Safety 101: 10 tips parents need to know about campus safety

(ARA) – While parents have enough to worry about when sending their son or daughter off to college, the safety of their child’s “stuff” shouldn’t be one of them. However, since theft continues to be one of the most common crimes on American college campuses, parents should – and can – reduce the chances of their students becoming victims by following these campus safety tips.

1. Back-up the backpack

While backpacks are a popular and practical tool for carrying books and supplies, they’re also an easy target for theft due to their multiple, simple points of entry. Help your student deter theft with a sporty and secure backpack lock, such as Master Lock’s 1548 carabineer lock. Students should also be mindful to keep their backpack and other valuables with them at all times, whether in the classroom, library or cafeteria.

2. Engrave valuables

Help your student engrave or permanently mark his or her valuables with your student’s first initial and last name. Permanently marking items makes them more difficult to pawn, easier to recognize as stolen and easier to identify and reclaim.

3. Keep personal information personal

Limit the personal information your student shares on his or her valuables, front door, mailbox, key chain, backpack and other items. Your student should not share his or her address or complete name in order to avoid additional risk if an item is stolen or misplaced, or if your student’s living space is violated.

4. Keep money safe

Before sending college kids out on their own, teach them how to responsibly use a debit or credit card to allow them to carry less cash. Remember, while most credit cards only hold the card-holder liable for the first $50, cash can’t be replaced. When storing money and other small valuables in high-traffic areas, such as dorms and apartments, students should always lock them up in a cash or document boxes made of durable steel.

5. Lock personal items in lockers

Some things never change – every student should be equipped with a good, old-fashioned padlock to keep his or her belongings locked safely in a locker whenever possible, whether at the gym or in the classroom. What has changed is the variety of padlocks now available, including built-in dial combination locks, set-your-own password locks and key-operated locker locks.

6. Safeguard bikes

Teach students to always lock up their bikes, regardless of how long they plan to leave the bike unattended. Invest in a quality bike lock – u-bars offer the highest security – and show your student how to lock his or her bike through both the wheels and frame and to secure it to an immovable object.

7. Always lock doors and windows

Teach students to always lock their doors and windows to prevent unwanted entry, no matter how long they will be away, and even when they’re inside the room studying or sleeping. Students living in off-campus housing with sliding patio doors should invest in a hinged security bar, such as Master Lock’s 265 security bar.

8. Travel safely

If your student is flying, invest in a TSA-accepted locking device – the one lock airport screeners won’t cut. These locks allow TSA screeners to inspect and relock baggage without damaging the lock. Students should secure both their checked luggage and carry-on bags with a TSA-approved locking closure.

9. Insure your student’s valuables

Check to see if your homeowners insurance covers your student’s belongings while they reside in either on- or off-campus housing. If not, consult with an insurance agent to determine what additional coverage is necessary.

10. Be aware and prepared, not scared

While it’s a parent’s job to be overprotective, don’t scare your student into thinking college is a completely unsafe atmosphere. Do teach them to be aware of their surroundings – walk with confidence and pay attention to what’s going on around them. Preparation and awareness are the keys to safety in any situation.

“Parents can rest easier once their students depart by providing them with the tools and products they need to keep themselves and their personal belongings safe,” says Rebecca Smith, vice president of marketing for Master Lock.

For more information, visit www.masterlock.com to find a variety of college security solutions.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Ten tips to keep teens safe behind the wheel

(ARA) – Waiting for a teen driver to return home safely probably causes the most anxiety and lost sleep for parents. And with good reason – car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers, accounting for 35 percent of all fatalities among young people 15 to 20 years old, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

While statistically teen deaths related to motor vehicle crashes have declined over the last several years, a dark cloud remains over the alarming rate of deaths among teen drivers, who are four times more likely to die in a car accident than drivers 25 years or older. That, combined with a surge in the number of young drivers – the children of baby boomers – who are taking to the roads, is leading more states to institute tougher teen driving regulations. Measures range from graduated licenses to a ban on the use of cell phones while driving for teen drivers, according to Findlaw.com, a leading online source of legal information.

