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Date:7/24/2025 6:33:05 PM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] I'd like to share a link with you I'd like to share a link with you How Smartwatches Are Subverting School No-Phone Policies Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. It’s no s urpris e tha t s ma rtphones in the clas s room can ca us e s erious dis ruptions to lea rning . B ut wha t about s martwa tc hes ? D r. Delaney explores the ris ing is s ue of wris t-ba s ed computers in s chools a nd how one s chool ha s dec i ded to ta ckl e the probl em. She s peaks with K-8 s chool couns elor and Nurtured Hea rt practitioner Dr. Ta mmy Fis her to l ea rn how i mpl ementing Away for T he D a y g uidelines , a nd us ing clea r, cons is tent rules a round s ma rtwatches , ha s helped her s chool not onl y c reate a more focus ed a nd eng a g ed cla s s room but a ls o build res ilience in their youth. This epis ode is intended for adult a nd youth a udiences . Feat u red Exp ert Dr. Ta mmy Fis her, Ph.D. Boo k s Fea rles s Parenting : Stepping into Life’s Grea tes t R ole, by Dr. Ta mmy Fis her There’s Always Something Going R ig ht: Workbook for Crea ting Truly Grea t Schools , by Louis a T riandis LC SW and Dr. T a mmy Fi s her Ad d itio n al Lin ks Nurtured Hea rt Ins titute Away for The Da y: The Screena g er’s C ampaign for phones a nd s martwa tches awa y during s chool Screena g ers : Why School Sa fety Experts Want Phone Bans Screena g ers : How Sma rtphones are Pus hing Schools to the Brea king Point Time Cod es 00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podca s t 00:27 The Sma rtwatch C ha lleng e in Schools 00:55 Away for the Day C ampaign 01:28 Sma rtwatch Dis tra ctions in the C las s room 03:00 Expert Ins ig hts : Dr. Ta mmy Fis her 04:31 Implementing Abs olute C la rity 09:24 B uilding Res ilience in Kids 11:53 Nurtured Hea rt Approa ch 14:53 Focus ing on Abs olute Yes 19:31 Fina l Thoug hts a nd Res ources https://www.screenagersmovie.com/podcasts/smartwatches-school Date:7/25/2025 8:06:23 AM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] Trump signs order pushing cities and states to remove homele ss pe ople from streets Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Trump signs order pushing cities and states to remove homeless people from streets - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/trump-looks-to-disband-homeless-camps-across-us-with-new-order/ar-AA1Jejot? ocid=socialshare Date:7/25/2025 1:05:56 PM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] A popular VPN is seeing a 1,400% spike in signups as the UK's age ve rification law takes effect Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: A popular VPN is seeing a 1,400% spike in signups as the UK's age verification law takes effect - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/a-popular-vpn-is-seeing-a-1-400-spike-in-signups-as-the-uk-s-age-verification- law-takes-effect/ar-AA1JijPI?ocid=socialshare Date:7/25/2025 8:26:21 PM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] 10 signs your child is addicted to gaming - and how you can he lp as a parent Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: 10 signs your child is addicted to gaming - and how you can help as a parent - https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/10-signs-your-child-is-addicted-to-gaming-and-how-you-can-help-as-a-parent/ar-AA1Jd8Ng? ocid=socialshare Date:7/26/2025 5:23:36 PM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] Hoag Speaker Series Event: Gaming, Social Media and Mental Wellness Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. https://youtu.be/uz5IyhKm4YI?si=41PpsXMw-TmkmAZ5 HO AG HO SPITAL MENTAL ILLNESS SO C IAL MEDIA ADDICTIO NS YouTube Share your videos with friends, family, and the world youtu.be HOAG HOSPITAL MENTAL ILLNESS SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTIONS please click on image to view video presentation. socialemotionalpaws.com HOAG HOSPITAL MENTAL ILLNESS SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTIONS please click on image to view video presentation. socialemotionalpaws.com Date:7/27/2025 2:49:11 PM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] Reducing screen time protects children’s mental health Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Reducing screen time protects children’s mental health - https://www.msn.com/en- us/health/other/reducing-screen-time-protects-children-s-mental-health/ar-AA1AKHJw?ocid=socialshare Date:7/28/2025 8:59:50 AM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] Hoag Speaker Series Event: Gaming, Social Media and Mental Wellness Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. https://youtu.be/uz5IyhKm4YI?si=-a9B-RAL7WrcSYsx Date:8/3/2025 4:59:21 PM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] Abbott touts classroom cell phone ban, expanded online child protections in Amarillo Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Abbott touts classroom cell phone ban, expanded