R&R Insurance Blog

While the internet technology allows children unprecedented access to information and knowledge, it also leaves them potentially vulnerable to online predators and cyberbullying. Here are parental tips and the age-based children's internet use guidelines that the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests:

For Parents:

• Monitor you child's internet use and content. Make rules regarding appropriate and inappropriate sites.
• Use the interet with your children. Place the computer in the family room rather than in your child's bedroom or secluded office space. Consider tracking software if and when supervision is not possible.
• Research software or services that can block or filter offensive and inappropriate web sites and materials.
• Learn about the internet regulations at your child's school, the local library, and homes of his or her friends.

Age-Based Intenet Use Guidelines:

Up to age 10- Children this age need supervision and monitoring to ensure they are not exposed to inappropriate materials. Parents should us the Internet safety tools to limit access to content, web sites and activities, and be actively involved in their child's internet use.

Ages 11-14- Children need supervision and monitoring to ensure they are not exposed to inappropriate materials. Children this ago also need to understand what personal information should NOT be given or posted over the internet. Note: Facebook's use is intended for users 13 years old and older.

Ages 15-18- Parents should be available to help their teens understand the inappropriate messages and avoid unsafe situations. Parents may need to continually remind teens what personal information should NOT be given or posted over the internet.

This is a fantastic quick read from Kenneth S Trump posted on District Administration in September, 2010. One of particular interest for us - being a trusted advisor for so many schools in Wisconsin - the comment about non-traditional partners. Your insurance agency should most definitely be a part of these conversations. At R&R Insurance we have an in-house resource center dedicated to improving safety as well as connections with external resources that our district clients utilize - our clients are right on track with this!

From Kenneth Trump's article:
School budgets are tight, but there are still many things school leaders can do to keep schools safe.

1) The five-minute safety rule. Take five minutes at every faculty meeting to discuss one topic from your school's safety or crisis plan.

2) Diversify drills. Conduct lockdown drills during nontraditional times such as lunch periods, during student arrival, and just prior to dismissal. Block exits (unannounced) during fire drills to teach students and staff to think on their feet. Lock down one section of your school while evacuating another area during the same drill.

3) Engage students. Draw students into school safety plans through student-leader group discussions, poster contests and increasing awareness of drills. Train students not to open exterior doors for strangers during the school day.

4) Reach out to nontraditional partners. Work with your county emergency management agency (EMA) to update crisis plans, participate in drills with first-responders, and collaborate on joint applications for security grants.

5) Hold mini-tabletop exercises. Build abbreviated tabletop scenarios into faculty meetings and district wide principal meetings several times during each school year.

6) Conduct safety roundtables. Add an agenda item to district principal meetings.

Contact Bill Hattendorf - R&R's School Practice Group Leader about your school district today!

American Medical News is reporting that the AMA has adopted a policy saying that young athletes suspected of having a concussion should have written approval by a physician before they can return to play or practice.

The policy calls for the AMA to promote the adoption of such a requirement for school and other organized youth sports. The AMA also will encourage educational efforts to improve the understanding of concussions among athletes, parents, coaches and trainers.

Concussions account for nearly 10% of all high school athletic injuries. "Any movement forward [to protect against concussions] is positive," said Dr. Welsh, an alternate delegate for the Indiana State Medical Assn. "What I don't want to see is someone have a concussion that's missed, and the next one is the bad one."

Research on the prevalence and impact of concussions on athletes has created new awareness about the problem nationwide. The Center for Injury Research and Policy said 40% of high school athletes with concussions return to play too soon.

The National Football League and the National Collegiate Athletic Assn. have instituted policies to prevent players with concussions from returning during the same game. State legislatures have pursued measures requiring removal of athletes suspected of having concussions.

Medical organizations also have issued guidance. Most recently, the American Academy of Neurology in October published a position statement that athletes suspected of having a concussion should be removed from play until they are evaluated by a physician.

"Concussions account for nearly 10% of all high school athletic injuries," said AMA Board of Trustees Member Edward L. Langston, MD.

Excerpt from American Medical News - November 29, 2010 issue

All adolescents are at risk of cyberbullying, according to mental health professionals. But there are characteristics that make individuals more vulnerable to such harassment - and more likely to be a victim of cyberbullying.

Most susceptible to cyberbullying:

• Individuals with a developmental disability
• Individuals with mental health issues
• Adolescents who are gay or lesbian, or those who are struggling with their sexuality or gender identity
• Youths who recently moved to a new school
• Children who are perceived as outsiders by their peers
• Adolescents who spend a lot of time online, or texting

For parents and teachers, it is essential to check and recheck the habits and attitudes of adolescents under their charge. Listen to their conversations. Parents - it's OK to have a cell phone parental agreement with your children and educate them about the consequences of cyberbullying.

With suggestions from several employees, we've compiled a Cell Phone Agreement that you too can use. It sets expectations and encourages responsibility. Here's the sample cell phone parental agreement, customize it for your own needs. P.S....it's working for parents at R&R..... Good Luck!