PureSight Online Safety

What a fabulous website and resource to educate parents and youth about Internet safety!

PureSight:

Online Child and Youth Safety - the internet can be a dangerous place! Protect your kids from cyberbullying, sexting and other online dangers.

PureSight Technologies Ltd. was established in 1998 with the mission of providing a safe online environment for the world’s children. We aim to help parents protect their children in this world of technology by becoming involved in their online lives. We believe this involves education and information as well as software tools. 

Visit PureSight at http://www.puresight.com/ and join them on Facebook.

PureSight Owl provides the best available protection for your children from the possible hazards of Facebook, Instant Messaging and chat programs, first and foremost - the threat of cyberbullies. Our multi-layered approach provides the first evasion-proof, truly effective Social Networking protection!

Safety on Facebook:

PureSight helps you identify any suspicious contacts your kids may be associating with on Facebook, so you can protect your child from potential cyberbullies BEFORE they get a chance to harm your child! 

And much more..... click here.

Data Privacy Day 2013

Data Privacy Day is held on January 28th every year. It is an effort to empower people to protect their privacy and control their digital footprint and escalate the protection of privacy and data as everyone’s priority. 

Most of our kids and teens are on social networking sites.

Talk to them about securing their privacy settings weekly as well as the following tips from StaySafeOnline.org:

Social Networking and Privacy

• How to Update Your Facebook Privacy Settings offered by HowStuffWorks.com
• Recommended Facebook Privacy Settings for Teens from Connect Safely.
• Tips and questions you should ask to help protect you when using social networking sites provided by the National Cyber Security Alliance.
• Learn about Facebook’s Data Use Policy and view interactive tools and other resources.

 Follow Data Privacy Day on Twitter with hashtag #DPD13.

Being a Teenage Boy: The Things You Should Know

Order today!

I just LOVE PaperSalt Books!!!! Now they have just released a new one,

Being a Teenage Boy: The Things You Should Know

This is a “living book” for teenage boys to reference, write in, and refer back to often. Topics include respecting girls and women, walking away from fights, self-confidence, taking care of body and mind, and simple things to remember during the stressful teenage years.

Learn more at www.papersalt.com.

Follow them on Twitter and join them on Facebook.

Once you have started with their books, you will be hooked!

Microsoft: Always Putting Safety First!

Encourage your teens to participate in the Safer Online Teen Challenge!

Exactly how much do your teens know about Internet safety?  Let's find out and they could win big!

Every parent worries about their children both online and off.

Who are they talking to online?  Are they chatting with strangers?  What information are they sharing?  Does your teen or child know the boundaries?

Let’s face it, you can never be safe enough or secure enough–there is always something new to learn!
Encourage your teens to participate in The Safer Online Teen Challenge by Microsoft!

The Challenge is an interactive contest where teens can teach others how to manage their digital lifestyle by creating a song, video, skit or other original work. It’s a perfect way for teens to put their own spin on how they navigate digital safety.

Here’s how it works:

• Teens ages 13 to 18 (where applicable), select an online safety topic from either the Microsoft Safety & Security Center or the “Resources” tab of the Safer Online by Microsoft Facebook page.
• They create their work of art (using one of Microsoft’s five categories: skit/presentation, video, story/cartoon, song, survey) and submit their entry by April 12 on the Challenge website.
• Then, Microsoft’s Safer Online Facebook fans will vote to select the winners of each category. Microsoft will post the winning entries on their website and the winners will receive prizes like tablets, gaming systems and more.

Check out the prizes!  Follow the Microsoft Safety Team on Twitter!

You have the opportunity to win cool prizes! One first and one second prize will be awarded in each category.

Thinking Teenagers

A new site for parents and teens!

Thinkingteenagers.tv is all about helping to inspire positive living, we see this as a good addition to great parenting. Think of it as giving your teenager a book of life, for insights, direction, and inspiration.  Most people like the idea of a good book, this is a slightly different form with more of an edge. 

