Innholdsfortegnelse for Winter 2019 i MASK The Magazine

For most teens, getting their driver’s license is the ultimate symbol of freedom. They can go where they need to go without having to rely on Mom and Dad. However, this newfound freedom comes with added responsibilities. If your teen is old enough to drive a car, he or she is also old enough to learn about the importance of car safety and maintenance. According to Drive Smart Georgia, a driving school in the greater Atlanta area, arming teen drivers with knowledge about basic car features and needs is just as important as knowing how to drive. A little knowledge will go a long way to keeping your child safe on the road, even in emergency situations. TIRE PRESSURE, TREAD AND ROTATION Good tires are essential to the safe operation…

A child’s digital footprint now starts before birth. From ultrasound photos and due date announcements posted to social media, to smart toys and home assistants, parents are revealing far more information than they realize about their children. In today’s day and age of online pervasiveness and social media overload, you may have heard the term “digital DNA” floating around. While it may sound like an innocuous scientific experiment, it has far-reaching implications that could affect you—and more importantly your child’s—future. According to TechTerms.com, a digital footprint is a trail of data you create while using the Internet. It includes the websites you visit, emails you send, and information you submit to online services. There are two types of footprints: Passive – A data trail you unintentionally leave online. For example,…

A parent’s top job is protecting their children, whether tucking them into an infant car seat that swallows their tiny selves before leaving the hospital, or hovering the first time they climb onto a merry-go-round. You wouldn’t allow your child to stumble through a pile of rusty nails when learning to walk or attend a dance with a boy you’ve never met. So why would you allow your child to be unsupervised on the Internet where, for all its learning and research benefits, an equal number of dangerous people lurk? The average victim of online enticement is age 15 but according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, it can begin much younger. Online enticement is defined as an individual who is communicating online with someone who is…

CHILD READING LIST ★ “A Little Book About Safety” by Samantha Kurtzman-Counter and Abbie Schiller★ “The Day My Parents Got Lost” by Susette Williams PARENT READING LIST ★ “The Savvy Cyber Kids at Home: The Family Gets a Computer” by Ben Halpert★ “Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology” by Diana Graber For preschool-aged children, the American Medical Association recommends limiting screen time to one hour a day of high-quality programming. Allowing children more than that can be associated with difficulty with attention, emotional regulation, and creativity, among other things. Helping children learn to use digital media and the Internet for learning and information is the best way to lay the groundwork for responsible use as they grow up. Making sure screen time…

To help parents understand the importance and impact of protecting their college student’s digital footprint, we asked Arizona State University’s Jason Manning, Executive Director, Digital Media and Strategic Communication, to provide some insight and advice. Here’s what he shared. While social media and the Internet can be a useful resource, it can also expose young people to things like identity theft, financial loss and cyberbullying. Why is it important for college students to protect their digital footprint? Young people should understand that in return for the “free” service and entertainment provided by many social media networks and popular apps, they are giving up a portion of their privacy. Companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok gather personal information from users of their platforms in order to earn money…

What is the Division of Problem Gambling’s mission? A department of the Arizona Department of Gaming, the division’s mission is to provide effective problem gambling prevention, treatment and education programs. The division is committed to a public health approach to address problem gambling issues. This takes into consideration biological, behavioral, economic, cultural, policy and environmental factors influencing gambling and health. We will accomplish our mission and realize our vision by being culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of our partners and those we serve. We will be professional, collaborative, equitable, and innovative in our solutions to address problem gambling. What is the Division of Problem Gambling’s history? General Election 2002’s Ballot Proposition 202 (the “Indian Gaming Preservation and Self-Reliance Act”) stated: “Two percent [of the tribal contributions made to…

On Saturday, October 12th, MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids) held its annual MASKer Aide Ball at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The theme for this year’s elegant black-tie affair was “The Orient” and event partner the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transformed the ballroom into an exotic far east masterpiece. Over 450 guests entered the ballroom through an exquisite archway of colorful Asian parasols and were transported to the far east by parasols, tea lights and several 40-foot parade dragons suspended from the ceiling. The exotic feeling was emphasized by elegant tablescapes adorned with a cherry blossom tree and silk Asian garden overlays in a beautiful brocade of deep red. Once seated, attendees were treated to a show-stopping performance from Kodo drummers, lion dancers, Asian fan dancers and a Kung Fu experience.…

DRUG Educating kids on what to do when someone overdoses or has a bad reaction to drugs or alcohol could save their lives and the lives of others. When witnessing something like this, kids may not call for help for fear of the consequences. Look into your state’s Good Samaritan Law, which protects those who help others in dire need. BULLY Excluding someone from a group, ruining someone’s relationships, or publicly humiliating someone is considered social, or covert, bullying. Be cognizant of your child’s attitudes and behaviors, and talk with them about the long-term effects of bullying someone else. Their behavior could be a reflection of how they feel internally. TECH While your child’s social media posts or profile may not be cause for alarm, know who your child is…