online child protections in Amarillo - https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/abbott-touts-classroom-cell-phone-ban-expanded-online-child-protections-in-amarillo/ar- AA1JPtJo?ocid=socialshare It requires schools to adopt polices prohibiting students from using personal communicationIt requires schools to adopt polices prohibiting students from using personal communication devices during the school day. Personal communication devices include cell phones, tablets, smartdevices during the school day. Personal communication devices include cell phones, tablets, smart watches, radios, watches, radios, pagers and “any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digitalpagers and “any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.”communication.” Abbott touts classroom cell phone ban, expanded online child protections in Amarillo (The Center Square) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ceremonially signed two bills into law coauthored by freshman state Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo, designed to expand protections for children and improve education outcomes in public schools. The laws prohibit personal communication devices in classrooms, including cell phones, smart watches, tablets and other devices, putting “parents in […] www.msn.com Date:8/3/2025 6:46:31 PM From:" " city@buenapark.com. Subject:[EXTERNAL] Texas state House Bill 33: enhances school safety by strengthening emergency operations planning, security reviews and safety audits, and training to help protect students and staff. Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 08-03-202508-03-2025 (P.R.D.D.C.)(P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDRENPARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C.CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. P.O.BOX 2001 GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842P.O.BOX 2001 GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842 SOCIALEMOTIONALPAWS.COMSOCIALEMOTIONALPAWS.COM FACEBOOK: CRAIG DURFEYFACEBOOK: CRAIG DURFEY U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG CRAIG DURFEYDURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA LORETTA SANCHEZSANCHEZ of California. of California. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdfhttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf new website new website socialemotionalpaws.orgsocialemotionalpaws.org CA State AssemblyCA State Assembly CA State SenateCA State Senate U.S. CongressU.S. Congress To whom it may concern.To whom it may concern. Writing to request legislation to address support for Texas Bill 33: school safety with Orange County CA Grand Jury report calling for training to address schools’Writing to request legislation to address support for Texas Bill 33: school safety with Orange County CA Grand Jury report calling for training to address schools’ safety safety to social media influence impacts child development behavior.to social media influence impacts child development behavior. CA State Peace office training would benefit from training to recognize the child abuse from having students’ behavior below are links to describe many waysCA State Peace office training would benefit from training to recognize the child abuse from having students’ behavior below are links to describe many ways social media social media creates anti-social skills, no empathy bullying. Calling For State, Federal legislation create training in schools be held accountable standardscreates anti-social skills, no empathy bullying. Calling For State, Federal legislation create training in schools be held accountable standards screentime to training preventing cognitive delay to no Esports at all, increase more reading, increase activities screentime to training preventing cognitive delay to no Esports at all, increase more reading, increase activities building social skills as in Hope Squad, dogbuilding social skills as in Hope Squad, dog therapy. Below noted the Texas law to Orange Grand Jury CA reporting call changes many flews.therapy. Below noted the Texas law to Orange Grand Jury CA reporting call changes many flews. Texas state House Bill 33: enhances school safety by strengthening emergency operations planning, security reviews and safety audits, and training to helpTexas state House Bill 33: enhances school safety by strengthening emergency operations planning, security reviews and safety audits, and training to help protect students protect students and staff.and staff. Gov. Abbott signs bill prohibiting students from using cell phones in Texas schoolsGov. Abbott signs bill prohibiting students from using cell phones in Texas schools House Bill 33 (McLaughlin/Flores) enhances school safety by strengthening emergency operations planning, security reviews and safety audits, and training toHouse Bill 33 (McLaughlin/Flores) enhances school safety by strengthening emergency operations planning, security reviews and safety audits, and training to help protect help protect students and staff.students