Facebook Timeline – By the time you read this, it may be too late.
It is easy to get nearly live streaming updates and news from every angle on the Internet. But what many people may not understand is that when you publish something on the Internet IT DOES NOT GO AWAY.
Facebook’s new format –“Timeline” — was rolled out in September and will go full scale soon — maybe before you read this blog post. (You can even access this blog post on my Facebook page! It’ll be there for years and years.)
What does this mean? Every single post, ‘like’ link, friendship, and photo you have ever published on Facebook will be kept in an endless stream . . . for anyone to access.
Think about this: Your nine year old has a Facebook account and ‘likes’ certain pages and bands; has photos of friends and herself up, makes comments about her life and family, and shares her views and opinions, and she continues to do so as she grows. When she is 18 and applies for jobs and colleges, her Facebook page will still show a history of what she posted from age NINE. When she is 35 and up for a job review or decides on a career change, her new employers can still see what she was doing every year since she was nine years old. Anyone with any sort of authority can access Facebook accounts — police, lawyers, employers. They will have access to an incredibly extensive record, won’t they? Plus, the potential for misuse of information is mind boggling.
“Timeline” is mandatory. It started on December 15. Once you upgrade to Timeline, if you don’t like the way Facebook is publishing your information, you have seven days to make changes. After that, it’s too late.
Frankly, Facebook continues to make changes, and I am confident this is not the last change it will make. Our children are comfortable in this worldwide arena, but we adults know that sometimes youthful indiscretion can come back to haunt. Facebook is making it easier for all to see those youthful indiscretions – for a long time. The bigger message is that we need to figure out ways to help our kids figure it out so they can stay safe and preserve as much privacy as there is left.
You Have A Right to Remain Silent – And Maybe You Should
“YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT.
ANYTHING YOU SAY CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU IN A COURT OF LAW.”
You have probably heard these words hundreds of times in movies and read them in books. These words – or some version of them – are part of what we have come to know as a “Miranda Warning,” named after Miranda v. Arizona, a 1966 U.S. Supreme Court case.
Although Miranda dealt with rights of someone in police custody, we ought to teach children that what they SAY online can be used against them in many ways. I recently read a blog written by a man who was a juror in a case that was decided based on all kinds of social media evidence.
Jon Mitchell, a writer for ReadWriteWeb.com, wrote about his recent jury duty experience. The jury had to decide who was telling the truth by comparing what live witnesses said in court with what they had written on MySpace, Facebook and in emails, some of which were written years before.
Mr. Mitchell’s advice was to “write like what you say will be read to a jury.” For teens and children, maybe a better test would be, “write like what you say will be read by your grandmother.”
We are living in a wired world. Boundaries between public and private lives are becoming blurred, and what children and youth “say” online can follow them for the rest of their lives.
Techno-Savvy Child Safety
What’ the biggest difference between the toys we grew up with and today’s toys? TECHNOLOGY.
Walk down any toy store aisle, browse through any catalog or check out any online business and you will see that electronics are common everywhere — along with numerous small pieces to attach (and detach) to all of them. Electronics and small pieces each have hidden dangers for children of all ages. And while most children seem to be born with some innate understanding of technology, it’s still a good idea to remember the basics:
- Be sure you are using the proper battery, charger, and plug outlet for the toy.
- Make sure your child knows how to store the toy properly (e.g., keep it dry and at the right temperature).
- If the child’s toy links to the internet or has an online play aspect, make sure the site is secure before you let the child access the internet. (Make sure your computer safety settings have been adapted for these sites.)
- Be sure video games and site links are age appropriate for the child. (This goes for on-lookers, too!)
- Set rules so the child understands that her laptop and IPhone are different from yours.
- Replace all batteries yourself.
Keeping these simple things in mind will allow your techno-savvy youth to enjoy their gift responsibly and safely.
Having Fun and Being Safe: Santa’s Top Toy List for All Ages
No matter what is on your child’s wish list this year, safety should be at the top of yours.
You have probably read and heard what I am about to say many times, but especially at this time of year with pressures and stress, here are some reminders for your SAFETY FIRST list.
- Many top toys, such as Legos, Kinect, and Hot Wheels, have extremely small pieces that can pose as choking hazards if in the wrong hands or misused.
- Dolls and many other toys often have things attached to them that can come loose become extremely dangerous. Check them over carefully before taking them home.
- Be mindful of toys that are wired or “pose-able” (such as the Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll). After a certain amount of wear, the wire may become exposed and dangerous.
- Always help your child remove the toy from the box. Most toys are zip-tied, twist-tied, and secured and need some type of knife or scissor to free it.
