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Listen to this29 AUGUST 2014
New children’s book, ‘No Cell Phone Day,’ wins 2 awards for excellence
Jazz trombonist, music producer and educator Delfeayo Marsalis’ new book, No Cell Phone Day, earned the 2014 National Indie Excellence Award for the best picture book for ages 4 to 8, and is the grand-prize winner of the 2014 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.
The National Indie Excellence Book Awards is a competition judged by independent experts from all aspects of the indie book industry. A diverse panel of professionals selects award-winners and finalists based on overall excellence of presentation in addition to the writing. The Purple Dragonfly Book Awards were conceived and designed with children in mind, and are divided into 38 categories, ranging from books on the environment and cooking to sports and family issues.
No Cell Phone Day follows 6-year-old Jazmine as she gifts her dad a birthday present of spending quality time together without the interruption of cell phones. As a result, father and daughter have the greatest day ever. Young readers share their journey, bonding while visiting historical landmarks throughout the city of New Orleans.
The heartwarming story highlights the importance of personal interaction with loved ones, without the distractions of mobile phones and other technology. The new picture book for young readers features fun, vibrant artwork created with both pencil sketches and digital painting techniques by Reginald William Butler.
“ … Remember our youth without technology? We would talk, engage and see sights for our enjoyment and connect with those around us,” writes Amazon reviewer Moms Lifesavers, who gave the book five stars. “Delfeayo Marsalis credits the longevity of his grandparents to a simpler way of life – and we couldn't agree more. This book teaches us to go out and enjoy life ... the sights, the sounds, and relationships that mean the most to us. As a parent, this challenged me to have my very own NO CELL PHONE DAY!”
Press release: PRWeb
28 August 2014
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/08/prweb12125396.htm
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27 AUGUST 2014
Digital media erodes social skills in children
The increasing use of digital and screen-based media may be impairing children’s ability to develop social skills, as they have less opportunity for face-to-face interaction, according to a new study. With digital media use beginning at earlier ages, researchers say it is imperative to understand the effects of such engagement.
“Many people are looking at the benefits of digital media in education, and not many are looking at the costs,” Patricia Greenfield, a psychology professor at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and senior author of the study, said in a press release. “Decreased sensitivity to emotional cues – losing the ability to understand the emotions of other people – is one of the costs. The displacement of in-person social interaction by screen interaction seems to be reducing social skills.”
The study will be published in the October edition of Computers in Human Behavior and is already available online.
For the report, UCLA scientists observed two groups of sixth graders who lived together in a nature camp for five days – one of the groups was told to leave their technology behind.
Both groups were evaluated at the beginning and end of the camp for their ability to recognize emotions in other people’s faces. They were shown photos of faces that were happy, sad, angry, or scared, and tasked with identifying the emotion. They also watched videos of people interacting with each other and had to identify whether the person seemed confident and excited, sad, or anxious.
After just days without using any digital media, researchers said they saw a significant improvement in the youth’s ability to recognize nonverbal emotions. The same improvement was not observed for the control group that continued to use screen-based technology throughout the experiment, according to the study.
In face-to-face communication, information is conveyed by such behaviors as facial expression, eye contact, tone of voice, and body language. The ability to pick up on those cues is important for developing social skills and better relationships with their peers, the study said, adding that young children who can’t see another’s face or body are less quick to pick up emotional signals.
“You can’t learn nonverbal emotional cues from a screen in the way you can learn it from face-to-face communication,” lead author Yalda Uhls, a senior researcher with UCLA’s Children’s Digital Media Center, said in the release. “If you’re not practicing face-to-face communication, you could be losing important social skills.”
For several millennia, humans have used face-to-face interaction for learning social skills and communication. But in the 21stcentury, mobile, Internet and other digital media have increasingly replaced that type of contact. Psychologists have become increasingly aware of societal changes resulting from increased use of digital media, which they say can even go so far as to become an addiction and change the way our brains function.
The amount of time spent away from screens during playtime decreased by one-fifth from 1997-2003, a study cited in the report said. Media exposure is beginning at increasingly early ages and consumes the majority of leisure time for most youth, researchers said. Students in the study said that they text, play video games, or watch television for about four and a half hours every day on average.
Researchers said the improvements observed in the group that was not allowed to use screen-based media was significant given that it happened only after five days.
