at least once every time they drive, and 20 percent admitted to holding multi-message conversations.
Since videos are one way that other dangerous trends are spread, you can share more valuable videos by showing your teen stories that show the outcomes of teens’ texting and driving. They act as a third-party negotiator that makes the point clearly.
But perhaps the best type of parental influence is to just be a good role model. Sadly, adults are the biggest offenders of texting and driving. The “Do as I say, not as I do” attitude never brings about the desired results.
It's not just driving, either. Pedestrian injuries among 16 to 19-year olds have been increasing and the death rate among older teens is at least twice that of younger kids, according to SafeKids.com. It's unclear how many of those are because of mobile devices, but it's worth reminding your teen, "eyes up while walking."
Let's promote open dialogue between our kids and teach them ways to say no to their peers. It sounds so simple to "say no", but we really need to role play and teach them ways to say no. When working with teens, I usually tell them to say things like: "I can't, because my coach will bench me", "I can't because I'm on the random drug testing list and I want to drive and play my sport", or "I can't because my parents drug test me at home randomly and read my texts". Let someone else be the bad guy for them and teach them ways to communicate that to give them an out.
Source: http://www.today.com/parents/fire-challenge-spice-4-things-parents-should-get-clue-about-2D80183586
Friday, November 14, 2014
Apps you DON'T Want Your Kids to Have!
In a recent article from CBS News, we find the average age a child owns a cell phone is 10-11 years old. You can read the article here. Furthermore, a study by Pew Internet Research, in this article from CNN, found that kids typically have their first social media account by the age of 12.
As parents and educators, we need to be vigilant about the apps our students are accessing. Most social media is blocked while students are on our TCS network. However, if students turn off their WiFi and use cellular data, we cannot block the content.
Most of the apps reviewed below have an age restriction. Since there is no viable way to prove age, many students use a false birthday to gain access. Use this review to educate yourself about these apps and make an informed decision regarding use by your child. If you do not want your child downloading apps without your permission, you can set restrictions easily on their phone.
To set restrictions:
Sources: iTunes, CNN, CBS News
As parents and educators, we need to be vigilant about the apps our students are accessing. Most social media is blocked while students are on our TCS network. However, if students turn off their WiFi and use cellular data, we cannot block the content.
Most of the apps reviewed below have an age restriction. Since there is no viable way to prove age, many students use a false birthday to gain access. Use this review to educate yourself about these apps and make an informed decision regarding use by your child. If you do not want your child downloading apps without your permission, you can set restrictions easily on their phone.
To set restrictions:
Sneek (Formerly uMention)
"The fastest way to share photos with your entire school" according to the iTunes description of this app. You simply take a photo, add any caption and post it anonymously. It goes nationwide instantaneously. It is rated for 17 year olds for frequent, intense mature, suggestive themes, profanity, and crude humor. No age verification process. I tried to log into Sneek and it would not allow me access until I granted permission for it to access my photos and microphone....NO WAY.
Shots of Me
This is a "selfie" app. It allows users to post a pic and share it with users. It allows a caption and private messaging only. So, while the public will not see the comments, cyberbullying could take place through the private messaging. This app seems harmless but it allows locations and time a photo was posted making it really easy for a predator to locate someone. You can turn off the location in the apps settings if you were aware of it.
Fess
This is a free app specifically marketed for high school students. You must have a Facebook account to use this because they troll your Facebook friends to make sure you have high school age friends. Fess allows the user complete anonymity to post whatever they want. This type of platform is where a large majority of cyberbullying occurs. Fess has some guidelines on cyberbullying, but the follow through has not been verified. Parents be aware that this app and apps like this (Yik Yak, Whisper, Secret, etc...) are used by students to post threats or other inappropriate statements about other students.OoVoo
Kids can use OoVoo as young as 13 years old (no verification process) on their smartphone or on a computer. This app allows them to video chat with up to 12 friends (or strangers/predators), send video messages, upload videos to YouTube and instant message. I think it is self explanatory why you would not want your child to be able to send videos to strangers or view videos from strangers.
