The Internet Can Disconnect Us!

Feel that vibration in your pocket? Is it an emergency call? No, it’s a Facebook notification; however, teenagers react to it like it is an emergency. Can’t they check it out later? No, the urge is too strong to resist.

The Digital Age has become a great tool to get information in the palm of our hands. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and iMessage are all on our phones. People are becoming addicted to these social networking sites, and it is affecting their interpersonal relationship with people. It’s so easy to be separated by a screen and a keyboard rather than deal with a person in front of you.

Andrew Chow, a sophomore in Lafayette, CA said “I think most teenagers are abusing the main purpose of using mobile phones which is using the device as a phone. Teens text or use Facebook and log into social networks too often, getting distracted from school work and other more important priorities.”

How much time do you spend on your social networking site than actually talking face to face with your friends? Phones were originally created to help us communicate with others when we couldn’t see them in person. It’s not the phones that are abusive; it’s how people use them that makes it abusive.

It seems that these social networking sites are becoming tools used for bullying. Classmate Isabel Artiaga thinks bullying “is definitely a phase that people go through, especially at this age.” Statistics show that 56% of teens have once been the target of a cyber-bullying activity. Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words and pictures will hurt your child’s feelings. Teens are using Facebook to harass their peers.

It’s amazing what horrible things these teens say to others on the internet, in order to lower people’s self-esteem. A sixth grader commented “Sometimes bullying doesn’t seem like such a big deal just one time, but when it happens repetitively, it can be really depressing for people.”

What parents can do is talk to their children about what is going on with them online. They should sit down with their kids and ask “what would you want me (your parent) if you were being cyber-bullied. Parry Aftab, a New-Jersey-based lawyer and expert on bullying, advocates the ‘stop, block and tell’

approach.

To help your child stay balanced, centered and safe, check out www.safekidsnow.com/streetsafekids

10 Tips- Create a RESILIENT Child!

Every parent wants their child to be happy and have good friendships. However, life can be tough for children! Give your child the tools he or she needs to develop inner strength.



Parents: Here are 10 Tips to help your children develop resiliency so they can handle the slings and arrows of life. Add your thoughts and ideas so others can learn from you.

SUBSCRIBE - Join us to KEEP KIDS SAFE! We want to hear from you! What information do you need?

Stop BULLY/VICTIM behavior!

BULLIES AND VICTIMS can have deadly, unforeseen consequences.  It is up to adults to give children the tools they need to stop bully behavior at an early age.

Bailey O'Neill was only 11 years old when he was attacked by two bullies.  He died after suffering seizures and other complications.


ADULTS AND PARENTS: 4 steps YOU can take to keep children safe.

Street Safe Kids Guidebook - 10 steps to help develop a spiritually centered child!
For more information: www.safekidsnow.com/streetsafekids.html

GUN Control Has Limitations!

Americans are very concerned about gun violence! Politicians are pushing for more gun control, however, guns are selling off the shelves and 250,000 people have joined the NRA since the tragedy at Sandy Hook. We need to bring Americans together, not divide the country!

As a crime and violence prevention specialist for 35 years, here are my thoughts! What do you think? (It may take a moment for PODCAST to appear.) If you want to help strengthen your community, join our Safe Kids Now Network! We will share with you what to do and how to do it! Contact us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com

Spiritual Crisis in America-Kids and Drugs-Part 3

PARENTS:  Children need a foundation of values and a spiritual understanding of self to resist drugs!  Or, they may experience a bumpy road ahead!  Empower children so they will not be easy targets for manipulation or bullies. 


Involved children can smooth out life's journey!  Parents will have less stress and anxiety because children have the tools to make good choices to help them reach their potential.
Help is available.
To review all Safe Kids Now Podcasts Click HERE

Stopping Child Abuse!

Do you know the signs of child abuse?   Children need ALL OF US to speak up to help make families stronger and more resilient!  We can stop child abuse.

Street Safe Kids: 10 step guide



For more information about our podcasts - CLICK HERE

Are you raising a Bully, "Pin Cushion" Child or a Centered child?

            Bully behavior starts at an early age!

1 in 3 children are victims of bullies!  Teach children how to speak up with self-confidence or they can become victims.   

