Internet Safety for Kids

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Last week, I discussed that June is National Internet Safety Month and listed several tips on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime. But, it occurs to me that the amount of time our young people spend online lends itself to a separate discussion all of its own.

When it comes to cybercrime, children of all ages can
access limitless content with only a few keystrokes.

The Internet provides us access to limitless information, which is used by billions of consumers daily. People of all ages use this tool to research, connect with others, shop, advertise, pay bills, watch movies and more. Nearly any convenience is a few keystrokes away, but there are risks involved.

When it comes to cybercrime, children are very vulnerable. A study by Pew Research Center, showed that 95 percent of teens access the Internet, making them the largest demographic of Internet users and a target for a multitude of online predators. Child abductions and sexual assault have occurred because predators were able to access personal information through chat rooms, social media sites or online gaming sites.

For example, 36-year-old Tony Mcleod, known as the “PlayStation Predator,” lured a 14-year-old California boy to Los Angeles Airport, where the two boarded a plane to Mcleod’s home in Tampa, Florida. Mcleod and the boy had been in contact for a month, when his parents discovered that the boy had been receiving explicit texts and photos from him. The boy’s parents immediately reported him missing when he did not return from school one day. Detectives discovered that McLeod and the boy were on a flight to Tampa. When they reached the Tampa airport, McLeod was confronted by FBI officials and the boy was returned to his California home.

The PlayStation Predator is just one of many online criminals waiting to lure children away from their homes. Here are some tips for keeping your children cyber safe:

• Keep your computer visible. By placing your computer in a high-traffic area of the house, you can keep an eye on the sites your child visits and ensure that they are safe and appropriate. 
• Set rules and a password. Monitoring your child’s Internet usage and limiting the sites they visit can help you keep track of your child’s online safety. Let him or her show you what they like to do online, so you’re aware. You can also set a password to limit your child’s Internet access to when you allow it.
• Know who they’re messaging. Being aware of who your child is messaging, whether it’s through social media, email, online gaming or webcam usage, can enable you to make sure your child isn’t communicating with strangers. 
• Use Internet security options. By using these options, you can limit what websites show up on your browser. This can prevent access to questionable and explicit sites. 
• Don’t forget cellphones. TextGuard, My Mobile Watchdog and iWonder Surf, are mobile applications that can help you keep track of your child’s incoming and outgoing calls, texts, and web browsing habits. 
• Talk to your child. Make your children aware of the dangers of online predators and help them understand that by monitoring their Internet usage, you are helping to keep them safe. Keep in mind that even teens need to be reminded of Internet precautions. Encourage them to share Internet safety advice with their friends.

To learn more about Internet safety for children, visit NetSmartz.org.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

Bringing Awareness to the Prevalence and Danger of Stalking

This month, the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) joined with law enforcement and national organizations to observe National Stalking Awareness Month. Stalking isn’t simply unwanted attention; it’s a serious crime that affects an estimated 6.6 million Americans each year. 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men become victims of stalking at some point during their lifetime. Victims of stalking may be threatened, fear for their safety and suffer violence as a result of the harassment.

California law defines stalking as willful, malicious and repeated following or harassing, and making a credible threat to the safety of another person. Stalking can include:

• Repeated phone calls or hang-ups
• Unwanted letters, emails, text messages or gifts
• Following you or showing up unexpectedly where you are
• Threatening to harm you, your property, family members or pets
• Using technology to track you or access your records or private information

It’s important to report all incidents of stalking to law enforcement. Don’t downplay stalking incidents; if you feel like you’re unsafe, then you may be in danger.

Contact local law enforcement immediately if you or someone you know is being stalked. Far too often these threats can escalate into physical assault or homicide. Studies have shown that for 76% of women killed by an intimate partner, stalking was a precursor to the violence. It’s important to report all incidents of stalking to law enforcement. Don’t downplay stalking incidents; if you feel like you’re unsafe, then you may be in danger.

Stalking crimes have a large impact on our society and on victims. Victims of stalking usually need ongoing mental health treatment to cope with victimization. Anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression are much higher among stalking victims. There is help to create a safety plan, get mental health help and begin the recovery process. By raising awareness of stalking, it is our hope that we can help victims to take steps to ensure safety, prevent violence and aid in the recovery process.

Resources for Getting Help!:

• If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 
• Contact a local victim advocate:
  Victim Witness Assistance Centers in California
• Create a safety plan:
  The Office of the Attorney General
• Financial assistance for crime-related costs:
  The California Victim Compensation Program, (CalVCP)
• Get a confidential address:
  Safe at Home, California Secretary of State
• More information on stalking awareness:
  the National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center

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The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) provides compensation for victims of violent crime. CalVCP provides eligible victims with reimbursement for many crime-related expenses. CalVCP funding comes from restitution paid by criminal offenders through fines, orders, penalty assessments and federal matching funds.

