Tag Archives: teens

General Safety Issues

TEENS AND ONLINE SHOPPING SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Blog4Safety’s main focus is work-related safety; however, we do receive other articles that refer to other types of safety.  Since it the goal of everyone to teach their teens to be safe on the internet, these tips may help them not only now, but when they are working in their chosen occupations. pat

The Internet is enormously powerful in terms of letting people find anything they want online. The problem is that younger people, including especially teens, could end up with a lot of trouble when it comes to using these options. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure nothing bad happens and that your teenagers stay safe.

Talk to Them

As is the case with a lot of safety issues when it comes to younger people, the most important thing is to make sure they’re informed on the matter. It may not be simply that teens tend to make poor decisions when it comes to online shopping, it might actually be that they just don’t know any better. They might not have any idea about what can happen if they aren’t careful when making purchases online. There are many stories online about teens who cost their parents thousands of dollars on Ebay because they didn’t realize that it cost real money to obtain the items they were bidding on.

Avoid Debit Cards

One thing that is definitely true is that you should have your teens avoid using their debit cards when making online purchases. When it comes to credit cards, most of them have guarantees when it comes to fraudulent online purchases. Debit cards often don’t have such protections.  Additionally, since debit cards are connected to actual money instead of just credit, anyone who gains access to a debit card due to your teen using it on a bad site online can instantly steal all of the money in the account.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi hotspots are great for getting free Internet access in a pinch, but they aren’t so good when it comes to Internet safety. It’s entirely possible for hackers who have the right equipment to steal debit card, credit card, and other information from anyone who uses a public Wi-Fi spot. They aren’t secured against this kind of thing, and most of them don’t use any encryption whatsoever. This means that the smart thing to do is to have your teen only do their shopping from secured locations.

Trusted Retailers

One of the biggest problems with online shopping is that there are a lot of sites out there that are extremely unreliable. If your teen purchases something from one of these sites, all sorts of bad things can happen. It’s entirely possible for a teen to have their credit card or debit card information stolen from a site that looks like a store but that is actually simply a scam. One of the best ways to avoid this problem is to make sure that your children only shop from trusted retailers. These might include sites like Walmart, Best Buy, and so on. If you’re not sure about it, caution might be a good approach. You can usually check sites using various programs designed for the purpose such as McAffee.

Personal Information

Some sites will ask for a lot more information than is required. It’s a good idea to have teens only fill out the information that is absolutely required in order to make the transaction go through. This is usually indicated by stars. Any information that isn’t needed can be left blank safely.

This advice also applies to anyone making their own site with a website creator. It’s important to choose one that will be safe.  This is actually one of the ways that teens can tell how safe a site is, by looking at what sort of website creator was employed in its creation since many sites will have seals to this effect.

Thanks to Marianne Ross for the valuable advise that we can all use! pb

 

 

 
General Safety Issues

Thirty Blogs Parents of Teens Learning to Drive Must Read (Guest Post)

Sent to us by Barbara Williams of http://findababysitter.org.  We can never find too many tips on applications that help our teens realize how important the task of safe driving .  These blogs should offer insight into that responsibility.

It can be a scary time for parents when their teenagers are finally old enough to drive.  While you are in the car with her you may feel like you have some sense of control because you’re there to help her make good decisions.  However, when she takes off for her first solo drive, you probably will feel a bit anxious.  The more you can teach your teen before her first drive by herself, the better off she will be.  Here are 30 blog entries that can help the parents of teen drivers.

Cell Phones and Driving

It’s not unusual these days to find that your teen is tied to her cell phone morning, noon and night.  Because of this, it’s important that your teen knows that distracted driving is not only dangerous, but is also a leading cause of teenage accidents.  Implementing a rule regarding your teen’s cell phone use while driving is important, and could save her life.  These five blog posts will explain further.