“We’ve shown a model of what face-to-face interaction can do,” Greenfield said. Uhls echoed that, saying, “We are social creatures. We need device-free time.”
August 22, 2014
by Renee Lewis
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/8/22/digital-social-skills.html
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25 AUGUST 2014
MUSKOKA
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters month
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters month and our local BBBS agency has activities and events planned throughout the month.
We’re kicking off the month with flag-raising ceremonies in Huntsville and Bracebridge on Sept. 3 at 9 and 10 a.m., respectively,” said Rebecca Paul, executive director and program manager of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka, in a press release. “Gravenhurst will be raising our flag mid-month on the 22nd at 11 a.m. We’re hoping that folks from each community will come out and show their support for our agency, for mentorship, and for children and youth across Muskoka.”
Throughout the month, the agency will sell raffle tickets for a gift of flight donated by WestJet – for a full listing of locations tickets will be sold, visit bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/muskoka
Also in September is Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaign; the Bracebridge location will donate the proceeds from smile cookies during the week of Sept. 15 to 21 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka. The Moose radio station is an official sponsor of Big Brothers Big Sisters month in Muskoka.
In the release the staff and board of BBBS Muskoka noted they are looking forward to interacting with the community throughout the month to promote the agency and recruit new members; high on their priority list is finding a new treasurer to serve on the board of directors. Interested parties are invited to contact the agency for more information.
Gravenhurst Banner
24 Augut 2014
PRESS RELEASE
http://www.muskokaregion.com/news-story/4774271-september-is-big-brothers-big-sisters-month/
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22 AUGUST 2014
CANADA
Alterna Savings helps set
Ontario's youth on path to success
with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) were presented with a $5,000 donation from Alterna Savings, Ontario's first community-based credit union. This community investment will help young people across the province gain access to education, skills development and scholarships with the goal of helping them realize their full potential. This donation brings the total investment in BGCC by Alterna's enthusiastic members and committed employees to more than $117,000 over the last year.
Alterna's President & CEO, Rob Paterson, presented the cheque to BGCC at a barbeque on August 14, 2014 at the Bramalea Community Banking Centre. "At Alterna, we believe that investing in Canadian youth will result in a brighter future for our country. This is why we are proud to partner with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, the country's leader in youth development. It is also why we are honoured to support so many young Canadians as they both achieve – and exceed – their full potential," explained Paterson.
In addition to sponsoring BGCC's Youth ABCs (Ability to Bring Change!) program and providing BGCC youth with important academic scholarships, Alterna employees have served as patrons and volunteers for various Boys and Girls Club initiatives throughout Ontario.
"We're thrilled that Alterna is committed to investing in the future of Ontario youth and are proud to be selected as their partner in helping young people to discover, develop and achieve their best potential," stated Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. "With a history rooted in community investment, we have seen Alterna put their members and the communities they serve first for many years. That enthusiasm is reflected in their dedication to ensuring children and youth can access the knowledge skills and inspiration to make positive changes in their own lives and in the lives of others."
About Alterna's Partnership with Boys and
Girls Clubs of Canada
Alterna Savings partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada in 2013 as
part of its Power of Learning program that supports local partners and
programs that help individuals reach their full potential through
education and the alleviation of poverty. Alterna currently sponsors
BGCC's Youth ABCs (Ability to Bring Change!) program and provides
Academic Scholarships annually. For more information, visit
www.alterna.ca/AboutUs/Community/CommunityInvestments/HelpingOurCommunities/Partnerships/BoysAndGirlsClubs/
About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is dedicated to supporting and
encouraging children and youth as they grow and develop. We are a
national charity serving 200,000 young people in 650 locations across
Canada. We listen to their opinions and ideas, applaud their
accomplishments, lend support during their struggles and provide ways
for them to explore their interests and talents. With this
encouragement, young people develop the confidence and sense of
belonging that helps them succeed in school, form positive relationships
and mature into responsible, caring adults. For over 110 years, we have
welcomed children, youth and their families into clubs that reflect the
diversity of Canada in small and large cities, rural communities and
First Nations reserves. Visit www.bgccan.com and follow us on
www.facebook.com/bgccan and
www.twitter.com/bgccan
About Alterna Savings
As Canada's first co-operative financial institution outside Quebec
founded in 1908, Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited is a
full-service, member-owned credit union. Alterna Savings serves over
100,000 members throughout the province of Ontario, and currently holds
C$3.3 billion in assets under administration. From trustworthy financial
advice to local investment and support, Alterna Savings offers a fresh
alternative to the 'Big Banks'. Learn about the Alterna Savings
difference at www.alterna.ca, or follow us on @alternasavings and
www.facebook.com/AlternaSavings
SOURCE Alterna Savings
21 August 2014
Press release: CNW
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20 AUGUST 2014
It'll cost you $245,340 to raise a kid born in 2013 says new report
Child-rearing is expensive. How expensive? Over a quarter of a million dollars, to be exact. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released their annual Expenditures on Children and Families report today, which, among other things, calculates the cost of raising a child.
