On Thursday, May 6, 2021 LWPTSA Council hosted a Child Safety Talk with representatives from Be Smart, No More Under and Redmond Police Department. This summary is submitted by Council’s Parent Education Co-Chair, Irene Neumann.
Be Smart with Jenna Johnson and April Schentrup
Statistics: 40% of child suicides die by guns; 17% of high school students have seriously considered a suicide attempts within the last year. Gun tragedies are preventable. Follow the SMART steps:
- S – Secure all guns in your homes and vehicles to prevent easy access.
- M – Model responsible behavior.
- A – Ask about unsecured guns in others’ homes.
- R – Recognize the role of guns in suicide.
- T – Tell your peers to Be Smart.
Learn more about Be Smart at besmartforkids.org
No More Under with Founder Chezik Tsunoda
Statistics: drowning is the #1 reason kids 1 to 4 years old die and the #2 reason why kids 14 to 19 years old die. In Washington State, 10 males drown for every 1 female. There are several layers of safety, some very simple, that can save lives:
- Know where you are. Know the address, in case you need to dial 911.
- When at a private pool, be sure to appoint a Water Watcher. Put on the timer for 15 minutes and rotate. Often children go under and know one notices it because know one is watching.
- Learn CPR. You have an 86% chance of saving someone if you know CPR.
Visit www.nomoreunder.org to learn more about their multi-faceted approach to drowning prevention.
Internet Safety with Susie Kroll, Mental Health Professional at Redmond Police Department
Susie recommends parents have a kind of understanding or a mantra with their kids when they become more independent and go out. It’s a way to keep kids from feeling like they can’t reach out for help for fear that they will get into trouble. For example something like: “I love you. Make good choices. But if you make a bad one you can call me (and we’ll deal with the consequences later).”
Even if teens roll their eyes, they know you love them. Consistent messaging to teens is recommended!
Other tips from Susie:
- Have strong passwords and locks on all cell phones.
- Download information with care and an eye to safety. Be cautious of e-mail attachments.
- Have a social media contract with your kids.
- Get VERY familiar with parental controls.
- Get VERY familiar with all of your kids’ apps. Yes, that means Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, etc.
- Model good behavior. Your kids are watching what you do on and with your phones and devices.
The talks were recorded and will be available for viewing until June 30, 2021.
Please send questions to parent.ed@lwptsa.net