Texting and Driving

Texting while driving is a dangerous concern for your teen, perhaps even more so than talking on the phone while driving, because you need to type on your phone. Many teenage deaths have occurred because of sending or reading a text from a friend or family member. It’s not just teens who are at risk, though; laws are being put into place to stop texting while driving for everyone.  These five blog articles will explain the reasoning behind the changes.

Proposed Law Changes

Here are five blog posts sharing some of the proposed law changes as they relate to teenage drivers.  Many have heard about cell use and texting being banned, but others are related to how many passengers you can have in the car.  Read these posts and educate yourself and your teen driver.

Driving Safely

Obviously, parents want their children to drive safely on the road, but how do you teach them everything that they need to know?  There are drivers’ education classes that you can send your child to and you can drive with your kids, but is that enough? Some people don’t think so.  Here are five blog articles that will show some other ways to teach teens to drive safely.

Winter Driving

Winter driving can be treacherous and deadly for an experienced driver, let alone a less experienced teenager.  Make sure that you practice driving with your teenager in all weather conditions.  Letting your teen know how the car could react during certain weather conditions is an important part of teaching your teen to drive.  These five blog posts will give you tips on how to teach your teen to drive safely during the winter.

Parents’ Role

At the end of the day it is up to the parents to make sure their teen is ready to get behind the wheel.  As a parent, do you know everything you need to know in order to make your teen into the best driver that he can be?  Here are five blog posts explaining what the role of the parent is in teaching teens to drive.  Maybe you will know them all, but you may also pick up a tip or two.

General Safety Issues

IT’S NATIONAL TEENS DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE WEEK!

1 Comment

One week each November has been set aside to make teens more aware of the dangers of taking their eyes off the road for even a moment.  This year, it starts on November 18th and goes through November 24th.  The hazards of texting  are a serious threat to today’s youth with this escalating trend beginning to surpass the threats of drunk driving. Research states that “texting and driving slows down a driver’s response time to that of a 70 year old” according to University of Utah survey.  So talk to your teens (or others you know) about the dangers of driving and texting.  This message also applies to all drivers, of any age!

Texting Tips For Teens

1) How about just turning the phone off before starting the car?

2) Think about the risks you are taking!

3) Have a passenger text for you

4) If you must text while driving, stop the vehicle, then text

5) Avoid reading text messages; it’s as dangerous as sending text messages

6) Get your text or voice message when you reach your destination safely!

7) Is there any message worth losing your life, or taking someone’s life? 

Not only is the person who is texting distracted, but may lead them to cause an accident.  They are also not able to be a defensive driver which could help them avoid being hit by another driver.  Remind them to always pay attention to the road – it could save their life!   In addition, here is some good information regarding the subject from the Federal Communications Commission:

Give Clear Instructions – Give teen drivers simple, clear instructions not to use their wireless devices while driving. According to Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, the easiest way to say it is: “On the road, off the phone.” Before new drivers get their licenses, discuss the fact that taking their eyes off the road – even for a few seconds – could cost someone injury or even death.

Lead by Example – Children learn from their parent’s behavior. No one should text and drive. Be an example for your children and if you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a safe place. 

 
 
 
 
General Safety Issues

THIS IS NATIONAL TEENS DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE WEEK

National Teens Don’t Text and Drive Week, November 20th – 26th is a very important observance.  However, it should also be “National Adults and Teens Don’t Text and Drive Anytime!”  Recently, I took my grandaughter to a fast-food restaurant, where we were seated next to the window that drive-thru customers passed by.  I would estimate that 9 out of every 10 drivers were texting or retreiving emails while going through the drive-thru.  That may be a little safer than when they pulled out and got back on the freeway, but it still made me wonder if they do it more than just when they are slowed down.