Why not look at some of the chapters with your teenagers? It's different, informative and a great way to pick up on past conversations.

There are lots of great video interviews inside, some sad, some shocking, some informative and some inspirational.  Life’s diverse and we’ve tried to capture some of the important parts that might be relevant to your teenagers growing up.

Thinking Teenagers would be a great addition to your family for 2013.

Click here to view the chapters.

Follow Thinking Teenagers on Twitter.

A Platform for Good

A Platform for Good (PFG) is a project of the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) designed to help parents, teachers and teens to connect, share, and do good online! 

At FOSI we work with leaders in the field of online safety and, regularly, we hear about incredible stories and exciting opportunities in our digital world. We hear stories of parents, teens, and teachers using technology to raise social awareness, encourage activism, enhance our education system, and of course, have fun!

What we have noticed, however, is that the stories reported in the news and infusing public conversation are focused heavily on the negative notions that don't support the research that says the majority of people's online experiences are positive. Given this climate, it is our hope that PFG will create a place to have a more balanced discussion about the role digital technology can play in our lives.

Our vision for A Platform for Good is to start a dialogue about what it means to participate responsibly in a digital world. While recognizing the potential risks, we will celebrate technology as a vehicle for opportunity and social change.  We hope to achieve this goal by providing parents and teachers with the resources to learn about and interact with new technologies, and by giving teens the ability to engage and teach their peers, family members and educators. Through this approach, we hope to encourage good digital citizenship, responsible online behavior, and the use of technology for positive change and making a difference.

Visit http://www.aplatformforgood.org/ - Follow them on Twitter and join them on Facebook for more educational and valuable resources. 

Community Empowerment Series: Session One Stacey Honowitz

Tickets on sale now!

Tickets on sale now!

State Attorney R.J. Larizza will be presenting Celebrity Speaker Stacey Honowitz on February 2nd at the World Golf Village IMAX Theater!

This is a must attend event.  The Community Empowerment Series is being presented by St. John County Education Foundation and Community in Schools of St. Johns County and sponsored by The St. Augustine Record and First Coast News.  This event is supported by the St. Johns Sheriff's Department.

In the light of the recent event in Newtown, CT, it proves no towns are immune to bad things happening in them.  Opening our CES with a topic of stranger danger, sexual predators and talking to our kids about private parts is critical today.  These can be difficult subjects for parents, however our expert, Stacey Honowitz, will give our community the tools we need to help empower us to be safer and stronger as a community.

St. Johns County is privileged to be featuring celebrity parenting experts that will be speaking on topics that will empower us to continue to have one of the best counties in Florida. The three forums will be held in February, March and April and will feature some of the leading experts in the field of parenting, cyber bullying, online predators, and much more.

Tickets for the three events can be purchased online at www.communityempowermentseries.com.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children, and grandparents, school counselors, educators and anyone that wants to make our community a safer place for kids should attend the series.

The purpose of the Community Empowerment Series is to strengthen our community and enrich our parents, teachers and everyone working with our children to be safer and kinder- both online and off. This series is providing parents with how-to’s on some of the most important issues facing children today.

The three part series will be held at the IMAX Theatre in World Golf Village. Stacey Honowitz, who has been featured on Good Morning America, Larry King Live, and Dateline NBC, will be speaking on February 2^nd about the media and sex cases, along with how to talk to young kids about private parts. Session two will take place on March 9^th and will feature Dr. Michele Borba speaking on peer pressure, bullying and cyber-stalking. Dr. Borba has authored dozens of books and has made appearances on Dr. Phil, The View, The Doctors, FOX News and many more. Theresa Payton will lead session three on April 27^th and will talk about internet safety. Payton is a former White House Chief Information Officer and has a weekly segment on North Carolina’s WBTV about protecting your cyberturf.

For more sponsorship information and more information visit www.communityempowermentseries.com.

