The summertime offers more free time and our kids are going to want to do things online more than ever. So what are some guidelines that we can set and how do we keep them safe. This article that just came out covers this material very well. It is at the Common Sense Media website.
As for Balanced Life Skills we will be covering age appropriate reminders for students on internet safety in our Focus on Friendship summer workshops for kids. In this part of the workshop we will be talking to each group about defining the term cyber-bullying, and helping them to see healthy ways to use the computer and safety rules for them to be aware are necessary. Each age group will be treated appropriately.
The Fourth of July is rolling around again. This is a great time to celebrate with friends, have a cookout, and be patriotic in general. But before the festivities begin, it is important to know how to make sure they are safe. This post includes information on fireworks, barbecues, boating, pool parties, and the sun. It’s only fun until someone gets hurt, so lets try to make sure the fun lasts all through the day injury-free.
Fireworks
The first area of safety concern is the obvious: fireworks. Fireworks are beautiful, fun, and patriotic displays, so we should learn how to incorporate them into our celebrations safely. Here are some things you should not do : Read the rest of this entry →
Balanced Life Skills Emergency Response to Drowning Children Can Learn
Each year according to the CDC 750 children will lose their life to drowning. It is important that children and adults be aware of what they should be looking for and know what they can do to assist.
Teaching our children that they can help themselves and others in an emergency situation builds their knowledge and confidence. Stopping a nose bleed or other bleeding is one area of safety that every child should learn about.
Teaching our children that they can be a hero and help themselves and others in an emergency situation builds their knowledge and confidence. Fire Safety is one area of safety that every child should learn about.
Recently I have heard of situations where children who were very young were able to react to an emergency situation and were instrumental in the saving of a life. In a report on CNN they listed 5 actions that every child should know how to perform that may very well save a life. Here is a link to the entire article, and a list of five emergency situations that you can teach your child how to react and possibly save a life:
Choking
Bleeding
Fire
Drowning
Person is not breathing
Of course this is all in addition to every child knowing how and when to dial 911. This is a skill that we can practice with our child and tell them when it is appropriate to do so. During our summer classes we will be teaching as part of our regular classes the skills for the 5 emergencies and hope that all parents can reinforce the skills by practice at home.
Here are some guidelines for parents and discussion points as your children start getting on line and being part of the world wide web community.
Without permission of your parents do not give out any personal information.
address, phone number
parents work address or phone number
name of your school or the location of the school
Teach your child that if they come across information on any websites that makes them feel uncomfortable – they are to tell you about it immediately.
this is in the case that they somehow get on a site by accident or have been redirected
Under no circumstances or for any reason including promises should you agree to meet someone or get together with someone that you meet online without checking first with your parents. Then if they agree the meeting should take place in a public place and your parents should come along.
Never send anyone online your photo or anything else without first checking in with your parents.
Teach your child that if they receive a message that is mean or is harassing, or a picture that is uncomfortable they are to let you know right away. Reassure your child that it is not their fault and then as the parent you may contact the authorities and or the online service.
Finally set up rules for going online, such as the time of day, how much time you will be on the computer and appropriate areas for your child to visit.
Have the computer that your child will be using in a public area of the house so that you are able to see what your child is doing while online.
Have an understanding that if they break the rules or access areas without permission that you the consequences are as you have set them out.
Keeping your child safe is your first and most important requirement as a parent. Talking about these rules ahead of time and on a frequent basis will show your child how important this subject is to you. They may protest at times and say they do not like it or see it as an invasion of privacy, but in the end they will appreciate you having their best interest at heart and recognize your concern for their safety.
One of the best things you can do is sign an agreement with your child about their conduct online. Here are age appropriate ones that you may want to use.
Balanced Life Skills is OPEN and operating on normal schedule. The 