According to the latest report, it'll cost a middle-income family about $245,340 to raise a child born in 2013. Of course, that figure doesn't account for inflation ($304,480 for projected inflation), but that's how much a family can expect to spend on food, housing, childcare, education, and other expenses needed to raise a kid up to age 18, when they can leave the nest, go to college, become a millionaire, and then pay you back with interest.
To gather data for the report, the USDA takes data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey, which is "the most comprehensive source of information available on household expenditures." Data from that report—mainly the annual costs of certain child-rearing expenses—is compared and contrasted to determine an accurate estimation of what a family will spend on a child born in 2013 during it's lifetime. For 2013, the USDA estimates, a family will spend $12,800 to $14,970 on a child annually.
Of course, that number varies depending on the child's age as well as the total family income. While a middle-income family (parents earning between $61, 530 to $106,540) can expect to spend $245,340 on raising a child, that number goes down for lower-income families. According to the report, a family earning less than $61,530 annually can expect to spend $176,550 to raise a child born in 2013, while a family that earns more than $106,540 annually can expect to spend nearly half a million dollars—$407,820 to be exact—raising a kid.
"In today's economy, it's important to be prepared with as much information as possible when planning for the future," USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Under Secretary Kevin Concannon said in a release. "In addition to giving families with children an indication of expenses they might want to be prepared for, the report is a critical resource for state governments in determining child support guidelines and foster care payments."
Compared to last year's report, the cost of raising a child increased by 1.8 percent from 2012. Other highlights from the report include that the costs are lower in the urban South and rural parts of the country ($230,610 and $193,590, respectively), while the highest costs are found in the Northeast ($282,480).
The report also found that the single most expensive expenditure for middle-income families is housing, with child care and education accounting for the second-largest expense. That's followed by food costs. Growing kids need to eat.
18 August 2015
http://dcist.com/2014/08/itll_cost_you_245340_to_raise_a_kid.php
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18 AUGUST 2014
GEORGIA
Teen Maze seeks volunteers
The third annual "Teen Maze," spearheaded by the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee, is scheduled for Oct. 2 and 3 at C.A. Gray Junior High School in the gymnasium and will target students in the ninth grade.
Organizers are reaching out for volunteers and donations from the community to make the event a success.
Best described as a life-size "Game of Life," Teen Maze” helps teens see firsthand the consequences of life choices, according to a press release from the Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers interact with teen participants in a fun and creative way to convey important information about a variety of health and educational issues. The interactive “game” provides information on topics that include sexual abstinence, sexually transmitted diseases, sexting, peer pressure, drugs, alcohol rehabilitation, legal consequences, labor and delivery, teen parenting, HIV/AIDS, DUIs and post-graduation career and educational choices.
Students will have about an hour to go through the maze. There are many options, and the maze provides a unique experience for each student.
“It gives our students an insight on real life issues. They are able to see the positive and negative consequences of their choices in life,” said Pamela Heidelberg, C.A. Gray’s 9th grade counselor.
The ultimate goal of the Teen Maze is to stimulate teens to think about potential ramifications of their choices without placing judgment on any of the paths chosen, the chamber said. The teens learn about the outcomes when faced with a real-life decision about driving home after a party or getting into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking, and this year’s maze will feature the MADD car exhibit and a funeral station. At all stations, trained volunteers and professionals will interact with the students and field any questions they might have. There is also a debriefing station where counselors will talk to each student.
The Teen Maze has gained much support from the community, the chamber said.
“Teen Maze is a tremendous opportunity for the community to invest into the lives of our youth by illustrating that the decisions they make today have a direct impact on their future,” said Katrina Bivins, 2014 Teen Maze chair. “Regardless of ethnicity, socio-economic status, or degree of education, one bad choice can change the course of their lives and that of others for a lifetime. Volunteers and donations are greatly needed and appreciated, as it takes an entire community to make the most profound impact on our youth.”
