Please Re-Gift
For any parent who had the joy of seeing their angelic children opening up the coveted cell phones, computers, and XBoxes this holiday season, there’s another gift that goes with it. One that the whole family can enjoy. Some Common Sense. As parents, we all know that this new age of technology brings great things, […]
Bystanders are Victims, Too
A new study from Britain sheds light on an aspect of bullying not often discussed. The impact on the bystander. According to the study, “Watching their peers get bullied puts adolescents at risk for psychological problems and substance abuse even if they’re not victims or perpetrators.” The research revealed that students who simply witnessed bullying […]
Hearing a Message as Powerful as Her Voice
I just read a short celebrity type blurb about Susan Boyle and how bullying affected her life. Of course, it came as no surprise. People were still rolling their eyes at her when they saw her step on the stage before her dynamic performance. I hear the same story over and over again. When people […]
Follow up on GMA Story
Not So Kid-Friendly Web Sites Think about this. It’s CRAZY young kids on NICK.com (often 10 and under) can link to REALLY inappropriate games on AddictingGames.com (owned by Nickelodeon’s parent company?!). To be fair, I don’t want to pick on NICK but it’s a good example. Although there’s a warning that you’re leaving the Nickelodeon […]
Why Nice Kids Do Mean Things Online
There’s been a horrible rash of online bullying incidents with downright tragic results making the national news. And unfortunately, the kids involved are 12 and 13 years old. What’s happening? Have middle schoolers gone crazy? Are we raising cruel children? The LA Times article about the “Kick a Ginger Day” campaign on Facebook sheds some […]
Parental Controls and Bullying
I only have one friend who actually uses parental controls on the computer, television and X-box (but I promise you, I do have a lot of friends). She’s a single mom, originally from Ireland, with two boys ages 8 and 10 and a demanding job. Since I feel a little guilty for never using parental […]
Thanks to Broadband for America for taking an interest in the New Neighborhood… Prepare for the Worst to Enjoy the Best…Parenting in the New Neighborhood I was worried when my daughter first started high school. The phone never rang. No friends? That’s when it hit me; they’re all online and it’s the “new neighborhood.” There […]
Parenting Offline to Online
I’m not proud of the fact that that my children were never given any guidance when I put them in front of the computer. Who knows what sites they’ve seen? And I never discussed mobile phone etiquette so if they ever received hurtful texts, they didn’t tell me. (A high percentage of preteens and teens […]
Home Version of Anti-Bullying Campaign
“Be nice to the new kid.” “Don’t be mean to kids when you’re online.” “It doesn’t matter what the other kids are doing, never do or say anything to make someone feel bad.” “If kids are saying things you don’t like about someone, come tell me. You won’t get into trouble and I’ll be careful […]
Click Here But Have Tissues Ready
A New Low..Boy with CP Being Tormented by Classmates… I usually try to stay upbeat but this story has me reeling with anger. How can this happen? A 15-year old boy with cerebral palsy being emotionally humiliated and physically abused by classmates — since 3rd grade???? By the way, one of the most disturbing aspects […]