Besides keeping teens safer when they’re behind the wheel, the new, tougher regulations also aim to get parents more engaged in helping their teens learn the rules of the road.

Findlaw.com offers 10 tips to help protect your teen driver from an accident.

1. Practice, practice, practice. During the first 500 miles of driving, teen drivers are 10 times more likely to be in auto crashes than any other age group. Driving requires mental and physical skills that can only be honed with time on the road. That’s why it’s essential for teen drivers to get professional training and why more states are issuing graduated licenses that require teens to drive with their parents for an extended length of time before being eligible to drive on their own.

2. Create a safe driving contract. Parents should consider creating a safe-driving contract with new drivers to build safe driving habits. Have clear, consistent consequences when your teens do something inappropriate while driving so they understand their boundaries as drivers. The focus of such a contract should be on removing distractions, such as cell phones or eating in the car, which may divert a teen driver’s attention from the road, and keeping teen drivers off the roads at particularly risky times of the day (after 10 p.m. and before 6 a.m.).

3. No cell phones. Texting while driving is banned in 26 states and D.C., and an additional eight states prohibit text messaging by minor drivers, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Six states prohibit all drivers from using handheld phones while driving. Make sure you and your teen driver are familiar with your state’s laws on mobile devices and driving.

4. Seatbelts. Fifty-five percent of teens killed in automobile accidents in 2008 were not wearing seatbelts, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Wearing a seatbelt is not only a good idea, in a growing number of states, it’s the law – 31 states have primary seat belt laws and 18 have secondary laws, according to Findlaw.com.

5. Passenger restriction. Parents should try to limit the number of passengers in their teen’s car, especially those younger than 18. Some states even have laws that do not allow minor passengers to be in the vehicle for the first six months after a new teen driver receives his or her license.

6. Curfew. Teens can be more distracted at night. A study done by NHTSA finds that nighttime, especially after 10 p.m., is one of the riskiest times of the day to drive for teens. Check state and local city laws regarding curfews as some states impose curfews on teen driving.

7. No drinking and driving. On average, a drunk driver kills someone every 45 minutes, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Help your teen find other solutions to drinking and driving, especially responding to peer pressure to drink. Lead by example and show your kids it’s never okay to drink and drive.

8. Make sure your teen gets sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most teens need at least nine hours of sleep. Sleep deprived teens can drive like someone who is impaired by a blood alcohol content of .08 percent. Don’t let your teen drive if they are feeling drowsy. Offer to drive them or let them sleep more before driving. Drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 car crashes each year.

9. Train teens for poor weather conditions. Your teen will never know what challenges he will face on the road. Make sure he is able to handle snow, wind, and rain. Ride along with her during a storm before she has to face this challenge alone.

10. Make an accident kit. You never know what tools you will need after an accident, and it’s better to always be prepared. Some ideas for your accident kit: a disposable camera, flashlight, glowstick, pen and personal info sheet to list all of your insurance information and personal details. You may also include info cards and witness cards to collect license plate numbers, insurance details, and other information from all cars, drivers and witnesses involved in an accident.

To learn about the law and for more information about a parent’s liability with their teen drivers, visit www.findlaw.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

What to do if your child is faced with bullying at school

(ARA) – If your child is being bullied, she’s not alone. About 160,000 children in the United States miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students, according to the National Education Association.

Bullying is a serious problem that is growing worse, and is taking on new forms through the use of the Internet and mobile phones, say educators. Some estimates say that 25 percent of American children experience direct or indirect bullying daily.

Broadly speaking, bullying can involve any number of behaviors, according to Findlaw.com, a leading online source of legal information, including sexual harassment of another student, teasing, excluding a student, calling a student names, physically pushing or attacking, threatening or hazing, spreading rumors, damaging or stealing belongings, or demanding money.