The Teen Maze is quite an undertaking, and organizers need 200 volunteers to sign up by Sept. 15, the chamber said. Volunteer forms are available at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce or through a member of the Workforce Development Committee. Call (229) 985-2131 for more information on volunteering or donating to Teen Maze.
Press release
16 August 23014
http://www.moultrieobserver.com/news/local_news/article_9f99fd92-25ad-11e4-b65d-001a4bcf887a.html
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15 AUGUST 2014
UK
We’re far from top of the class finding work for the young
That's a relief. As thousands of students ripped open their A-level results this morning, they can be reassured that the job market is on the turn.
A stand-out figure from yesterday’s Office for National Statistics data was the sharp drop in youth unemployment. Compared with a year ago, there are 206,000 fewer 16- to 24-year-olds out of work, marking the largest quarterly and annual fall since comparable records began in 1992.
From breaking through the one-million barrier in late 2011, youth unemployment has tumbled to 767,000 – its lowest level for six years. What threatened to be the scourge of this coalition government has receded as the economy has perked up.
Job done? Not exactly. Far be it for me to blow the froth off the champagne on exam results day but youth unemployment was on the rise even before the recession hit. That Britain’s school-leavers and graduates risk becoming part of a lost generation simply because of the paroxysms of the financial crisis is plain wrong. Sure, there is evidence now that they have dodged the worst but the debate still rages about what our children will do for a job – whether they begin looking for work today or a decade from now.
First, the positives. Job creation was the Coalition’s statistical miracle when other economic indicators stubbornly refused to budge. Most observers doubted the private sector could take up the slack as the Government pruned the public sector, but in creating two million new roles it has done so. At 16.9 per cent, Britain’s youth unemployment rate is in a different league from eurozone members such as Spain and Greece, where it hovers north of 50 per cent, with Portugal and Italy not far behind. Skills and training remain high on the agenda for ministers and business leaders.
The immediate downside for the wider working population appears to be that the effect of employers hiring a glut of young people over the past year has kept a lid on salary growth. Yesterday’s Bank of England forecasts suggest it will carry on lagging behind the cost of living for some time to come, dashing hopes of a recovery in wage packets later this year.
Recruiting young staff as a way of keeping costs down is not a new phenomenon. But it is an accelerating trend, especially in the capital. Analysis from the New Policy Institute, funded by the charity Trust for London, found that in the past two years more than half of 16- to 24-year-olds were paid below the London Living Wage. They added that young adults have seen the biggest increase in rates of low pay – a rise of seven percentage points in three years. Those youngsters with little prospect of getting on London’s housing ladder suffer more than older workers in a downturn. Part of this is luck, or a lack of it. The earning power of those who graduate in a recession when jobs are scarce can take a decade to catch up.
But the broader point is that the future for the world of work is unclear. Those hi-tech, knowledge-based industries towards which Britain is leaning just don’t need as many bodies as the mass manufacturers of old. Dominic Barton, the boss of management consultancy McKinsey, is fond of a statistic saying the combined workforce of car-makers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler in Detroit in the early Nineties was roughly 10 times larger than that of the corporate giants of today: Facebook, Google and Apple.
Globalisation only sharpens the skills race. Companies are on the hunt to hire the best of the best – and they will find them in China or India if not here. The Institute for Public Policy Research think-tank suspects that a full-blown economic recovery on its own will not solve Britain’s youth-working problem. It highlights the mismatch of what young people train for, compared with the types of jobs available, citing examples of the 94,000 people studying beauty and hair for just 18,000 jobs while 123,000 construction and engineering trainees pursue an advertised 275,000 jobs.
Business leaders are on the case. They have made plenty of noises about connecting better with schools and colleges, as much as anything to encourage students to plump for science subjects and computer coding that will be fit for purpose when they run off the education production line. The CBI employers’ body is today pushing the Government to create a network of back-to-work co-ordinators to fill the gap left by shrinking careers services.
There are plenty of other initiatives, such as The 5% Club, championed by Leo Quinn, chief executive of the defence firm Qinetiq. It seeks to sign up companies that aspire to have five per cent of their workforce consisting of apprentices and graduates by the end of a five-year period. Conscious of hefty university tuition fees, firms such as Deloitte and BAE Systems are taking on more school leavers so they can shape the young staff they want as early as possible. The stigma of taking an apprenticeship over a university degree is much less pronounced than it was a decade ago.