- Put batteries in your child’s toy for them and make sure they know how to properly attach all chargers and accessories to electronics.
- And make sure someone got Johnny and Jenny helmets to go along with their new scooters — and all other safety gear that goes along with bikes and moveable toys.
And, always keep an eye on the national recall list after the holiday season, because recalls and safety alerts are published well after people have the toys in their homes.
Here is a link to a best toy guide. The site has recommendations for toys for different age groups and reviews of pluses and minuses about various toys. I have no connection to the creators of the site and merely draw your attention to the site as another source of information.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes frequent information about product recalls, including toys.
Are You Going Shopping on Black Friday? Beware. It Could Pose Unseen Threats to Your Child.
Many people look forward to shopping
on Black Friday.
For years, stores have used that day as the beginning of holiday shopping and many stores open very early, often at 4:00 a.m. or even earlier. Families have added that early-morning trip as part of their holiday traditions.
More and more, people bring their children along on these shopping sprees. Here are tips for keeping your children safe if they’re out on Black Friday.
- DRIVERS. There are lots of people – tired and cranky people - who have been up since two or three in the morning - driving around. They are in a hurry and stressed, which adds greater a threat on the road. Never skip buckling your child – or yourself – while driving from one store to the next, even if you are in a hurry and stressed. It may save time to skip the buckle, but taking the time to buckle could save a life.
- Also, watch how you store your purchased items in the car; items that are stacked too high may topple over on you or passengers in your car.
- MASS HYSTERIA never brings people to their finest moment, whether it’s over attacks from aliens or trying to get one of twenty holiday-fad items marked down for a dollar. It is easy for adults to get caught up in the undertow of excitement, but imagine how easy it is for a child to be trampled or knocked about. Shoppers herd in certain parts of the store to find a specific item and will stop at nothing to get it. Last year, a friend of mine witnessed a petite lady summon the strength of Superman to tip over a fully loaded cart, clearing a path to reach the last of the marked down vacuums.
- KEEP UP WITH THE KIDS. It’s crowded, cluttered and dangerous when kids are in the mix. They can get lost easily.
- TOO MUCH MERCHANDISE, TOO FEW CARTS. Stores often run out of carts for properly securing children. Excess stock kept stacked in aisles and endcaps can pose a challenge for children walking low to the ground and can fall on top of a child if they get bumped. If a cart is unavailable, never put your children inside other items such as a suitcase or duffle bag! (I didn’t make that up.)
- STROLLERS AND PURCHASES. Use caution if you decide to use your child’s stroller to carry your purchases (like hanging bags on the stroller handles). The extra weight may throw the balance of the stroller off and cause it to tip over and hurt your child.
So remember deal-hunters: Always make sure your children are safe and accounted for while shopping. Happy shopping!
The Falls of Fall
Autumn treats us to all types of adventurous activities – such as apple picking and hay rides, haunted houses and pumpkin mazes and other “country” events. This season gives us opportunities to be a little rough and tumble, to get a little dirty and enjoy the wonderful outdoors. Children enjoy adventures that lead to tumbling off a hay stack mountain, falling out of a tree, running into doors and walls trying to escape spook house horrors. They may get all kinds of bug bites, as well as sore body parts from bouncing around on hayrides and tripping over a gopher hole. These are part of the joys of the season.
And, while it’s normal for children to get a little “banged up,” parents must beware.
- Make sure your child has had plenty of rest before extra outdoor physical exertion. Children who are tired may be clumsier than usual – and not use the best judgment.
- Watch out for a child’s unusual behavior after getting a little “banged up.” What may at first appear to be minor (and probably is) may be more serious if pain persists. Take your child’s complaints seriously.
- Watch for redness, swelling, fever, bleeding, etc. after your child has been playing hard outside.
Go out and enjoy the beautiful season. We’ve got all winter to heal.
Safety Isn’t Spooky
Young children are SPOOOOOKY at this time of year. Don’t forget these tips to keep your child safe during the spookiest night of the year.
- Use glow sticks, reflectors and “spooky” shoes that have little lights for after-dark spooky activities.
- Try glow earrings, bracelets and even glow-in-the-dark stickers for your child’s candy bag.
- Be sure your child’s mask doesn’t inhibit her ability to see.
- Travel in a group.
- Have an adult in front and an adult in back of the group — with reflective clothing and flashlights. (Even if your children are too “old” for adults, make sure they have reflective clothing and flashlights and are in a group.)
- Go to homes with lights on.
- Check candy before your child eats it — wrappers intact, no open or unmarked candy.
- If your child has, for instance, a peanut allergy, make sure everyone in the group knows about the allergy. Prompt them to trade what they can’t eat right away.
