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CAPC Newsletter
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February 2016
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It's our job as adults to keep kids safe.
Hello friends of CAPC!
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| Click HERE to print out a flyer. |
In this day and age, keeping up with the most recent technological advances are trying for the smartest of us!
The internet, and social media specifically, offer multiple ways to be informed and stay connected, but offer many potential threats and dangers as well.
For children and teens, navigating this system may be second nature, but for their parents and caregivers, it can be completely overwhelming!
But it's our job as adults to keep kids safe. Educate and empower yourself so you can protect our children in this very vulnerable electronic age.
Please help share the work we do and forward this
to your friends and colleagues too.
Thank you for everything you do to help
prevent child abuse in Amador County!
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Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World
The good news about keeping our kids safe in this instantly connected digital world is that it can be done!
It's a place where kids can learn, explore their world and socialize with friends. But there are potential threats involved that can catch parents unaware. Educate yourself so their experiences can be positive and safe.
Here are some tips and resources to help keep kids safer while connected:
Become an Experienced Internet User:
Learn where kids are hanging out online. Understand how different sites like Snapchat and Twitter work. For an excellent background on the most popular sites, here is one teen's opinion on what sites are being used and how. New sites and apps are being created everyday, it can be overwhelming! Here is
Talk About Internet Safety, Now!
Recent reports show that when parents and guardians talk to their kids about internet safety, their exposure to potential threats decline and they make safer decisions online.
Remind kids that internet safety is just as important as "real world" safety.
Ask them to show you where they go on the internet. Discuss some of the dangers that you understand as an adult, that they may not be aware of yet. Talk about the importance of keeping passwords and personal information private. Make sure to discuss what appropriate online conduct is, what are "responsible" internet (and real life!) interactions, and what aren't?
Keep it Age Appropriate
Children under 8 should have direct supervision while online. Tweens, kids from 8 - 12, should have more freedom, but an adult/parent/guardian should still be close by, with privacy settings at their highest level. Teens, due to smart phones, school computers, etc. will have more Internet access, which is why it's important to set rules early and encourage ongoing conversations.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles are all examples of cyberbullying. As with "real time" bullying, children and teens may not openly share with their parents when it's happening. Talking with your children regularly will give them the chance to discuss anything harmful happening to them. And remember, if there is a fear of losing internet privileges, kids won't share when
they accidentally encounter an inappropriate image or receive a solicitation online.
Remember, keep the lines of communication open by not overreacting.
For more information about the Amador Child Abuse Prevention Council, please be sure to visit our website at
www.amadorcapc.org
and to like us on Facebook!
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Child Abuse Prevention Council
Mailing Address:
PO Box 815
Jackson, California 95642
Physical Address:
975 Broadway
Jackson, California
(209) 223-5921
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Events:
Thursday, Feb. 25
9:00am - 3:00pm
975 Broadway, Jackson
Call (530) 642-5659 for more information and to RSVP.
Next CAPC Meeting
Monday, Mar. 21, 10:30am
975 Broadway, Jackson
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Our Vision
All children know they are valued; all families receive the support, education and tools necessary to give every child a safe, healthy and nurturing home; and a community that actively supports the health, safety, and education of its children.
Our Mission
CAPC is committed to preventing all forms of child abuse in Amador County through community partnerships, free trainings, education, and family-centered events that value children, strengthen families and engage communities.
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If a friend, neighbor, or relative watches your child, please consider...
Be sure they are comfortable watching your child.
Not all of us are cut out for watching kids, especially for long periods of time. If you are leaving your child in the care of a boyfriend or girlfriend, a neighbor or a relative, you want to make sure they are up to the task and that your child will be safe.
An equally important question to ask is:
Is your child comfortable staying alone with this person?
Give them basic information.
It's important to provide the person watching your child with the following:
- How to reach you at all times.
- What to do in an emergency, or if your child becomes sick or injured.
- How to cope with a child who won't stop crying or who is screaming hysterically.
- Where it is okay to take them.
- How to use car seats properly.
Can they comfort your child?
A crying or screaming child can push just about anyone over the edge. Frustration or anger can lead to a child being injured or even killed.
For your child's safety it must be made clear that it is never okay to shake a child, or hurt a child when feeling angry.
The caregiver must know who they can contact if they need help.
If you are not reachable by phone, caregivers can call a 24 hour help line to speak with a crisis counselor.
800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)
For more information about protecting our children, please visit the following website:
"Children depend on many adults as they grow up. Parents, relatives, teachers and child care workers all provide children with love, support and guidance.
No one wants to see children grow up with fear, anger or neglect. But no one is born knowing how to care for children. Sometimes we make mistakes that hurt them.
Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a relative or a caregiver, you can make a difference and help the children you love grow up in a caring, loving environment. Adults don't have to be perfect, just willing to listen, learn, grow and change."
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