Texting While Driving Kills Virtual Pedestrians  (from Live Science Staff)

“Several studies have shown that distractions while driving, such as using cell phones or texting, can be dangerous. New research confirms these findings among teens.  The study of 21 teens in a driving simulator found that while texting or searching their MP3 music players they changed speed dramatically, wove in an out of their lanes, and, in some cases, ran over virtual pedestrians.  Similar studies have found that adults who talk on cell phones while driving in simulators perform as dismally as drunken study participants. Studies from the University of Utah show that hands-free devices do not make it safe to use cell phones while driving.  In January, the National Safety Council called on state and federal lawmakers to ban the use of cell phones and text-messaging devices while driving and also urged businesses to prohibit it.”

You may not be old enough to remember the old joke (when riding bicycles):

  • “Look, Ma, No Hands! – Look, Ma, No Teeth!”
  •  Now, when driving and talking or texting on the cell phone,
  • “Look, Ma, No Hands! – Look, Ma, No ME!” 
  •   Seriously, it’s not a joking matter. 

In your opinion, which do you think is the most risky thing to do while driving: 

1.      Talking to passengers in the car?

2.      Talking on the phone?

3.      Texting while driving?

4.      Using the internet on the phone? 

I would be interested in your answer.  In my opinion, it is all of the above.  Let’s don’t take chances.  I can’t even text well when I am in my home, (just can’t hit the right letters!)  Let alone try to do it while I am driving.  From experience, I know that it is hard to concentrate on driving safely if I am having a phone conversation with a friend.  It is just not worth taking the chance. 

So, parents, set the example: turn the phone off while you are in the car.  I know this will fall on a lot of deaf ears.  But if you show your kids that you have the willpower to do what’s right, let’s hope they will follow suit.  Drive safely, and keep that phone turned off!

General Safety Issues

THIS IS NATIONAL TEEN DRIVER SAFETY WEEK!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds us to be aware of the risks that teen drivers face every time they get behind the wheel.  Drivers ages 15 to 20 years old, are especially vulnerable to death and injury on our roadways.  Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America.  According to NHTSA, mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers.  Also, teens are at far greater risk of death in an alcohol-related crash than the overall population, even though they cannot legally purchase or publicly possess alcohol in any state. 

It is parents’ responsibility to protect their teens.  They should first set the example of safe driving while their children are small.  If they text while driving or drive aggressively, chances are, the youngster may adopt their habits.  Because it’s the law, seat belt use begins with babies, who are safely restrained in their car seats.  It’s only logical that they should be in the habit of buckling up since they have been doing so all their lives; however, the fact is that teens buckle up less frequently than adults.  In 2009, the majority of young people 16 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were unbuckled – 56 per cent. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that they will not rest until they stop distracted driving.  Their main effort is to work with private and public entities as well as advocacy groups to tackle distracted driving.  Please teach your teens to put their cell phones down and pay attention to the task at hand – driving! 

Here are five ways to get drivers to stop texting: 

1.      The direct approach.  Tell the driver that it makes you nervous to ride with someone texting and driving.  Hopefully, they will put down the phone.

2.      The subtle approach.  If you are uncomfortable telling a driver to quit texting, try offering to text for him/her.  Also, point out things the driver may have not seen, but barely missed, such as a pedestrian or other car.

3.      The “Wow, look at that bad driver!” approach.  Point out drivers who wander over into the next lane, or drive too slowly, run a stop sign, or stop at a green light.

4.      The group approach.  If your entire group feels the driver is a hazard, make a plan together.  Either take away the driver’s keys, or agree not to ride with that person.  When several people boycott a driver, he or she will get the message.

5.      The life-saving approach.  If someone continues to text and drive or mocks you for worrying about it, don’t ride with that person.  Tell them your parents won’t let you ride with anyone who texts and drives. 

There’s a current advertisement for a car that senses different driving situations (sleepy driver, other driver distractions, etc.).  This is a great safety feature; however, frightening, that we would depend on a vehicle to pay attention to the things we should watching for.  Our suggestions are for all drivers – not just teens.  There are many other causes of car crashes caused by distracted driving, such as loud music, drowsy driving, nighttime driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Cars can be dangerous machines if the steering wheel falls into the wrong hands. 