HELLO, SUNSHINE! Celebrate the special bond you have with your daughter with the You Are My Sunshine necklace set by Bryan Anthonys. The two halves come together to form a sun. $64. bryananthonys.com STORY OF YOU Document your child’s first year with this interactive journal by Artifact Uprising. Fill it with candid photos and personal thoughts. $99. artifactuprising.com PERFECT CASE Protect yourself and your family from radiation that is emitted from our phones with SafeSleeve, available for phones, tablets and laptops. $50 to $100. safesleevecases.com BACK IN TIME Listen to your favorite tunes with this retro-inspired Bluetooth speaker by Muzen. Durable and compact, you can bring it just about anywhere. $135. amazon.com ‘FIRST’ AID KIT Take the stress out of her first period with this handy kit every girl needs…

As president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), Eva Velasquez is dedicated to educating and empowering Internet users of all ages to be safer, more secure and better protect their personal information online. Previously with the San Diego Better Business Bureau and the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, she is recognized as a nationwide expert on identity theft, data breaches, scams and related topics and has been featured on the CBS Evening News, CNBC Nightly Business Report, Forbes, Kiplinger, The New York Times, Reuters, The Washington Post and numerous others. At the ITRC, Velasquez oversees the nonprofit organization’s work and efforts to support victims of identity theft in resolving their cases, and to broaden public education and awareness in the understanding of identity theft, data breaches, cyber…

It’s evident that parental involvement can be a great deciding factor when it comes to a young person’s Internet safety. As soon as your kids begin to go online, it’s important to explain your expectations of their behavior. By acting responsibly and respectfully, they get the most out of the Internet, while mostly avoiding such things such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content. Here are some basics to share with your child: • COMMUNICATE APPROPRIATELY. Use the right language for your audience—you might write or speak to a teacher differently from a friend. • KEEP PRIVATE THINGS PRIVATE. Don’t share personal information, including passwords, your home address, inappropriate images and gossip. • RESPECT OTHERS. Be courteous and disagree politely. • DON’T LIE, STEAL OR CHEAT. Don’t try to deceive others. Remember…

Walking down the street in any city or town in America, it’s almost impossible not to run into someone on their phone, tablet or watch. As a society, we’ve become dependent on these devices for information, communication and entertainment. As adults, we can’t seem to get away from them. So how do we expect our children and teens to take a break from the screens and why is it important? + Why screen-free time is important. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Risks (from too much screen time) include negative health effects on weight and sleep; exposure to inaccurate, inappropriate, or unsafe content and contacts; and compromised privacy and confidentiality.” As adults, we see evidence of these risks in our children and teens on a daily basis. So how…

Q: My friends and I follow each other using the location services feature on our phones. My mom is okay with that, but she wants me to turn off this feature within some of my social media apps because anyone can find me that way. Why is she worried? — Jeff, 8th grade, Tucson, Arizona A: Jeff, your mom is obviously c oncerned about your safety, and unfortunately there are child predators out there who can find people using this feature on these apps. Technology is great but it also comes with some risks. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so please follow her rule on this one. Q: My friend recently started hanging out with a guy who is very popular. She has been sending him pictures of…

It’s often noted these days that children don’t know how to act in more formal settings, and considering the behavior routinely witnessed in neighborhood restaurants, it’s hard to argue that point. The fact is, many of today’s young people don’t get much practice. Eating out is so commonplace now that public tables are treated as personal ones. And dinnertime is often such a hurried affair that kids have gotten used to regularly leaving their seat at the table to grab what they need, talking excitedly over others and disappearing into electronics while everyone else finishes—all while still wearing grimy sports uniforms. While this may (or may not) fly on any given Tuesday, it’s no wonder we lack the confidence to take the whole family to the boss’s daughter’s wedding. But…

Since the 1990s, when cell phones first became widely available in the United States, their use has increased dramatically. According to the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, there were more than 400 million cell phone subscribers in the U.S. in 2017. In addition, the number of cell phone calls per day and the amount of time people use cell phones has also increased. Cell phones (including smartphones) give off a form of energy known as radiofrequency (RF) waves. Many factors can affect the amount of RF energy to which a person is exposed, including: ★ The amount of time the person is on the phone. ★ Whether the person is using the speaker mode or a hands-free device. ★ The distance and path to the nearest cell phone tower. Cell…