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The St. Johns County Education Foundation is recognized as the direct support organization for the St. Johns County School District.  The SJCEF leads efforts to provide funding opportunities, support initiatives that enhance public education and recognize and inspire teachers and students within St. Johns County.  For more information, please visit www.sjcef.com or visit Facebook and Twitter pages.

Harmonising Your Family Life: Margaret Saunders

How to renew yourself, your energy and have have harmony in your home and family!

FROM: Margaret Saunders

• Parenting Expert, Radio Show Host -

• Children Are Everything Radio Show,

• Harmonising Energy Coach, Author,

• Speaker and proud Mom of Two

Victoria, Australia

 

Dear Parent and Friend, 

As you know we all have a unique vibration and unique energies and so do our families. That's what makes us who we are, and what makes every one of us and each family different and unique.

     Have you been noticing that the energy of your family isn't what you'd like it to
           be?  

     Is your life a bit more negative than you'd like? 

     Maybe the behaviour of your children or other family members isn't quite right?  

     Or maybe you'd just like to have your energy raised somehow and feel more Harmonised?

     Would you maybe love to find out what you are here to do for the rest of your life?

AND wouldn't you like to become more harmonious, energised, calmer AND have harmony in your home and family?  

Well now you can ....Because, you can now have "Harmonising Energy Sessions " that are guaranteed to make you feel less stressed, more aligned about life and your family and gets rid of the negative energies and gremlins that are getting in the way of your happiness and that of your family.  And helps you overcome any problems that you have either as a parent or in your life!

Each harmonising energy session takes about half an hour and can be done over the phone or using Skype. (Basically in the comfort of your own home.) 

These Harmonising Energy Sessions and Consultations can help with among other things 

   Your energy as a parent, and bring harmony to you and your family.

   Disruptive behaviours
   Unnecessary arguments
   Bedtime battles
   Uncomfortable feelings
   Feeling something isn't quite right 
   Maybe discovering your life's purpose and mission and being coached to have that happen for YOU. 

For a free 30 minute session, click here and fill out form at the bottom of the page.

Ten to Twenty Parenting

Ten to Twenty Parenting is a place you can come to determine whether your teen/tween’s crazy behavior is normal, or if you should go ahead and place the order for that straightjacket you’ve been considering.

As parents, we’re past trying to determine why our babies won’t sleep through the night or why our toddler is having tantrums. Now, we’re at why won’t be 13 year old talk to me, when should I let my teen go on their first date and how do I talk REALLY talk to them about sex? We’re watching them deal with bullies and mean girls – when do we sit back to let them figure it out and when do we jump in and help out?

We are an open community and realize that it takes a village to raise our kids and encourage other parents to contribute.

So take two aspirin, grab a glass of wine or a cup of Joe, and talk to some people who will actually listen to you and not roll their eyes (at least not that you can see). Go ahead, join and fill out your profile. Let’s get this community growing!

Follow Ten to Twenty Parenting on Twitter and join them on Facebook!

Learn more at http://tentotwenty.com/.

WAKE UP: Be Sure to Safeguard Prescription Medications Before Welcoming Guests In

Tis the season of giving, but as you invite family and friends into your home for holiday festivities, beware – for some, it is also the season for taking. According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, most teens initially get prescription pills from family and friends, including straight from home medicine cabinets.  And it’s not just teens.  

Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic in the United States. Deaths from prescription drug overdoses have become the second leading cause of accidental deaths nationwide, and the leading cause in as many as 15 states.

“Prescription pill abusers are no different than those that are addicted to illicit drugs like meth or heroin.  They will go to great lengths to get their fix. I can’t stress enough the importance of safeguarding your medications,” says Lora Brown, MD, a Pain Management Physician and Medical Director for WAKE UP!, a community educational campaign created to combat the increase in prescription drug abuse among teenagers.