However, many young Brits won’t take the low-paid jobs that at least get them on the employment ladder. Instead those roles, serving coffee or flipping burgers, are snapped up by eager immigrants. Some sectors are battling with an image problem. Anyone doubting that retail offers a range of well-paid opportunities over and above stacking shelves should speak to Topshop tycoon Sir Philip Green or Sir Charlie Mayfield at the John Lewis Partnership. In hospitality, VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues points out that young recruits can progress fast, often running their own restaurant or hotel in their twenties.
As for today, it’s A for effort but don’t be complacent. Britain has much further to go before it can reach the top of the class in tackling youth unemployment.
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13 AUGUST 2014
Office of Children and Youth launches Fathers Matter initiative
The Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth is encouraging fathers to be active participants in their children’s lives through the Fathers Matter initiative, which is aimed at helping maintain healthy father-child relationships.
The goal of Fathers Matter is to get fathers to be open with their children and continue to stay with them for support. To help open and maintain relationships, the Office of Children and Youth will be holding three events between August and October.
On Aug. 23, there will be a back to school kick-off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carson Valley Children’s Aid Society on the 1300 block of DeKalb Street in Norristown. At the event there will be free father/child activities, book bags, school supplies, food, music and photos.
A field day for fathers and their children will be held at Memorial Park on Manatawny Street in Pottstown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13. The office of children and youth will be providing father-child interactive games, mini-workshops, a health fair and parent information.
The final event will be held in October at the Upper Dublin Golf Course. A family friendly movie will be played, according to the press release. An exact date for the program still needs to be scheduled and the press release does not state what movie will be played.
At all of the events, fathers are encouraged to sign the “Fathers Matter” pledge to be an “active and responsible father or father-figure in a child’s life.”
According to a press release, the absence of a father figure in a child’s life is becoming a national problem. The release states that a present father is needed in order for a child to “cope adequately with the ongoing stages and struggles of life.”
Press release, Pottstown, PA
8 August 2014
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11 AUGUST 2014
Incumbent Sheriff David Clarke addresses crime in midst of campaign
In critical condition: that’s how Milwaukee County Sheriff, David Clarke, describes the city’s current state. Nearing the end of his fourth campaign, the incumbent sheriff met with the Milwaukee Courier and expressed his concerns for the county he serves, as well as his plans to remedy the issues that ail it. The Milwaukee native has worked in law enforcement and for the public for the past 37 years. He attributes his interest to become involved in law and order to a desire to “be part of giving back to this community,” says Sheriff Clarke. “My father kind of encouraged me to look into it,” said Clarke. The sheriff recalls – from his first years as a patrol officer – a Milwaukee that was safer, touted a strong middle class, and was rooted in an industrial-based economy.
Today, however, Clarke sees a far different environment as he looks around the city. The 53206 zip code has been receiving national attention for its shocking number of residents who maintain criminal records. Gun violence against children is becoming a more common occurrence. Shootings are up twenty percent from last year at this time. Milwaukee currently maintains a crime rate that nearly doubles the national average. “Its becoming part of the urban landscape, and I think that’s horrible,” said the Sheriff. He attributes this plaguing issue to a few causes: poverty, an ineffective school system, and a lack of consistent police presence in neighborhoods.
According to Clarke, the job market isn’t what it used to be. In years past, those with only a high school education were able to sustain their families. At present, he finds that’s not the case. Although there are an abundance of transition jobs, there are not enough options for lucrative work. According to Clarke, the city maintains an African American unemployment rate that doubles the United States average. What Clarke refers to as Milwaukee’s public, “broken schools” attribute to what has become a disturbing prevalence of crime.
“We’re not giving these kids a chance with this failed k-12 system,” Clarke said. He noted that many children cannot read or write at their grade level. Aside from that, he finds that high school graduates are becoming more and more in need of remedial reading, writing, and math education in college. According to the sheriff, criminals are not being deterred from crime, nor are residents willing to report crime to the police due to heavily delayed response times and a lack of consistent police presence in neighborhoods.