On The Net

Cyber-bullying, a relatively new form of bullying, takes place over the Internet through social media websites and forums, or through mobile devices. Many pre-teens and teens prefer to communicate with one another through texting on their mobile devices. Because kids can share messages quickly with a large group of students, cyber-bullying can be especially effective in spreading rumors about a student or harassing a student through the sharing of photos. Because this is a relatively new area of harassment, many school districts are still trying to determine the reach of their authority in off-campus cyber-bullying attacks.

Bullying can have far-reaching consequences for the victim, the perpetrators and other students, who indirectly become distracted from their studies out of fear of becoming a bully’s next victim. Bullying has been cited as a factor in teen suicides as well as in a number of on-campus shooting massacres, including the infamous and tragic Columbine High School incident. In that case, media reports suggested that both of the shooters were victims of bullying.

Historically, bullying among school children has not been a topic of broad public concern. In fact, some adults may view bullying as a rite of passage for children and youth, as popularized on the big screen and on TV programs. Because of events like Columbine, attention to bullying among children has increased dramatically among school personnel, members of the general public and policymakers. Today, according to Findlaw.com, 43 states have some form of anti-bullying laws in place, complementing anti-bullying policies established at the local level by private and public school boards.

More Tips For You

Talk to your child. A lot of times your child will not want to talk about being bullied because they perceive it as embarrassing and humiliating. If you notice a change in your child’s behavior and attitudes, approach him first. Offer your support and let him know that action will be taken to improve the situation. Your child will most likely be feeling isolated at school and it’s important for him to know that he can confide in you.

Document facts. Take pictures of any injuries and have your child give a detailed description of what happened. Write down the dates and times that these situations occurred and get statements from any other students, teachers or parents who may have observed the bullying. This information may be useful if police and school officials need to get involved to prove how long this has been going on and what the damage has been.

Bullying At School

Talk to teachers and the principal. Don’t wait. Immediately contact the school and alert school officials to the problems that your child is facing. Many schools are adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying. Alert other adults about this situation as well, including parents of other children and the bus driver. The more people who are aware of bullying, the more chances the act has of being stopped.

Put it in writing. In addition to talking directly to teachers and the school principal, put your concerns into writing to the principal, the superintendent and school board members. While many schools have adopted zero-tolerance policies, some school officials and teachers may not take seriously their own school’s bullying policies, or for that matter, state laws regarding bullying. Putting your concerns in writing sends a strong signal that you mean business.

Encourage others to speak up. If the same child is bullying other students, persuade parents to report it too. School officials are more likely to respond immediately if they see the problem is affecting several students.

Call the police. Many states require schools to report bullying incidents to the police, according to Findlaw.com. If your child has been the victim of a physical assault or repeated incidents of bullying, call the local authorities – especially if your school has not contacted local authorities.

Talk with a lawyer. If your child has been physically or sexually harassed contact an attorney. Attorneys who specialize in personal injury litigation are probably best suited to represent you and your child.

To learn about the law and what to do if your child is being bullied, visit Findlaw.com.

My Out Of Control Teen:  A online parent-program for those who are struggling with their out-of-control teenagers. learn cut-to-the-chase parenting strategies that work immediately rather than months or years down the road.

Across the country there are thousands of students afraid to go to school.  But it may not be for the reasons you think.  These kids aren’t afraid of a teacher, they aren’t afraid because they are failing a class.  They are afraid, because for some unknown reason, they are the sole target of a bully.

Bullying has always been around.  It is as ancient as the history of the human race.  Bullying today though, has taken on a new face.  Bullies are now armed with not only a fresh mouth and a hard fist, but now have at their disposal an array of technological equipment to aid their bullying.  Text messages that go viral, Facebook pages inundated with hate messages, phone calls from blocked numbers and sometimes entire websites dedicated to harassing one lonely person, are the tools of the new bully.