Finally, think about how many other drivers are taking your life into their hands by either talking or texting on their cell phones while meeting or approaching you.  Repeating the message from the Department Of Transportation: put that phone down or turn it off!  Get your teens into the habit of waiting to retrieve their messages when they arrive safely at their destination.

Source: NHTSA, DOT, KidsHealth.org

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

TEEN DRIVER SAFETY – NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH (JUNE 12-18)

1 Comment

From the time they were little kids, we have preached to our children about being careful – watch when you cross the street, don’t talk to strangers, don’t jaywalk, don’t ride your bicycle in an unsafe place, don’t be a bully, listen to your teachers, obey your parents, the list goes on and on.  Everything we have told our children from the time they were toddlers was for their own safety.  It is a big responsibility to teach children right from wrong, and to guide them to grow up to be responsible teens and adults.

Because science explains that the brain doesn’t fully mature until we are in our twenties, it means that some of the decisions young persons make until that time will be very important ones that will determine their safety and well-being.  Teen Driver Safety Week, which is sponsored by the National Safety Council, is held each June to educate and encourage safe behaviors around the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths.  Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of teens in the U.S.  More teens lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes than the next three causes combined – homicide, suicide and unintentional drug overdose.  They need to understand this, and also that the risk of being in a car crash is at a lifetime high in the first six to 12 months and 1,000 miles of driving.  This risk can be reduced by a combination of gradual exposure to higher-risk situations and practice under parental supervision.  

Parents are the key to basic safety driving skills for teens.  Here are some great suggestions from State Farm Insurance to begin a good driving instruction program:

  • Review the controls and features of the car.  Make sure your teen knows how each one works:
  • Dashboard controls;
  • Steering wheel and seat adjustment;
  • Mirror adjustment;
  • Turn signals;
  • Headlights;
  • Wipers;
  • Air bags and seat belts;
  • Emergency lights;
  • Parking brake/release;
  • Starting/turning off the engine;
  • Gas, brakes (especially ABS)
  • Warning indicator lights on dashboard.
  • The location of the  registration, insurance card and manual. 

I must admit I did not go over all that with our three teens.  I briefly explained things to them, and then we drove on some low-traffic unpaved roads.  Take your teen to an empty parking lot, and have them practice applying gas and brakes, driving straight, turning, and backing up.

This is the time to remind your teen driver to pay attention to the surroundings by (a)  looking ahead and to the sides; (b) checking mirrors; (c) scanning continuously for hazards, and (d) teaching your teen to keep a clear “safety space” around the car, so there’s room to react to any hazards.  The farther he or she hangs back from the vehicle in front, the better your teen will be able to see what’s ahead.  Seeing better and farther provides extra time to react to changing traffic conditions. 

Graduated Driver Licensing is a proven road to improving teen safety.  GDL is a novice driver licensing system that is proven effective at reducing teen drivers’ high crash risk by 20-40%.  States with more comprehensive GDL systems see a higher reduction in teen crashes.  GDL reduces teen driver exposure to high crash risk situations, such as nighttime driving and teen passengers.  This allows new drivers to build experience and skills in lower-risk situations.  The three stages of GDL licensure are: 1. A learner’s permit that allows driving only while supervised by a fully licensed driver. 2. An intermediate (sometimes provisional) license that allows unsupervised driving under certain restrictions including nighttime and passenger limits. 3. A full license. 

We all learn to be better drivers with experience in different situations.  Today’s drivers have too many distractions; teens need to learn to put those distractions aside and focus on the main goal: getting from point A to point B in one piece.  Any of us can make a wrong decision behind the wheel.  Teens are at jeopardy the most.  They have a unique mix of inexperience, distraction, peer pressure, and the tendency to underestimate risk. 

It’s up the parents and peers to encourage safety to their teens every time they get behind the wheel.  These young people have the right to take their place on the roads, we just have to help them understand the importance of keeping both themselves and other drivers safe at all times.