Clarke is not without solutions, however. To the Milwaukee native, a drastic increase in the number of police officers and deputies is essential. Clarke estimates that between 300 and 500 officers would make a considerable difference in the prevalence of crime in Milwaukee. “I’m at 2010 staffing levels. It’s 2014.” Also, it would allow the Milwaukee Police Department to create and maintain trust between itself and Milwaukee residents by making more officers available to provide a constant police presence. Clarke calls it the “broken windows theory”. However, Clarke’s call for more officers has resistance from local politicians.
In addition, he finds that local politics and circuit courts are putting dangerous criminals through a “revolving door”, ultimately allowing violent offenders to roam the streets despite multiple offenses. Still, some could argue that punishing heavily for all crimes, including offenses such as drug possession, only raises the crime rate and makes offenders unnecessarily unable to find work. For Clarke, “drugs are one of the risk factors for crime,” and should be punished accordingly, especially if the perpetrator repeats the same offense over and over again, drug possession or otherwise.
Despite the rising rate of shootings per year, Clarke feels strongly that a Conceal Carry Weapon (CCW) permit allows citizens to protect themselves when the law cannot. “It wasn’t designed to reduce crime,” said Clarke. “It was designed to give people their God-given right to defend themselves.” The sheriff appeared confident in his campaign this year, noting his work experience, training, and college degrees as well as his opponent, Chris Moew’s lack thereof. “Moews has no such resume. All his message is: ‘I’m not David Clarke.’ Thank God he’s not.”
Four years ago, Moews ran against Clarke and lost. Clarke emphasized his desire to be an example to the people of Milwaukee, especially youth. “We don’t have enough role models in the African American community,” said Clarke. “I’m the only one left to role model, and I embrace that role that I play.” The sheriff briefly addressed a statement made by Milwaukee Police Chief Flynn during a press release following a recent shooting on Hadley that injured two children. Flynn said that he wanted to give the residents of the area where the shooting occurred, “…a taste of life in the suburbs”. According to Clarke, the comment was less than tasteful. “I think it was one of the most insensitive comments I’ve ever heard from a public official. He pretty much said that life in Milwaukee sucks.”
In addition, Clarke noted that the police presence that Flynn touted at the release lasted only about four days. “Not much shocks me. I was shocked by that statement.” Per the Associated Press, Clarke recently urged Milwaukee residents to be aware of action near synagogues and mosques, in light of conflict in Israel and Palestine. “It’s a prevention message to the public,” said Clarke, noting that he is watching, but he needs the community to help him watch for potential crimes that may stoke up animosity between Jewish and Muslim communities in Milwaukee. This call for cooperation and mutual trust among police officers and citizens appears to reflect much of Clarke’s vision for the future of Milwaukee, provided he sees yet another term.
Arielle Vaccaro
Press release, Milwaukee Courier
9 August 2014
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8 AUGUST 2014
Parents admit to engaging in
the same dangerous driving behaviors
they warn their children against
As young drivers head back to school, countless efforts and campaigns each year attempt to deter them from reckless behaviors behind the wheel. However, the latest data released today from Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) finds that teens are not the only culprits when it comes to making risky driving decisions. The new survey shows that parents engage in the same dangerous driving behaviors – including driving without a seat belt, texting, and driving after consuming alcohol – that they warn their children against. Equally concerning, nearly half (41 percent) of teens say their parents continue these unsafe habits behind the wheel even after their teens ask them to stop.
"While parents may think they're setting a good example for their teens, these findings suggest that some parents engage in unsafe driving habits more often than they might admit," said Dave Melton, driving safety expert with Liberty Mutual Insurance and managing director of global safety. "Research shows that teens often replicate their parents' poor driving behaviors, so it's critical for the safety of everyone on the road that parents be a model for responsible driving whenever they are behind the wheel."
Parents' risky driving behaviors
According to the survey, parents actually admit to engaging in many of
the same dangerous – and in some cases, illegal – driving behaviors that
they warn their own children against, often at alarmingly high rates:
•Talking on cell phone while driving: 86 percent
•Speeding: 80 percent
•Texting and driving: 40 percent
•Driving after consuming alcohol: 34 percent
•Driving without a seat belt: 21 percent
The data also reveals that the majority (83 percent) of teens say their parents engage in unsafe driving behaviors with them in the car, sometimes at higher rates than their parents like to admit. For example, 58 percent of teens say they have witnessed their parents texting and driving, and 41 percent have observed their parents driving without a seat belt.