Bullies must modify their behavior. Victims must develop self-confidence.  Listen to the "Safe Kids" series on Bullies, Parenting, Pin Cushion Kids.

Next week, "Why TEENS become self-destructive!"

We invite you to add your comments! Join us on Facebook

Podcasts available - CLICK HERE

14 WAYS to keep kids from being bullies or victims!

DISCUSS WITH CHILDREN...

1. If a bully provokes you, stay strong and speak up. Say, “Stop it.” Walk away or report behavior.
2. Settle disagreements with words, not fists. Stay calm, cool and collected!
3. If disputes escalate, don’t form an audience. Be a peacemaker and encourage others to intervene and speak up.
4. Stay alert when walking to and from school. Avoid areas, where bullies or groups of older kids hang out.
5. Know all your neighbors and who can offer a safe place, if needed.
6. Trust your instincts! If you sense danger or feel threatened, run away. If grabbed, yell and kick to get free. Fight back!
7. Report any threats, destruction of property or suspicious activities to an adult, police officer or a school authority.
8. NEVER go with someone you don’t know and trust, even if he/she seems like a nice person.
9. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. They reduce your self-awareness and make you an easy target for sexual assault and abuse.
10. If someone tries to be mean to you speak up with confidence and walk away. Report if the bad behavior persists.
11. Hang out with supportive friends. Avoid “friends” who bully, criticize, use put downs or make you feel bad.
12. Expand your relationships by getting involved in school activities such as yearbook, plays, arts or sports.
13. Face your fears and develop new skills by volunteering in your community or at your House of Worship. Be a leader and encourage friends to join you.
14. Create a network of positive friends, family, neighbors and a religious family to help strengthen your character and ability to get along. A strong conscience develops self-awareness and will keep you safe from harm. When children are connected, they gain self-respect and respect for others.
For more information and resources: www.safekidsnow.com

Bin Laden: Primitive Men vs. Enlightened Americans

U.S. Special Forces killed Usama Bin Laden one year ago. As the 1st anniversary approaches, Americans are being warned to stay alert as terrorists may be planning violent acts of revenge. Brave American soldiers removed this ego-driven man, however, his behavior should be a wake up call for everyone. Bin Laden was part of a very dangerous worldwide movement.

In primitive societies, tribal men fight to gain control of a tribe. A new leader assumes power as followers give away their power to a stronger, smarter and wiser man. The leader can manipulate and set up secret alliances to protect his authority. With growing support and an inflated ego, he may try to gain control of other tribes to increase his dominance.

Primitive behavior begins at an early age. The schoolyard bully discovers a false sense of power when no one intervenes. The teenage boy controls his girl friend with threats (1 in 5 girls experience dating violence). The husband abuses his wife (1 in 4 women in abusive relationships). 800,000 American gang members use fear and intimidation to control neighborhoods. Gangs commit eighty percent of all urban crimes as citizens hide behind locked doors. (The first four months in 2012, Chicago had 120 murders and 490 people were victims of gun violence.)

Just like tribes, gang followers are spiritually blind and band together to support their leader’s cause, which includes human trafficking, prostitution, drugs and weapons. They become destructive, driven by power and money.

Cult leaders are primitive men in disguise, often hiding behind religion. They control whole communities and brainwash followers. Jim Jones, David Koresh and Bin Laden died along with hundreds of followers rather than accept interference from authorities.

Cults do not allow freedom of thought or human rights. They write laws to control women so men have total authority. Cult extremists pass laws and cover women from head to foot. Women disappear from community participation. Their role is to give birth and take care of men. Primitive men severely punish anyone daring to challenge them. Followers lose their freedoms, in the name of a god.

Dictators have ruled for centuries! Seventy-five years ago, Adolph Hitler tried to conquer Europe. Today, Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad kills his own people to stay in power. North Korea’s Kim Jung Il began his ruthless regime 100 years ago. Kim Jung Un continues to rule as North Koreans starve. Iran’s religious dictators threaten Israel. These power hungry men feel invincible as they intimidate free people with nuclear threats. The world has an abundance of evil men willing to kill for power and control. They lie to accomplish their goal, use fear to immobilize their enemies and would rather die than lose their power.