and staff. OC government agencies need to improve hate crime initiatives, grand jury says.OC government agencies need to improve hate crime initiatives, grand jury says. Orange County agencies — including the OC Board of Supervisors — should improve how hate crimes and incidents are reported and addressed, the OrangeOrange County agencies — including the OC Board of Supervisors — should improve how hate crimes and incidents are reported and addressed, the Orange County Grand Jury said County Grand Jury said after a review of local responses and programs.after a review of local responses and programs. Concerns over the effectiveness of local efforts to combat hate and countywide reporting systems led to the study, the grand jury said in its recently releasedConcerns over the effectiveness of local efforts to combat hate and countywide reporting systems led to the study, the grand jury said in its recently released report, report, “Hate: What is Orange County Doing About It?”“Hate: What is Orange County Doing About It?” The review looked at hate crime data from 2023 and grand jury members conducted various surveys, field visits and interviews of city officials and communityThe review looked at hate crime data from 2023 and grand jury members conducted various surveys, field visits and interviews of city officials and community leaders over leaders over the last year.the last year. In 2023, Orange County reported 95 hate crimes, a decrease from 112 in 2022 and the first decline in hate crimes since 2016. However, the Anti-DefamationIn 2023, Orange County reported 95 hate crimes, a decrease from 112 in 2022 and the first decline in hate crimes since 2016. However, the Anti-Defamation League said it League said it documented 88 antisemitic incidents alone in the Orange County/Long Beach region in 2023, an increase from 55 in 2022.documented 88 antisemitic incidents alone in the Orange County/Long Beach region in 2023, an increase from 55 in 2022. “Official data may underrepresent the true scope of the problem,” the grand jury surmised.“Official data may underrepresent the true scope of the problem,” the grand jury surmised. Incomplete reports from at least four cities and the exclusion of non-criminal hate incidents contributed to discrepancies in Orange County data, the grand juryIncomplete reports from at least four cities and the exclusion of non-criminal hate incidents contributed to discrepancies in Orange County data, the grand jury said. Barriers said. Barriers to reporting — such as fear of retaliation and distrust in law enforcement — have also led to underreporting. to reporting — such as fear of retaliation and distrust in law enforcement — have also led to underreporting. The grand jury is recommending the creation of a centralized reporting portal or mechanism for local law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations toThe grand jury is recommending the creation of a centralized reporting portal or mechanism for local law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations to use to streamline use to streamline the reporting process and improve data capture.the reporting process and improve data capture. Sign up for Down Ballot, our Southern California politics email newsletter. Subscribe here.Sign up for Down Ballot, our Southern California politics email newsletter. Subscribe here. Several of the grand jury’s recommendations are targeted at the Board of Supervisors and its seven-member Human Relations Commission, which overseesSeveral of the grand jury’s recommendations are targeted at the Board of Supervisors and its seven-member Human Relations Commission, which oversees issues of prejudice issues of prejudice and discrimination within the county. The size of the committee was shrunk last year, meetings became less frequent and law enforcementand discrimination within the county. The size of the committee was shrunk last year, meetings became less frequent and law enforcement and city representation largely removed.and city representation largely removed. In June 2024, the supervisors also ended the county’s partnership with Groundswell, a nonprofit organization that secured grants and funding for humanIn June 2024, the supervisors also ended the county’s partnership with Groundswell, a nonprofit organization that secured grants and funding for human relations programs relations programs not directly supported by the board.not directly supported by the board. The decisions by the supervisors “raised concerns about the county’s commitment to addressing systemic bias, hate crimes, and discrimination,” the grand juryThe decisions by the supervisors “raised concerns about the county’s commitment to addressing systemic bias, hate crimes, and discrimination,” the grand jury wrote.wrote. Second District Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento said he would raise the commission’s role with his colleagues.Second District Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento said he would raise the commission’s role with his