Teens speak up, but parents don't listen
Teens are not only taking note of their parents' risky driving
behaviors, they are making concerted efforts to change them. Of the
teens surveyed, 60 percent report they have asked their parents to put
an end to dangerous driving habits, with texting and driving being the
most common concern among teens (42 percent). Similarly, the majority of
parents admit that their teens are speaking up:
•40 percent say their teen has asked them to stop
driving without a seat belt;
•33 percent say their teen has asked them to stop texting and driving;
•26 percent say their teen has asked them to stop speeding; and
•23 percent say their teen has asked them to stop posting social media
updates while driving.
According to the survey data, parents may not be taking these requests to heart. While the majority (84 percent) of parents say they change their driving behaviors when asked, nearly half (41 percent) of teens report that parents do not change their driving habits when requested to do so by their teens. Even more alarming is that more than a quarter (28 percent) of teens report that their parents justify why they should continue to engage in unsafe behaviors behind the wheel, while 12 percent report that their parents ignore them completely.
"The majority of teens learn to drive from their parents, and an open dialogue about safe behaviors on both sides is critical," said Stephen Gray Wallace, senior advisor for policy, research and education at SADD. "If parents aren't setting the right example for safe driving every time they're behind the wheel, it's probable that teens will learn and mimic those risky behaviors."
Parent and teen safe driving resources
Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD encourage parents and teens alike to
have frequent and open conversations about responsible driving, and to
consider signing the Parent/Teen Driving Contract. Created by Liberty
Mutual Insurance and SADD, the Contract offers a guide to safe driving
conversations and a customized agreement for parents and teens to create
and uphold family driving rules.
PR Newswire
7 August 2014
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6 AUGUST 2014
The province released results of their investigation into the death of an infant, who was in foster care when she died.
The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate released their investigative review into the death of Dawn, a six-week-old baby girl, in 2013.
The Advocate had one recommendation stemming from this case, officials said Tuesday – that Manmeet Bhullar, Minister of Human Services should put a clear policy in place for foster parents, providing direction against bed-sharing with infants in their care.
“We’re not saying that to parents, we’re not saying that even to relatives or the kinship care, but we’re saying there needs to be a policy for fostering in this province,” Child and Youth Advocate Del Graff said Tuesday.
According to the report, on that night in 2013, the foster parents of baby Dawn had put the baby to bed for the night, but at some point, the foster mother brought the infant into bed with her.
At about 5 a.m., the parents discovered she was not breathing – they started CPR and paramedics were called, but the baby was pronounced dead in hospital.
Health Canada warns against sharing a bed with an infant, saying the baby could suffocate when trapped in bedding, or if an adult rolls over.
A statement from Minister Bhullar, released to CTV News Tuesday, said the death of any child is a tragedy, and training is provided through a program called Safe Babies to caregivers of infants:
“While we recognize co-sleeping can be an important cultural aspect, each child in care must have a separate bed or crib as a permanent sleeping arrangement. We do not recommend bed-sharing due to a number of associated risks including falls or suffocations.
To ensure children are raised in safe and caring environments, we will clarify our policy on co- sleeping and the Safe Babies course is now a requirement for all foster parents that care for children under the age of three.”
Julia Parrish
5 August 2014
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4 AUGUST 2014
The Obama Administration’s government-wide response to influx of Central American migrants at the southwest border
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1 AUGUST 2014
America's kids are in crisis. Our nation's state of poor academic performance, obesity, drug use, and youth-related violence are cause for alarm and national action. A key component of the solution is out-of-school time. Yet every day, 15 million kids (1 in 4) leave school with no place to go, putting them at risk of being unsupervised, unguided and unsafe. During the summer, an alarming 43 million (3 out of 4) kids in America lack access to summer learning programs, increasing their risk of learning loss and putting them at a disadvantage before the school year starts.
Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of America launches the Great Futures Campaign to call attention to the crisis facing kids and "redefine the opportunity equation" by elevating the role of out-of-school time in reversing these negative trends. The Great Futures Campaign, the Campaign for America's kids, will mobilize the nation in support of after-school and summer programs that tackle these issues to inspire and empower more youth toward success.
"At Boys & Girls Clubs, we believe that every young person in America deserves a great future and that ensuring a safe, productive place for them to spend out-of-school time is a vital, yet overlooked, factor," said Jim Clark, President and CEO for BGCA. "As the nation prepares to go back to school, we want to ensure that after school is part of the discussion because School + Out-of-School = Great Futures. We're launching the Great Futures Campaign to galvanize the nation in support of out-of-school time programs to change the future for our kids and our country."