5 Tips to Help Parents Prevent Bullying

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Bullying does not harm only the child being bullied,
but has long term detrimental effects for everyone involved.
In one study, 60% percent of those identified as a bully in
grade school had at least one criminal conviction by age 24;
35 – 40% of those adults had three or more convictions.

Back-to-school season is in full swing. Between the back-to-school shopping, end of summer vacations, and the dreaded task of getting children back in the habit of waking up early, it can be a very hectic and stressful time for parents. Added to this are concerns over school safety and violence making parents even more stressed. Some children shudder at the thought of going back to school because before long they will be returning to an abusive situation of bullying.

As many as 77% of all children have encountered some type of bullying, whether it be verbal, mental, or physical abuse, according to BullyStatistics.org. Bullying does not harm only the child being bullied, but has long term detrimental effects for everyone involved. Children who are bullied have a greater risk of depression, low self-esteem, are more likely to run away, and have a higher risk of abusing alcohol or drugs in their lifetime. Many parents are unaware that bullying can be just as destructive for the bully. In one study, 60% percent of those identified as a bully in grade school had at least one criminal conviction by age 24; 35 – 40% of those adults had three or more convictions.

As many as 77% of all children have encountered some type of bullying, whether it be verbal, mental, or physical abuse, according to BullyStatistics.org.

Lawmakers are aware of this escalating problem and are working attentively to reduce these numbers. New laws recently passed will assist schools and faculty in clearly defining bullying and setting up a procedure to address the issue.

CalVCP is dedicated to helping victims of school violence and bullying. For cases that qualify, CalVCP provides financial assistance for children that are victims of such situations. In cases where a child experiences mental distress from witnessing a crime, CalVCP will assist eligible students with counseling expenses.

Prevention is also an important aspect in dealing with bullying. The following tips can help parents prevent the abuse that stems from bullying:

• Know the signs – Unexplained bruises or cuts, fear of returning to school, a drop in grades, or depression can all be signs of bullying. Behavioral issues like getting in trouble at school or obsession with popularity may be signs that your kid is a bully. 
• Open Communication – Often, kids will not want to share if they are having problems at school, but by simply asking your child how their day was or what they like most about their friends may give you some insight to their lives. If you do suspect a problem, explain to them that there’s no shame in being bullied and that it’s not their fault. Openly talking about it is the first step to fixing the problem. 
• Learn conflict management- The key word is management; not all conflict in life is resolvable, but most times it is manageable. Teaching your children to know the difference and how to handle different types of conflict is a skill they can use for life. 
• Adopt healthy hobbies - Encouraging your child to get involved in healthy hobbies in and out of school can be a great outlet for them to socialize, build new skill sets and healthy relationships. Having a hobby that assists your child in making friends and build confidence will be a positive influence that will assist them in dealing with any potential bullying. 
• Pay attention to friends – Paying close attention to the company your child keeps can be a great indicator of the type of influences your child has. If you believe certain friends are a bad influence, it’s important that you address this promptly and redirect their attention to spending time with a more positive influence. 

The task of raising a child to be a healthy, respectful, productive adult is a full-time job and can at times be overwhelming. By incorporating these tips, providing a loving home, and taking a genuine interest in your child’s life, you will undoubtedly get them headed in the right direction

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

The month of December brings many holiday celebrations that often include alcohol. Consequently, December tends to produce more than average intoxicated drivers carelessly sharing our roads.

In an effort to spread public awareness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and several other agencies have named December "National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month," a campaign created to educate the community about the seriousness of driving under the influence of substances and its devastating consequences.

Every time we drive, we are unfortunately faced with the possibility of falling victim to an impaired driver’s rash mistake. According to NHTSA, three out of every ten Americans will be involved in a motor vehicle accident involving drunk driving during their lives. Accidents related to drunk and drugged driving claim the lives of thousands of Americans every year and have become one of the deadliest crimes in America today. Impaired drivers continue to roam our streets and put the lives of our family and friends at risk.

In response, CalVCP has joined the campaign to spread public awareness. As an agency dedicated to assisting victims of crimes, we would like you to know that victims of drunk and drugged driving accidents are able to receive compensation through our program. CalVCP has helped 809 drunk and drugged driving victims and paid an estimated $2.8 million since January 2010. Our claimants received compensation that covered mental health treatment, income and support loss, medical bills, funeral costs, and rehabilitation.

CalVCP is committed to creating healthier communities and we would like to offer you ways to fight back against drunk and drugged driving. The NHTSA has provided tips for those hosting or attending holiday parties:

• Include a reminder about selecting a designated driver in your invitation.
• If you are going to serve alcohol, be certain to offer guests non-alcoholic drinks as well.
• Ensure that all guests leave with a sober driver; if necessary, call a taxi for a guest or even take their keys. Remember, “Friends don’t let friends drink and drive."
• Dial 911 if you see any suspicious drivers.

Please play your part this year in spreading awareness of drunk and drugged driving. And remember, don’t let drunk and drugged driving prevention be a seasonal concern; our communities should work together to help prevent these tragedies all year long.