colleagues. “I fear we have limited the capacity of this commission to help provide a safe forum for the community,” he said in a statement. “I will be bringing the need to“I fear we have limited the capacity of this commission to help provide a safe forum for the community,” he said in a statement. “I will be bringing the need to strengthen strengthen the work of the commission back to the board and hope that my colleagues will be able to support addressing hate in our culture.”the work of the commission back to the board and hope that my colleagues will be able to support addressing hate in our culture.” The grand jury argues the commission should be reinstated to its previous size of 11 members and scope.The grand jury argues the commission should be reinstated to its previous size of 11 members and scope. The commission should also report semiannually to the board starting at the end of August, and form a coalition of community leaders and city and lawThe commission should also report semiannually to the board starting at the end of August, and form a coalition of community leaders and city and law enforcement representatives enforcement representatives by the end of September, the grand jury recommends.by the end of September, the grand jury recommends. The last recommendation for the supervisors from the grand jury is to be prepared to allocate funding to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and OCThe last recommendation for the supervisors from the grand jury is to be prepared to allocate funding to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and OC Asian Pacific Asian Pacific Islanders Community Alliance, which are facing funding cuts in the next two years, but have shown successes with hate crime prevention.Islanders Community Alliance, which are facing funding cuts in the next two years, but have shown successes with hate crime prevention. In 2024, the OCDA received a $1.4 million federal grant to help prosecute hate crimes and work with community partners on outreach to targeted communities.In 2024, the OCDA received a $1.4 million federal grant to help prosecute hate crimes and work with community partners on outreach to targeted communities. The grant expires The grant expires in 2027.in 2027. Currently, the Human Relations Commission is working on creating a credible data collection infrastructure to standardize hate crime reporting, Fifth DistrictCurrently, the Human Relations Commission is working on creating a credible data collection infrastructure to standardize hate crime reporting, Fifth District Supervisor Supervisor Katrina Foley said in response to the grand jury’s recommendation that the Sheriff’s Department and nonprofits create a streamlined reportingKatrina Foley said in response to the grand jury’s recommendation that the Sheriff’s Department and nonprofits create a streamlined reporting process.process. “Their recommendation is what we’re doing, but that takes time,” Foley said in an interview. “The first step is to establish a credible methodology. The second“Their recommendation is what we’re doing, but that takes time,” Foley said in an interview. “The first step is to establish a credible methodology. The second step is step is to move into a growth period.”to move into a growth period.” And returning the seven-member commission to its original size is an “arbitrary number,” she said. “There’s no magic number of how to respond and to stampAnd returning the seven-member commission to its original size is an “arbitrary number,” she said. “There’s no magic number of how to respond and to stamp out hate in the out hate in the community.”community.” The district attorney is “extremely concerned” that the jury’s recommendation to create a reporting portal within the Sheriff’s Department will only createThe district attorney is “extremely concerned” that the jury’s recommendation to create a reporting portal within the Sheriff’s Department will only create additional layers additional layers of reporting, instead of actually streamlining the process, OCDA spokesperson Kimberly Edds said.of reporting, instead of actually streamlining the process, OCDA spokesperson Kimberly Edds said. It is the District Attorney’s Office that reports all hate crimes to the California Department of Justice, she said. And, county prosecutors determine whetherIt is the District Attorney’s Office that reports all hate crimes to the California Department of Justice, she said. And, county prosecutors determine whether something something can be prosecuted as a hate crime or hate incident.can be prosecuted as a hate crime or hate incident. Also, different organizations might have their own definition of what constitutes a hate crime, and report crimes or incidents that do not fall under the CaliforniaAlso, different organizations might have their own definition of what constitutes a hate crime, and report crimes or incidents that do not fall under the California Department Department of Justice definition, Edds said. This could lead to overreporting