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.

The Reality of Teen Dating Violence

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

43% of College Women Experience
Violence and Abusive Dating Behaviors.

Source: 2011 College Dating Violence
and Abuse Poll  Love is Respect.org

According to a national survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 10 teenagers admitted to being physically hurt by a dating partner. This is a disturbing statistic that must be addressed. As we observe the third annual National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we are dedicated to raising awareness of this critical issue and promoting programs that help prevent it.

Teen victims are at a higher risk for substance abuse, getting poor results in school, eating disorders and even attempts of suicide. Additionally, teens who are abused by their partners are more likely to be victimized in future relationships. Types of abuse include electronic, emotional, physical and sexual.

Awareness is a main factor in prevention. If you are a friend or family member of a teen, encourage him or her to be open about relationships and dating. Make sure he or she knows the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Teens cannot be allowed to think that violence is normal.

Learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Teens cannot be allowed to think that violence is normal.

In addition, pay attention to signs of abuse. Teen victims of abuse may act depressed or fearful, become isolated from friends and family or develop unexplained injuries. Perpetrators may exhibit traits that lead them to be violent, such as moodiness, anger management issues, lack of parental supervision and use of alcohol or drugs.

If you know a teen that is being victimized by dating violence, encourage him or her to get help. LoveisRespect.org offers a 24-hour support line for questions and help regarding teen dating violence.

There are many opportunities for you take action in preventing teen dating violence this month. Learn more at TeenDVmonth.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.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

In recent years, concerns have grown over the increasing rate of teen dating violence that unfortunately has become a significant problem in young relationships in our communities. It has become so widespread that 1 in 3 adolescents in the US fall victim to teen dating violence. When teens finally realize they are in danger, they often become too embarrassed or scared to report the abuse. Teen dating violence ranges from emotional and verbal abuse to rape and even murder.

National campaigns to spread awareness of this epidemic hope to make it easy for youth to seek help and to encourage them to prevent and respond to teen dating violence. It is important that awareness is raised so that teens have access to resources where they learn conflict management and problem solving skills. Community and school-based programs to combat teen dating violence have shown promising results. There is hope for our youth to overcome this problem.

Here at CalVCP, we understand that this abuse can cause physical, emotional, and sexual insecurities that carry into adulthood. CalVCP is participating in the campaign to spread awareness of this epidemic and to warn individuals of the long-term behavioral and health consequences. The campaign will help prevent future generations from falling victim to this tragedy, and to treat those experiencing it now.

Learn more about preventing
teen dating violence at
www.LoveIsRespect.org

Please become involved this year. Join the campaign to raise awareness of teen dating violence by supporting efforts to encourage young people to develop healthy relationships. Concerned teens, parents, and loved ones should contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or visit www.LoveIsRespect.org to receive immediate and confidential advice and referrals.

Drawing Attention to Teen Dating Violence Prevention in February

By the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAPM) – a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in youth relationships and mobilize communities to support young people in having safe and healthy relationships. Sadly, just as the month began, Myrna Umanzor, 15, a teen from San Leandro, California was murdered, allegedly by her 19 year old boyfriend, who took his own life the next day. The loss of life in San Leandro is another tragic wakeup call to communities across the state to strengthen efforts to address teen dating violence, also known as dating abuse. During February, thousands across California will engage youth and reach new audiences through Proclamations, educational events, and other efforts. Although we cannot accomplish all of our strategic goals in one short month, these focused efforts will help elevate community understanding of the issues and solutions.

What is dating abuse?

Dating abuse is the use of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or technological abuse by a person to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control a dating partner, regardless of whether that relationship is continuing or has concluded, or the number of interactions between the individuals involved. Dating abuse is associated with a host of adverse outcomes, including truancy, use of alcohol and drugs, eating disorders, depression and suicide. Adolescents and young adults experience the highest degree of intimate violence of any age group, and young women ages 16-24 are most likely to be victimized.

Yet, the distinctive aspects of dating abuse make it one of the most overlooked forms of violence. Many young victims do not recognize warning signs and confuse controlling behaviors as a sign of care. Fear and shame discourage victims from seeking help, and when they do, adults often minimize the potential for harm, unaware of the danger of increasing frequency and severity of abuse over time, and the heightened risk for physical violence during or after a break up.

What you can do

• Spread the word! Sample TDVAPM Facebook posts and Twitter tweets can be found at www.cpedv.org/tdvapm.
• Build your knowledge! Online professional learning opportunities during February can be found here.
• Educate and engage teens and parents! Useful websites with resources can be found at www.cpedv.org/tdvapm.
• Strengthen partnerships! Year round, we encourage victim service providers to partner with youth, parents, schools, adolescent health and mental health providers, and other stakeholders.
• Stay Connected! Sign up for the Partnership’s Prevention Digest to stay abreast of teen dating violence prevention projects, resources and opportunities in California.

Finally, if you know of a teen or parent that could benefit from speaking to a caring, well-trained peer advocate, please connect them with the National Dating Abuse Helpline, at 866-331-9474 (TTY: 1-866-331-8453), by texting “loveis” to 77054, or through live chat at www.loveisrespect.org.

The Partnership's Prevention Program advances effective teen dating violence prevention policies and programs through leadership, advocacy and a statewide network of prevention advocates dedicated to promoting healthy relationships and preventing teen dating violence. For more information, contact Lisa Fujie Parks, Prevention Program Manager, at lisa@cpedv.org or 916-444-7163 x117.