The two most common triggers for bullying are appearance and social status.  Bullies choose their victims because they may be shy and quiet, or have frizzy hair that never looks right, or because they are of a different ethnicity than the bully.  The reasons seem trite and infantile, and they are.  The real reason bullies bully, is because they can, the reasons are nothing more than excuses to unleash their “power” on an unsuspecting victim.  Bullies feed off of the reactions of their targets.  The more upset the victim becomes, the more the bully feels fulfilled.  Very seldom do bullies receive any consequences for their actions, as most victims of bullying are terrified of making it worse by getting parents or school authorities involved.  Bullies even exist in the adult world, often teasing and threatening co-workers, making work more of a torture than it already is.

Being the victim of bullying can cause numerous health issues such as depression, anxiety, irritable bowl syndrome, and fatigue.  Severe cases of bullying have even led, sadly, to the suicide of some victims who can no longer cope with being made into an outcast.  Victims of bullying have also been known to lash out in a violent response when they just can’t take anymore.  Bullying can also negatively effect school work and extracurricular activities.  This makes bullying the center of the victims life, giving the bully the satisfaction of success.

Teens should be encouraged to come forward and tell an adult if bullying is going on.  If violence is being threatened or has already occurred, school officials should be notified.  One of the best ways to derail a bully’s tactics is to just ignore them.  By not giving them the response they are looking for, they may give up and leave their victim alone.

Bullying has started to come to the center of attention in many communities.  National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week is held the first week of October and this year it has been expanded to encompass activities and education for the entire month.  It is a week designed to raise awareness of bullying and the unseen damage that it can do to not only its victims, but also to the bully themselves.  By talking about bullying and teaching all students to not tolerate a bully’s behaviour, we can keep our children safe and our schools a haven of learning instead of a place of fear.

Learn how to make sense of what’s going on with your teen and be able to offer them the help they need. Click here!

One of the most frightening sentences in English language is “I have teenagers.”  Notorious for misbehavior, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to use their brains, teenagers get a bad rap in the parenting world.  Yet teenagers can be an absolute joy with their fun personalities and unbridled passion for new experiences in life.

Teenagers today face problems that were not around when we were growing up.  Instances of drug use, teen pregnancy, and dating abuse have all risen to unprecedented levels.  With the influence of musicians, sports stars, actors, and even politicians, is it even any wonder that many of our teens are slowly sliding downhill?

Things are not all bad though.  There are large numbers of teens swearing off sex while they are young, refusing drugs and alcohol, getting active in their communities, working, and planning on college.  Why is there such a difference in these two groups?  Parenting has a large influence on the choices our teens are making.  Active, involved parenting doesn’t stop when our children enter kindergarten.  Even if both parents are working out side of the home, it is still possible to stay in touch with your teenager’s life and monitor what is going on.

Teenagers are looking for independence from their parents, but that independence does not come without responsibility.  Teaching children from a young age about responsibility for not only their material things, but their own bodies as well, will help keep them safe.  Many of us as parents are afraid to have “the talk” with our kids, whether it is about sex or drugs, but it needs to be done.  When they are taught to respect their bodies and minds, kids will be more likely to think twice about having early sex or trying drugs.  The great thing about teaching children to respect their bodies and themselves is that it is universal to all families.  It does not matter if you are religious, agnostic or atheist, the same principles apply that as intelligent humans we are unique and deserve to be treated well.

For working parents, it may seem hard to keep in touch with your teenager’s life.  You work long hours, are tired when you get home, and it is sometimes just easier to let your teen sit in their room on the computer than to interact with them at that moment.  As hard as it is though, that is the exact moment that sharing some time with your teen may reveal some interesting things going on in their lives.  Parents need to take the time to talk to their kids.  Without talking to them, how do you expect to know what is going on in their lives?  Another great place to talk and get in tune with your teen is while you drive them somewhere.  Ask them how their friends are, what is going on at school, how did they do on their test.  Once you have a conversation going, try to remain cool and calm, no matter what they tell you.  If you react negatively at the smallest thing, they will not come to you with the bigger stuff, the more important stuff.

Parenting is never going to be easy.  Every stage has its difficulties, but with love and understanding, parents and families can get through just about anything intact and stronger.  A healthy, confident, teenager with high self-esteem should be every parent’s goal.

For more no-nonsense parenting tips for teens, click here.