Brown says that you should always safeguard your medicine, but it’s especially important during the holidays when friends, family, neighbors and sometimes strangers are invited into our homes.  Don’t discuss what medications you are taking with anyone but your medical or mental health team, and keep the medications in a secure place at all times. Often these medications are stolen from medicine cabinets and nightstands. Addicts have been known to break into homes where they suspect they can find meds, as well as assault someone who is in possession of the prescription medication they desire.

About WAKE UP!:

WAKE UP! is a community educational campaign established by The Pain Truth, a Florida 501(c)(3), to combat the increase in prescription drug abuse among teenagers. It is designed to use science, not scare tactics, to educate teenagers of the effects and dangers of prescription drugs. The program uses a school “takeover” approach to reach thousands of students and their families with an extended program designed to teach not preach about the dangers of abusing and misusing prescription drugs. This program is unique in many ways. One of the most important aspects is sustainability through a school-based CORE of students and educators that remain present and active long after

the original campaign is complete. 

Follow them on Twitter and use hashtag #WAKEUP

Angels Among Us: Helping Parents Talk About Tragedies with their Kids

Angels in heaven....

Newtown, Connecticut, December 14th, 2012 will be a place and date that will not be forgotten.

The grief we feel as parents and as a country is overwhelming as you read the list of the deceased and look at the ages, it brings tears to your eyes.

The teachers and the principal that lost their lives by doing their job, protecting their children, are heroes and now they are also angels.

During  this holiday season, I can't help but feel such a deep feeling of loss for their families too - I am grateful they all seem to have a deep faith, as I believe faith can help us through these tragedies, however they all need our prayers.  My God bless all the families and the community of Newtown, as even the survivors will need our prayers and support.

In loving memory:

May God bless the families of Newtown....

Charlotte Bacon, 6
Daniel Barden, 7
Olivia Engel, 6
Josephine Gay, 7

Ana Marquez-Greene, 6
Dylan Hockley, 6
Madeline Hsu, 6
Catherine Hubbard, 6
Chase Kowalski, 7
Jesse Lewis, 6
James Mattioli, 6
Grace McDonnell, 7
Emilie Parker, 6
Jack Pinto, 6
Noah Pozner, 6
Caroline Previdi, 6
Jessica Rekos, 6
Avielle Richman, 6
Benjamin Wheeler, 6
Allison Wyatt, 6

Adults

Rachel Davino, 29
Anne Marie Murphy, 52
Lauren Russeau, 30
Mary Sherlach, 56
Victoria Soto, 27
Dawn Hocksprung, 47
Nancy Lanza

 

How to talk to your kids about this tragedy, by Parenting Expert Dr. Michele Borba, click here.

33 Family Meetings Kids Love

Order today!

By Jean Tracy

33 Family Meetings Kids Love Helps You

• Stop Worrying!
• Share Your Values!
• Become Their Confidant!

Together family members will solve their biggest problems and learn to laugh, plan, and create fun times together.

When you follow the solutions in this e-book

• You won't feel guilty because you'll spend valued time as a family.
• You won't wonder what your kids think because they'll tell you.
• You won't wish they'd listen because they'll be able to repeat your words.
• You won't worry about their communication skills because they'll learn to express themselves well.
• You won't struggle to get them to come because they'll ask you, "When's the next family meeting?"
• You won't beg them to stop arguing because they'll learn how to discuss within the family meetings.

In 33 Family Meetings Kids Love You'll:

• Discuss Bullies on p. 18
• Enjoy Game Night and Candles on p. 24
• Discuss How to Make Friends on p. 23
• Promote Story Telling Night on p. 37
• Design Family Newsletters on p. 44
• Discuss Chores on p. 33
• Create a Family Photo Album on p. 48
• And so much more…

If you're not having fun at your family meetings, you're doing something wrong! With 33 Family Meetings Kids Love there's…

No more gripe sessions and lots more fun!

Order today!

Follow Jean Tracy on Twitter and visit her site at www.kidsdiscuss.com.