Wonderful Chicken Barbecue at Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company
A great big shout out to RUCKERSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY and its 4th Annual Fall Chicken Barbecue, held last Saturday, October 8, 2011, in Ruckersville, Greene County, Virginia.
The food (catered by Blue Ridge Cafe) was delicious – especially the blueberry cobbler), the bluegrass music (Gary Shifflett and the Shenandoah shakers, and Tommy Wood and the Dixie Hill Bluegrass Band) was outstanding. And the day was beautiful.
The volunteers at Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company practice regularly so they will be prepared for the next emergency. The station itself is spotless, as is every piece of equipment. The volunteers are prepared for brush fires in the wooded areas surrounding Ruckersville and for home kitchen fires and other emergencies, including medical emergencies.
Most of all, though, the firefighters were friendly, helpful, rightfully proud of the important work they do — and they encouraged youngsters to safely enjoy the equipment.
Thank you volunteers!
October 15th – Annual Open House for Local Fire and Rescue Stations
Can you imagine being a child and waking up to the confusion of a fire? Then through the smoke filled room seeing a gigantic, masked, creature coming through your window, perhaps carrying some type of equipment and telling you to come towards it? SCARY!
Oh wait – that’s just a firefighter!
Most every child knows the excitement of firefighters and fire trucks: Lights! Sirens! Cool boots! Awesome Hats! However what looks exciting can turn into a child’s nightmare in a real emergency. You know it’s a good idea to make your child aware of the people who protect them, but it’s also a smart idea to prepare them – and yourself – for an emergency.
Sure, it’s fun for kids to honk the fire truck horn and try on super-sized coats that weigh as much as they do. But would your child know to go towards the firefighter and listen to his instructions in an actual emergency situation?
October 9 – 15 is FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, and local fire stations are having open houses on Saturday, October 15.
Go visit your local firefighters and rescue team, bake an extra batch of cookies, and see who you can talk into getting into their full gear with equipment so your child can see what they look like while they’re working an emergency. Have them mimic certain sounds of what the child may hear during an emergency, as well as what they may see.
The same goes for the Emergency Medical Team. See if someone will show you some of the more frightening equipment you see during car crashes or in medical emergencies, what it would feel like to lay on a stretcher, and some of the key instructions children may hear during an emergency.
Important Fire Safety Tips:
- Install smoke alarms outside every sleeping area
- Check your alarm batteries (regularly)
- Install carbon monoxide detectors
- Know where you gas shut off is
- Know how to tell if your pilot light went out
- Know what a gas leak smells like
- Know your escape route AND what to do once you’re out – and to know if anyone is missing!
- If you have an emergency ladder from a second floor, make sure you know how to use it (practice on it)
- Have two escape routes from every bedroom — practice using them
- Keep fire extinguishers charged and ready, check expiration dates, keep them handy, know where they are
- Have your older home’s electrical work checked and updated.
For additional information on fire safety, upcoming safety events and how to get prepared, visit the National Fire Prevention Association website.
Don’t Take A Chance – Keep Your Child Facing the Rear.
Rear-facing car seats save the lives of young children. Who wouldn’t want to do whatever they need to do to save the lives of their young children?
Until recently, safety experts recommended that children remain in rear-facing car seats, in the back seats of cars, until they are at least one year old and twenty pounds. (No state, including Virginia, requires that children sit in rear-facing car seats after reaching their first birthday or weighing twenty pounds.) Recently, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that children remain in the back seat in rear-facing car seats until their second birthday. Why? Because it’s safer.
I would have thought that parents would want to do whatever they could to keep their child safe, even if it meant they would be inconvenienced. Evidently, I was wrong.
According to today’s front-page article in the Washington Post, parents are irate because “toddlers can’t take another year of riding backward,” even though evidence is that children younger than two years are about 75% more likely to die or suffer serious injury if they are front-facing.
I think that the “they’re legs are scrunched up” argument is baloney — children’s legs are fine — and the “they’re so antsy in rear-facing” is, too — an antsy toddler is going to be antsy whether forward or rear facing.
I’m calling parents out. The objecting parents REALLY want to turn the seats around so that the driver and front passenger seats can go back farther — so the grownups can be more comfortable. It’s a comfort issue. I know it’s inconvenient for tall parents in smaller cars, but, read Why Rear-Facing Is Safest and think again before you make the wrong decision for your child. It’s only a year. Don’t take the chance.
For more information about keeping your child safe, in cars and elsewhere, get my new book, When the Bough Breaks, a parent’s guide to keeping your child safe. Send an email to Janelle @RohrstaffLaw.com, call us at 703-260-6070, or contact us through our website, RohrstaffLaw.com, and request your free copy.
keep looking »