By PWPORG, a 501(c)(3) built by law enforcement and security industry practitioners and educators to provide educational resources to kids, families and communities on safety and emergency preparedness.
Hello Summer!
As we advance into a more connected world, it is crucial for parents to understand the importance of electronic safety for their kids.
With devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, there is an endless amount of content online for teens to be glued to: online games, watching videos, surfing the web, and interacting with others.
It is important for parents to understand the effects of screen time on their kids’ behavior, learning, and mental health, all while giving them the resources to make them feel independent in their use of electronics, but not alone.
Psychology Behind Electronic Devices
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In an article written by PandaSecurity.com, 10 years old is the average age a child receives their first cell phone, and nearly 1/4 of kids receive some sort of electronic device by the age of 6.
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Electronic devices are designed to keep kids glued to the screen. It is no secret that teens have a complicated relationship with mobile devices.
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They are expected to use technology both in and out of the classroom, manage their social lives through various apps and social media platforms, and use technology to stay organized with their many activities.
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These devices not only limit the amount of hours teens sleep, or spend outside with family and friends, but also affect the way their brain develops.
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Decades of research show that face-to-face interactions are important for cognitive, language and most importantly, emotional development.
Effects on Teen Sleep Cycles
Bedrooms should be primarily associated with sleep, but they are also a study space, a movie theatre and even a game room
According to the National Sleep Foundation, when it becomes dark, the body produces a hormone called melatonin that induces sleepiness.
The sleep-wake cycle follows a circadian rhythm. When it’s bright outside we become more alert.
Smartphones, tablets, computers and other electronic devices give off short-wavelength blue light that is very similar to sunlight.
Not only does this light make us more alert, it also deceives the body into thinking it’s still daytime.
Effects on Teen Education
The more time students use electronic devices to surf the web, play games, and interact on social media, the less time they spend developing other educational skills such as vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing.
One study conducted by the National Institute of Health found that children who spent over two hours a day on their screens received lower scores on language and critical thinking tests.
Effects on Teen Mental Health
Studies about mental health show that teens who use electronic devices excessively can be overstimulated by screen time, without realizing it.
This overuse may cause worsening moods, depression and anxiety, higher levels of irritability, and limited physical activity resulting in obesity.
According to the National Institute of Health, excessive use of electronics is more likely to result in a diagnosis of anxiety or depression.
to 17-year-olds spending 7 or more hours per day with screens were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
S.C.R.E.E.N.S.A.V.E.R.S for Parents
S – Set boundaries and time limits for electronic device usage.
C – Create a routine schedule with homework and activities apart from recreational use of electronics.
R – Reinforce alternative activities such as hobbies, board games and outdoor fun.
E – Establish electronic-free times in your home, such as during dinner and bedtime.
E – Exercise use of parental control features if needed.
N – Notice changes in your teen’s behavior or moods.
S – Stay consistent with rules and boundaries.
A – Allow your teen to help create the boundaries.
V – Value quality time with family such as game nights, and introducing new activities.
E – Educate your kids on the effects of overuse of electronic devices.
R – Reinforce the boundaries and limits by following the same rules.
S – Share these best practices with family and friends.
Having the Conversation
It is important to have a conversation with your teenager about the ways in which too much screen time can harm their cognitive development.
It is also important to emphasize quality time with family and friends outside of electronics.
If you feel as though your teenager is looking toward the Internet for emotional support or being bullied, engage with them, educate them on safe electronic usage, and empower them to make good decisions online and come to you when they need help.
Resources
- Home Report Cyberbullying
- When should Kids Get Smartphones
- Smart Social – Digital Citizenship
- Limit Screen Time
- Associations Between Screen Time and Lower Psychological Well-being
- How Screen Time May Cause Insomnia in Teens
- High Amounts of Screen Time Begin as Early as Infancy
To download your own copy of ‘Screens and Teens: An Electronics Safety Guide for Parents‘ to share with your family, friends and community members, please go to www.pwporg.org/resources/.
Also available are the following titles:
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Planning Always Matters: Build Your Own Family Preparedness Kit
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Preparedness Always Matters: The Readiness Radar: The Calm Before the Storm
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Cyber Preparedness Always Matters: 3 Minutes to Preparedness: 6 Steps to Cyber Hygiene
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Fall Preparedness: Summer in the Rearview Mirror
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S.M.A.R.T. Money Moves for Kids: Financial Literacy for Kids
Developed by PWP Team featuring, Chloe Sexton, and Fiona Lynch.
Check out Parents with Preparedness Magazine for More Free Resources for You and Your Family!
Republished with permission by PWPORG.ORG.
PWPORG Nominated to Compete in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is today in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
American Security Today is pleased to announce TSA Administrator David Pekoske, will join the organization as a featured speaker at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon, on November 18, 2021 at ISC East in New York City.
“On the heels of an unprecedented global pandemic, continued unrest in our cities and potentially catastrophic cyberattacks on our nations critical infrastructure, the focus of the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon will be on the latest, state-of-the-art innovations that are driving investments in new public security and safety technologies and systems,” said AST Editorial and Managing Director Tammy Waitt.
“As a recognized expert in crisis management, strategic planning, innovation and aviation, surface transportation and maritime security, David Pekoske’s message highlighting his top priorities and challenges for the TSA based on his years of wide-ranging experience will be critical to our attendees internalizing the critical nature of these escalating challenges, and realizing innovative new approaches to meet them.”
The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
| COVID Innovations | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Register for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon Today
At ISC East 2021 you with the opportunity to interact with a broad array of security industry professionals.
ISC East works closely with other businesses in the security and public safety space to help bring together the Northeast’s largest security trade show each year.
In collaboration with premier sponsor SIA (Security Industry Association) and in partnership with ASIS NYC, ISC East is proud to work with and be supported by various associations, trade publications, charities, and more.
Therefore, the ISC audience of security dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, corporate, government and law enforcement/first responder practitioners will be joined by the ASIS NYC audience of major corporate managerial-through-director-level national and global security executives.
The combination of one-on-one conversations with the industry’s top innovators, integrators and security executives, special events, high-quality education and training, and strong support from industry associations, will allow attendees to learn and evaluate solutions from leading security exhibitors and brands.
Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East – Thank take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to take a break from the show – Invite your team, guests, clients and show visitors to a lovely and affordable plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!
Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table.
***Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
Subscribe to the AST Daily News Alert Here.
Learn More…
PWPORG Seeking Superheroes to Help Children in Our Communities