Primitive men can only stay in power as long as people don’t understand the power of the human spirit. When citizens stand together, speak up and refuse to give away their freedoms, the people will prevail and restore their God given rights. When Americans decide to work together for home, neighborhood and community peace, we will see a gradual decline in controlling boys and men. And, cities and countries will no longer tolerate self-serving power hungry men.

A spiritual awakening is happening! Americans are getting involved to create healthy, safe communities for families. Americans, by example, can lead the way to world peace. As the awakening unfolds, nations will follow America’s lead to discover greater freedoms, new innovations and peaceful co-existence.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com

WHY KIDS TAKE DRUGS!

George Will’s article (Times 4/5/12), “Should U.S. legalize drugs?” needs national discussion. Will states, “20 percent of all prisoners – 500,000 - are incarcerated for dealing drugs and alcohol causes half of criminal violence.” Interdiction and incarceration cost billions…some say, “Let’s just try legalization.”

Today, drugs impact children as young as ten, sniffing, puffing and drinking for a thrill or to feel good. Adults should ask…why are young people using drugs instead of learning how to live happy, healthy, productive lives?

WHAT HAPPENED?
Drugs have been around for centuries! As a mother, grandmother and crime prevention specialist for 35 years, I have seen American values, attitudes and parenting skills change which fueled the drug epidemic.

Families grew weaker. A growing number of “helicopter parents” don’t let children make mistakes, solve problems or suffer the consequences for bad behavior. Continually hovering, rescuing and controlling a child’s life, takes away their self-confidence, making him or her dependent. Children become targets for bullies.

Sensitive children suffer in silence as they struggle to fit in and be accepted. They don’t know how to handle rejection, failure, humiliation or bullying and focus on emotional pain, which leads to depression.

Without self-awareness, children become followers or may bully others because they are not on a path to discover their own identity. They feel powerless and escape in drugs, which masks the real problem. They have not been taught how to cope with the “slings and arrows” of life!

WHAT CAN ADULTS DO?
Children need two major factors to help them take responsibility for their future.
1. Learn to live by their inner spirit to grow strong and resilient.
2. Networks of support help youth develop healthy relationships.

The media bombards children with beautiful people, sex and violence. Parents can find emotional support in churches or synagogues, which provide mentors and role models. Connected children do not become socially isolated or turn to drugs.

Children need self-confidence to say NO to drugs, sex and abuse. Self-aware children learn to trust their conscience, intuition and instincts, which can protect them. A foundation of values leads to happy, healthy, productive youth.

Legalize drugs? Let’s focus on children growing from their spirit, not inflated egos of, “I am right,” “You are wrong.” When young people are on a path of self-discovery, they pursue their dreams and see no need to abuse drugs to feel good.


Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com
www.facebook.com/stephanie.mann

Wake Up America...We must protect children!

Penn State University faces a national scandal! In 2002, an assistant football coach witnessed a sexual assault of a child, told administrators and no one reported it to police. Seven more assaults have now been reported.

Americans have heard horror stories about sexual assaults by priests, sex traffickers and the growing porn industry. The tragic truth is, children are sexually assaulted at home and in their neighborhoods every day. These children grow up and become parents. Often, the cycle of abuse continues. Americans are paying a high price for their silence.

When children feel powerless, violated and/or unloved, they act out in self-destructive ways. They may turn to drugs, sex, food, cutting, bullying, become an easy victim or join a gang to feel powerful! Around 80 percent of prison inmates were abused as children.

SPEAK UP TO PROTECT CHILDREN!

During the past year, 3 out of 5 children were exposed to violence at home or in their neighborhoods. It is up to citizens to stop this epidemic. If YOU don’t speak up, you are guilty of allowing abuse to continue.

10 things you can do to help stop child abuse.

1. Watch toddlers at play. A child tries to dominate by shoving playmates and crying for a toy. This is normal, childish behavior. Adults must correct children so they mature properly and learn to respect others. Don’t ignore aggressive behavior! Little bullies can become abusers.

2. STAY ALERT! Don’t let anyone hit, slap or verbally abuse a child. Children need protection, attention and encouragement. Adults are role models. Discipline children by taking way privileges but don’t back down or you will teach a child how to manipulate YOU.

3. Peace starts at home! Make a family rule… we treat each other with respect. Bully/victim behavior is learned at home. (25 percent of women and 10 percent of men are in abusive relationship) Verbal, sexual or physical abuse teaches children to be victims and/or bullies.