Cydia:Jailbreak and Icon Hiding Apps
This is an app that allows a tech savvy child the opportunity to hack into their own device to lift restrictions that parents have imposed. They can then download apps that are not even available through your typical platform (iTunes, Google Play). It also allows the ability to hide icons on your phone, so parents would think they do not have the app, when it could just be hiding. The only vigilant thing you can do is look for the Cydia app icon and then you know there is likely some thing going on you need to investigate.
For more app reviews, please click here.
Sources: iTunes, CNN, CBS News
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Investigative Report: Cybersafety
Once in a while, I read something and I wonder if it could be true of students in Trussville. This is when I launch my own mini investigation to find out. I am going to share with you my most recent mini investigation of our students regarding Cybersafety.
According to Common Sense Media, the most common Cybersafety tips for young people are:
According to Common Sense Media, the most common Cybersafety tips for young people are:
- Never share your real name
- Never friend people you don't know in real life - they might not be who they say they are
- Don't share where you live or where you go to school because someone could stalk you
- Don't share pictures of yourself in front of your school, home, mailbox (same reason as above)
- Don't ever meet someone in person who you met online
So, I put these 5 bullets to the test to see if our students were doing any of these things. I was really surprised to find that I could prove they are doing bullets 1-4 quite frequently. I would not be able to prove bullet 5 and I hope it is not happening.
I made up an alias on Facebook. I attached a picture from the Internet of a young girl in a group photo. I said I was from a different state but recently moved to Trussville and was attending Hewitt Trussville High School. Here are my findings:
Bullet #1: Students use their real name most often. Very few students use an alias or a nickname.
Bullet#2: I began to send friend requests to students I knew personally (but remember, I'm not a real person). I was shocked that 3 out of 5 students accepted my request almost immediately.
Bullet#3: I was able to see in the "about" section where they went to school. If it wasn't there, they used hash tags that would lead me to them as well such as, #htswag, #hths, #huskyfast. I did not see many students who had a picture in front of their house that would allow me to know where they lived. It would be a front door, a fireplace, a room, but nothing identifiable.
Bullet #4: I could easily find these students at church! Our students post pictures in front of their church, in church shirts, with hashtags that have church names, etc....
Bullet #5: not addressed
WOW! Our smart students, reared in good family homes with educated parents are not very cybersafe. This has been an eye opening investigation and allows me to share with our school administrators areas that need some preventive education. As a parent of pre-teens myself, this investigation has caused me to be more deliberate in teaching my children how to protect themselves and be more cybersafe.
P.S. I have since deactivated the account but within 2 weeks, my pretend Facebook alias had over 100 Facebook friends!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Heroin in Charlotte
A trend that has been growing over the last few years in the average family home is teen heroin use. We often think of heroin use as an inner city issue, but it is an epidemic in our suburban American neighborhoods. Heroin produces a similar high as prescription painkillers because they are both opiates. Many teens start with prescription painkillers then progress to heroin when they cannot acquire the painkillers.
Most sources say the reason it has attacked our suburban American neighborhoods is related to medical insurance. Most teens in this demographic have health insurance and can be prescribed painkillers which begins their opiate addiction.
I have read many stories written by families who have lost a loved one to heroin. Similarities abound in these stories. I think of Trussville when I read these stories. I think of our students. Read this story and become aware of the signs associated with opiate addiction.
Source:
Charlotte Magazine /
March 2014 /
Heroin in Charlotte
Most sources say the reason it has attacked our suburban American neighborhoods is related to medical insurance. Most teens in this demographic have health insurance and can be prescribed painkillers which begins their opiate addiction.
I have read many stories written by families who have lost a loved one to heroin. Similarities abound in these stories. I think of Trussville when I read these stories. I think of our students. Read this story and become aware of the signs associated with opiate addiction.
Source:
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