and confusion during the reporting process, Edds said.of Justice definition, Edds said. This could lead to overreporting and confusion during the reporting process, Edds said. “We are working with the county CEO’s office to respond to the grand jury recommendations in a way that highlights the necessity of accurate and complete“We are working with the county CEO’s office to respond to the grand jury recommendations in a way that highlights the necessity of accurate and complete reporting of hate reporting of hate crimes in a way that does not add additional bureaucracy and unnecessary confusion,” OCDA officials said in a statement.crimes in a way that does not add additional bureaucracy and unnecessary confusion,” OCDA officials said in a statement. In addition to being tasked by the grand jury to create its own reporting mechanism, the OC Sheriff’s Department should increase its educational and outreachIn addition to being tasked by the grand jury to create its own reporting mechanism, the OC Sheriff’s Department should increase its educational and outreach efforts, especially efforts, especially when it comes to encouraging the reporting of hate crimes, the grand jury recommended.when it comes to encouraging the reporting of hate crimes, the grand jury recommended. The Sheriff’s Department should also expand its Interfaith Advisory Council to more faith communities, including multiple congregations, and work more closelyThe Sheriff’s Department should also expand its Interfaith Advisory Council to more faith communities, including multiple congregations, and work more closely with Black- with Black- and Jewish-led organizations, two demographics most impacted by hate crimes in Orange County, the jury said in its report.and Jewish-led organizations, two demographics most impacted by hate crimes in Orange County, the jury said in its report. Only two out of three schools in Orange County collect data on hate crimes and incidents that occur on their campus, a grand jury survey of school districtsOnly two out of three schools in Orange County collect data on hate crimes and incidents that occur on their campus, a grand jury survey of school districts reported. Just reported. Just over half provide formal training on hate crimes to their staff, the grand jury said, and very few receive funding specifically for addressing hateover half provide formal training on hate crimes to their staff, the grand jury said, and very few receive funding specifically for addressing hate crimes.crimes. “Hate is a learned behavior. Early intervention is essential for promoting tolerance and respect,” the jury wrote in its findings, recommending the OC Department“Hate is a learned behavior. Early intervention is essential for promoting tolerance and respect,” the jury wrote in its findings, recommending the OC Department of Education of Education develop better databases tracking incidents.develop better databases tracking incidents. The jury is also recommending that the county education department provide a centralized database of resources and programs for K-12 schools and focus onThe jury is also recommending that the county education department provide a centralized database of resources and programs for K-12 schools and focus on age-appropriate age-appropriate curriculum in kindergarten through fifth grade to address the problem of hate crimes in school.curriculum in kindergarten through fifth grade to address the problem of hate crimes in school. The full grand jury report, including all of its findings and recommendations, can be found at ocgrandjury.org.The full grand jury report, including all of its findings and recommendations, can be found at ocgrandjury.org. OC government agencies need to improve OC government agencies need to improve hate crime initiatives, grhate crime initiatives, gr Texas state House Bill 33: enhances school safety by strengthening emergency operations planning, security reviews and safety audits, and training to helpTexas state House Bill 33: enhances school safety by strengthening emergency operations planning, security reviews and safety audits, and training to help protect students protect students and staff.and staff. HB 33, also known as the Uvalde Strong Act, seeks to strengthen school safety measures across Texas in response to recent tragic events involving activeHB 33, also known as the Uvalde Strong Act, seeks to strengthen school safety measures across Texas in response to recent tragic events involving active shooters at school shooters at school facilities. The bill requires public schools, public junior colleges, and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt enhanced multihazardfacilities. The bill requires public schools, public junior colleges, and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt enhanced multihazard emergency operations plans. These plans must address emergency prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, emergency operations plans. These plans must address emergency prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, ensuring thoroughensuring thorough coordination with law enforcement, emergency services, and public health departments.coordination with law enforcement, emergency services, and public health departments. The legislation mandates that all districts provide immediate communication capabilities in classrooms (such as cell phones or other electronic devices) toThe legislation mandates that all districts provide immediate communication capabilities in classrooms (such as cell phones or other electronic devices) to contact emergency contact emergency services. It also directs school districts to conduct mandatory emergency drills, implement standardized emergency response terminology,services. It also directs school districts to conduct mandatory emergency drills, implement standardized emergency response terminology, and assess the adequacy of communications infrastructure during emergencies. Furthermore, HB 33 expands the Texas Education and assess the adequacy of communications infrastructure during emergencies. Furthermore, HB 33 expands the Texas Education Agency’s oversight role byAgency’s oversight role by requiring regular safety audits and compliance reviews.requiring regular safety audits and compliance reviews. Additionally, the bill creates new requirements for law enforcement agencies responding to school emergencies, requiring them to obtain certain accreditationsAdditionally, the bill creates new requirements for law enforcement agencies responding to school emergencies, requiring them to obtain certain accreditations related to related to active shooter response standards. The law envisions a more accountable and better-coordinated emergency response framework statewide, aimingactive shooter response standards. The law envisions a more accountable and better-coordinated emergency response framework statewide, aiming to rebuild public trust and enhance student safety without fundamentally altering the autonomy of school governance to rebuild public trust and enhance student safety without fundamentally altering the autonomy of school governance outside of safety concerns.outside of safety concerns. The originally filed version of HB 33 proposed sweeping reforms across multiple layers of government and emergency services. It required not only public andThe originally filed version of HB 33 proposed sweeping reforms across multiple layers of government and emergency services. It required not only public and charter schools charter schools but also municipalities, counties, sheriffs' departments, EMS providers, and public information officers to overhaul their emergencybut also municipalities, counties, sheriffs' departments, EMS providers, and public information officers to overhaul their emergency management systems. The bill mandated comprehensive policies for active shooter responses, detailed post-incident reporting, management systems. The bill mandated comprehensive policies for active shooter responses, detailed post-incident reporting, new public information officernew public information officer certifications, expanded mutual aid agreements, and minimum equipment standards for tactical response. Additionally, it directed regional councils ofcertifications, expanded mutual aid agreements, and minimum equipment standards for tactical response. Additionally, it directed regional councils of government to develop mental health resource plans for first responders, significantly government to develop mental health resource plans for first responders, significantly broadening the scope beyond schools to community-wide emergencybroadening the scope beyond schools to community-wide emergency preparedness and recovery.preparedness and recovery. In contrast, the Committee Substitute significantly narrows the bill’s focus to the education sector. Rather than reshaping emergency management statewide,In contrast, the Committee Substitute significantly narrows the bill’s focus to the education sector. Rather than reshaping emergency management statewide, the substitute the substitute concentrates on strengthening multihazard emergency operations plans specifically for public school districts, open-enrollment charter schools,concentrates on strengthening multihazard emergency operations plans specifically for public school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and public junior colleges. It retains some new safety measures, such as requiring annual meetings with law enforcement, and public junior colleges. It retains some new safety measures, such as requiring annual meetings with law enforcement, enhancing emergencyenhancing emergency communications infrastructure, and mandating emergency drills, but removes the broader mandates on cities, counties, and first responders. The substitutecommunications infrastructure, and mandating emergency drills, but removes the broader mandates on cities, counties, and first responders. The substitute also drops requirements for tactical equipment minimums, formalized mutual aid agreements, also