4. Don’t be your child’s best friend! Undisciplined children become angry when they don’t have the skills to develop positive friends. They may bully or become targets of abuse because they don’t know what else to do. This could lead them toward self-destructive behaviors.

5. Discuss family problems together and allow everyone to have a voice. Children mature and grow strong when they are heard and help solve conflicts, peacefully.

6. Discipline, rules, love, attention and support give children self-confidence. If bullied, they know they are NOT the problem. Self-worth gives children the inner power to stand up to bullies, walk away and report bad behavior.

7. Self-discipline keeps children safe. For example: If I pick a fight with you and you fight back, I am in control. If I pick a fight with you and you walk away, you are in control. Children can develop courage and character by speaking up and standing up to bullies.

8. Does your school have an “anti-bully” policy? Do neighbors work together to stop bullies on the block? Don’t ignore bullies! They can form gangs and make your neighborhood less safe. Don’t tolerate any destructive behavior.

9. BE AN ADVOCATE and get involved! CNN Special, “Bullying: It stops here!” stated, “Social Combat: the new norm for youth.” We must all speak up and work with neighbors to stop bad behavior.

10. Start a movement to help create a safer environment in your school or in your neighborhood. Ask friends to join you. If you want to know what to do and how to do it, check out safekidsnow.com

Speak up to protect children and our future.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Author, 4 national prevention books.

Keep Your Child Safe!

PARENTS: Discuss with children how to stay safe. Let children know they can tell you anything and you will listen.

1. Dial 911 in an emergency only. (Show and tell)
2. Never give your name or address to someone you don't know.
3. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.
4. Never tell callers you are home alone.
5. Never cross the street without looking both ways. (Stay in crosswalk)
6. Never accept a ride from someone you don't know.
7. Never play with matches.
8. Never walk alone, always use the buddy system.
9. If you feel scared by someone you don't know, run away and yell for help.
10. Get permission before you ride in a car with anyone.
11. Play in your backyard or near adults.
12. Create a family password in case a stranger needs to pick up your child.
13. If you are lost, look for a police officer, woman with children or a store clerk for help.
14. If someone asks you for help (directions, find a pet), run away and tell a trusted adult.
15. If someone tries to bully you, speak up and tell a trusted adult.
16. If someone tries to grab you, fight back, kick and scream for help.
17. If anything upsets you, tell me immediately and we will work it out together.

PARENTS: For extra protection...create a network of support around children and know all your neighbors!

For more information go to: www.safekidsnow.com

Cyberbullying Tips For Parents

• Give kids a code of conduct. Tell them if they wouldn't say something to someone's face, they shouldn't text it, instant message it or post it.
• Ask if they know someone who has been cyberbullied. Sometimes kids will open up about someone's pain before admitting their own.
• Establish consequences for bullying behavior.
• Monitor their media use.
• Tell kids not to share passwords with friends.
• Use privacy settings.
• Remind them... all private information can be made public.
• Tell kids what to do if they're harassed: Block bullies and inform parents or trusted adults. Save evidence in case it is need for reporting.
Source: Common Sense Media

10 things parents can do to build confidence and keep children safe

Children grow strong and resilient if you:
1. Let children know they are awesome by taking 10 minutes every day to ask questions and listen without judgments.
2. Teach children to grow strong from within by setting an example of staying cool, calm and collected, no matter what is going on. Anger breeds anxiety and confusion.
3. Create rule and boundaries for the family and stick to consequences for bad behavior.
4. Work out problems together! Anger and stress weakens the immune system and makes your family less healthy.
5. Allow children to make mistakes. Children learn from failure and discover that life can be difficult. They grow stronger and wiser.
6. Encourage children to speak up and stand up for themselves without any anger.
7. Teach children to use their instincts and intuition. If they don’t feel safe, run away. Always have children use the buddy system.
8. Teach children how to handle a bully. Children grow strong by discussing solutions, role-playing and encouragement.
9. Surround your child with a positive network of support. Your family, friends and neighbors are your child’s role models and mentors.
10. Do something special with each child every week. Go to the park, a movie, play a game, invite their friend to join your family, etc.

For more information: Go to www.safekidsnow.com/streetsafekids.html