Addressing the crisis facing kids
The Campaign is a response to the issues facing youth and the country:
Today's generation is estimated to be worse off than their parents, the first in America's history
Our nation's graduation rate ranks 22nd among 28 countries
3 out of 10 kids are obese or overweight
1 in 5 American kids lives in poverty
National economic implications include as much as $159 billion in lost taxes and higher government expenditures over the lifetimes of those who fail to graduate each year. Healthcare costs to treat issues related to childhood obesity total some $14.1 billion annually, and states spend an average of $7.1 million a day for youth in juvenile justice facilities.
To address these issues, Boys & Girls Clubs of America offers a variety of programs and resources in the areas of education, health and nutrition, and character and leadership development, at its more than 4,100 Clubs nationwide. Through the Campaign, the organization will grow the impact of its programs by reaching more youth through increased membership and attendance, and building the capacity of Clubs to provide a world-class experience for kids. BGCA will also develop new programs to close the achievement gap for kids most in need. It will expand programs like Summer Brain Gain to prevent summer learning loss, enhance STEM programs to nurture 21st century skills and deploy a robust teen engagement strategy to ensure more young adults are on track to graduate from high school, college- or career-ready.
School + Out-of-School = Great Futures
"Research shows that out-of-school time programs work. Kids who attend after-school and summer programs have better attendance, improved behavior, higher grades and test scores. The same is true for Club kids. In fact, 57% of Boys & Girls Club alumni say the Club saved their life," said Clark. "We see living proof of the impact of out-of-school time every day. But it's time to do more. It's time to drive transformational change for the young people and communities served by Clubs."
BGCA's vision is that all Club members graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and leading a healthy lifestyle. The Campaign represents a strategic step in realizing this vision by achieving the following outcomes:
Globally Competitive Graduates: By 2018, Clubs
will help 1.4 million teens stay on track to graduate
from high school; and 70% of Club seniors will be college bound. The
power of Club teens on track
to graduate by 2018: an estimated $8 billion in economic impact to
the U.S.
21st Century Leaders: By 2018, 1.2 million Club
teens will volunteer at least 6 million hours, resulting
in a minimum $70 million economic impact in our communities.
Healthier Generation: By 2018, Club youth will
participate in 4 billion hours of physical activity, and
Clubs will serve more than 500 million meals or snacks to young
people in need.
Galvanizing the nation in support of kids
"We're issuing a call to action to the country to join us in changing America's future by opening the door for kids during out-of-school time," said Clark. "Through the Campaign, we're convening public, private and nonprofit partners to address the crisis this generation is facing and drive an impact agenda to ensure success is within reach for every child. We are grateful to the many legacy partners and philanthropists who have stepped up early to support the Campaign with transformational commitments that will fuel this critical work. Together, we are creating more great futures for kids."
Founding Great Futures Partners who have joined the Campaign for the launch with historic commitments include: The Coca-Cola Company; Deerbrook Charitable Trust; Disney; Taco Bell Foundation for Teens; Toyota; The Wallace Foundation; WellPoint Foundation; Robert W. Woodruff Foundation; and University of Phoenix.
Several philanthropists and business leaders have also joined the Campaign, including Founding Great Futures Philanthropists Colette and Larry Young, President and CEO of Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Club alum,as well as Timothy (Timbaland) and Monique Mosley and their Always Believing Foundation. Today, the Mosleys are issuing a #GreatFutures $1 Million Match Challenge to inspire the public and their peers in the entertainment, corporate and philanthropic communities, to take action and support Boys & Girls Clubs.
Premier Media Partners Comcast & NBC Universal and Disney have joined the campaign, alongside 20 additional media partners, to provide extensive in-kind support, including donated media, talent and other resources.
"Through the Great Futures Campaign, we are raising awareness of the critical issues facing kids today, and issuing a call to action to support Clubs in their service to millions of youth every year," said Clark. "Please visit GreatFutures.org to find a Club in your community and to support the campaign. Every one of us can make a real, tangible difference for kids and start them on a path to a great future."
For more information about the Great Futures Campaign and our supporters, visit greatfutures.org or #GreatFutures.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.
PR Newswire Services
31 July 014
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