The easy accessibility of drugs to young adults, teens and even children is alarming. While we may think some drugs can be hard to obtain, the Internet is fast becoming a place where people can easily find and order drugs. Kratom is a drug that is gaining popularity. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia which has leaves containing compounds that can have mind-altering effects. Since it’s not currently an illegal substance, kratom has been easy to order online. It’s sometimes sold as a green powder, extract, or even gum in packets labeled “not for human consumption.” It’s important to familiarize yourself with possible forms of kratom so that you will be equipped to identify the drug if you think…

Winter is a great time to get outdoors with the kids. Whether it’s a ski vacation at one of North America’s top mountain resorts, snowmobiling or snow shoeing on local trails, having fun in the snow on a tubing run, or seeing wildlife at a national park, this is the perfect time to warm up to some family togetherness. If you’re planning on hitting the slopes this season, check out these family-friendly ski destinations guaranteed to put the thrill (and chill) in your next family vacation. BEAVER CREEK RESORT, COLORADO Hot cocoa served at chairlifts. Fresh-baked cookies handed out at the mountain base every afternoon. Evening ski runs followed by a fireworks show. It’s easy to see why Beaver Creek is a favorite destination for ski-loving families. No matter your…

From the moment our kids were born, my husband and I made a pact that we would always tell them the truth. We always gave them honest and truthful answers to their questions, never sugar-coating the truth or giving them fairytale answers, no matter how hard it was to explain. As we all know, babies don’t come from the stork. We always explained why we didn’t want them to run with scissors. If we told them “no,” it was always followed with an up-front explanation. Thinking back to my own childhood, I remember hating when my parents would say “because I said so,” never giving me an actual answer or explanation. Reflecting back on my own experience as a parent, I remember having the “birds and the bees” talk with…

In this new age of technology, being online is so integrated into the day-to-day lives of teens. Because of this, teens should raise concerns over such things as how to protect personal information and how online activity affects future career plans. While teens say they use technology for educational purposes, a 2018 study by Common Sense Media shows that 41 percent of teens use their phones, computers and tablets for social media. Having social media from a young age influences many things and also proves risky with the kind of content the child posts. No matter what, social media follows a person throughout their life, affecting them through a digital footprint. HOW THEIR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT CAN AFFECT A TEEN During the teen years, an individual grows and matures, and social…

Protecting your child’s digital DNA comes down to understanding the impact technology has on our children, their children, and the future. We truly don’t understand the impact of technology and what implications the amount, type and access to technology is going to mean for how our children interact with the world and each other. “Navigating the world of technology for parents is even harder because we didn’t grow up with the same access,” says Dr. Shefali Gandhi, a licensed psychologist in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Since we don’t understand our children’s experience, it’s difficult to keep up with everything new that comes out. Finding trusted resources, talking consistently with your children about technology, and keeping up with the changes are the best a parent can do.” Whether you have a Pre-K, elementary,…

What is identify theft and are you at risk? Identity theft is a crime in which someone accesses information to commit fraud, typically by getting false credentials, opening new accounts in someone else’s name, or using someone else’s existing accounts. Identity theft is a serious crime in the United States. In fact, nearly $15 billion was stolen from identity theft victims in 2017, proving there are more hazards in today’s digital world than viruses and ransomware. Your information could be breached online and then sold on the dark web, or your privacy could be compromised while using public Wi-Fi. That’s why Norton with LifeLock helps fight these new and evolving cyber threats while helping to protect your identity. Lifelock is an online security subscription service that monitors a subscriber’s important…

CREAMY MAC & CHEESE DOMINICK’S STEAKHOUSE 1 pint heavy cream2 egg yolks¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated¼ cup Romano cheese, grated1 cup cheddar, shredded1 cup mozzarella, shredded4 cups cavatappi pasta, cooked½ cup panko breadcrumbs2 tbsp. chives, chopped • In a sauté pan, heat heavy cream over medium heat. As it begins to simmer, reduce heat to low and allow cream to reduce by half. Once reduced, remove one cup of cream and place in a small mixing bowl. Whisk the egg yolks into the heavy cream in the mixing bowl to combine, then slowly whisk the egg and cream mixture back into the hot cream in the pan. Once fully combined, whisk in the Parmesan and Romano over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and cream is a smooth…

In 2013, AKAJaneDoe (not her real name) received a phone call that changed her life forever. It was a call from a credit card company asking her to call them back. At first, she thought the call itself was fraudulent, so she decided to cross-check the number. She discovered it was to a major credit card company’s fraud department. They said someone tried to obtain a credit card using her name, address and Social Security number. AKAJaneDoe decided to check her credit report, only to discover that numerous accounts—in the neighborhood of 50, to be exact—were opened in her name, as well as multiple inquiries made about her credit. She also discovered much of the information on her report was incorrect, indicating the identity thief essentially overwrote AKAJaneDoe’s info with…