SAFETY


Are you “TWD”? YOUR TEEN MAY BE


DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH time your kids spend online? Probably not, experts say: Ninety-two percent of teens go online daily, according to the Pew Research Center. Even though our kids are


connected in ways we couldn’t have imagined, you can still have a positive influence—and exert some control.


7 ABBREVIATIONS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW


We’re all familiar with some shorthand lingo—LOL, for example. But young users have their own ever-evolving set of phrases, including:


PIR Parent in room 9 Parent watching


1174 Party meeting place BROKEN Hungover from alcohol LMIRL Let’s meet in real life TWD Texting while driving KPC Keeping parents clueless


Not sure what a phrase means? Google it or check netlingo.com for an updated list.


BLOCKING CONTENT


Most Internet providers offer tools to help adults prevent kids from accessing what they consider inappropriate material and pages.


Software, free and paid, also is an option. Tracking software, or simply following your kids’ accounts on social media sites, is another idea. You also can help them set up screen names, which allows you to personalize controls.


TALK IT OUT


Let your kids know the rules of smart Internet use: Stay


WATER WISE ARE YOU SAFE AT HOME?


If you have a swimming pool or hot tub, surround it with a four-sided fence at least 4 feet high, secure and inaccessible without assistance from an adult. Install a gate or surface alarm.


QUICK: NAME THE TOP CAUSES OF DEATH IN THE U.S. Would drowning make your list? It should: Each day 10 people—two children 14 and younger—die from drowning, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can keep the focus on fun and safety with these simple guidelines:


Never, ever leave kids unsupervised, even if they have taken lessons and can swim. For kids under 5,


be no more than an arm’s distance away.


Inspect drain covers regularly, and install a drain vacuum release system.


Learn CPR. The Red Cross, hospitals and fire departments frequently offer classes.


WANT MORE SUMMER SAFETY WATER TIPS? Visit the State Farm® help: St8.fm/sumsafe.


4 goodneighbor® Learning Center for


away from chat rooms, never share personal data and use devices only in your home’s public areas, for example.


Also, regularly review your kids’ media history, keep up to date about new social sites and consider a family contract that reviews responsibilities and expectations for device and Internet usage.


Keep rescue equipment near the pool. ARE YOU SAFE ELSEWHERE?


Near or on open water such as waterskiing, in a boat, or on a dock? Put appropriately sized life jackets on everyone.


Never allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol to operate a boat, pontoon or other water vehicle such as a Jet Ski.


Never swim alone.


Follow the same open water rules you would in a pool: An adult should watch and be nearby.


Don’t dive in open water unless someone has checked the depth and for the absence of underwater obstacles.


Know your limits. Currents and tides are powerful and deadly, and can quickly sweep a person out into open water. If you are caught, swim parallel to shore until you are past the current.


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