drops requirements for tactical equipment minimums, formalized mutual aid agreements, post-incident evaluations by EMS providers, and mental healthpost-incident evaluations by EMS providers, and mental health planning at the regional level.planning at the regional level. Ultimately, the substitute transforms the bill from a wide-ranging emergency management overhaul into a more targeted effort focused on improving schoolUltimately, the substitute transforms the bill from a wide-ranging emergency management overhaul into a more targeted effort focused on improving school safety protocols safety protocols and coordination with local law enforcement agencies. This adjustment both limits the scope of state intervention and likely reduces the fiscaland coordination with local law enforcement agencies. This adjustment both limits the scope of state intervention and likely reduces the fiscal and operational burden on local governments and first responder agencies compared to the original draft.and operational burden on local governments and first responder agencies compared to the original draft. AuthorAuthor https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-signs-child-online-safety-phone-free-classroom-laws-in-amarillohttps://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-signs-child-online-safety-phone-free-classroom-laws-in-amarillo Schools, law enforcement would craft annual school safety plans under Texas House billSchools, law enforcement would craft annual school safety plans under Texas House bill Schools, law enforcement would craft annual school safety plans under Texas House billSchools, law enforcement would craft annual school safety plans under Texas House bill The former mayor of Uvalde has introduced a Texas House bill aimed at strengthening how law enforcement agencies prepare for and respond to massThe former mayor of Uvalde has introduced a Texas House bill aimed at strengthening how law enforcement agencies prepare for and respond to mass shootings at schools.shootings at schools. State Rep. Don McLaughlin, R-Uvalde, introduced House Bill 33, deemed the “Uvalde Strong Act,” during a March 19 hearing, nearly three years after 19 childrenState Rep. Don McLaughlin, R-Uvalde, introduced House Bill 33, deemed the “Uvalde Strong Act,” during a March 19 hearing, nearly three years after 19 children and two teachers and two teachers were killed at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School in May 2022. McLaughlin served as the city’s mayor from 2014-2023, when he stepped downwere killed at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School in May 2022. McLaughlin served as the city’s mayor from 2014-2023, when he stepped down to run for the Texas House.to run for the Texas House. Under HB 33, school districts would be required to meet annually with state and local law enforcement to plan their response to active shooter situations andUnder HB 33, school districts would be required to meet annually with state and local law enforcement to plan their response to active shooter situations and other emergencies.other emergencies. “Passing HB 33 will ensure our law enforcement is prepared, our schools are protected, and failures like those we saw at Robb Elementary never happen again,”“Passing HB 33 will ensure our law enforcement is prepared, our schools are protected, and failures like those we saw at Robb Elementary never happen again,” McLaughlin McLaughlin said during the March 19 hearing. “No more excuses, no more passing the buck, no more officers standing around waiting for orders while kids aresaid during the March 19 hearing. “No more excuses, no more passing the buck, no more officers standing around waiting for orders while kids are bleeding in a classroom.”bleeding in a classroom.” A timeline released by the Texas Department of Public Safety showed that during the May 24, 2022, mass shooting, law enforcement officers spent one hourA timeline released by the Texas Department of Public Safety showed that during the May 24, 2022, mass shooting, law enforcement officers spent one hour and 14 minutes and 14 minutes inside Robb Elementary School before neutralizing the shooter, Community Impact previously reported.inside Robb Elementary School before neutralizing the shooter, Community Impact previously reported. 437270 City of Austin - Development Services Department-SCA-07-2025-Website Leaderboard437270 City of Austin - Development Services Department-SCA-07-2025-Website Leaderboard HB 33 was left pending March 19 in the House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans' Affairs. The proposal has bipartisan support in theHB 33 was left pending March 19 in the House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans' Affairs. The proposal has bipartisan support in the House, with House, with 76 lawmakers listed as co-authors.76 lawmakers listed as co-authors. The overviewThe overview McLaughlin’s bill would also require law enforcement agencies to convene annually for active shooter training exercises. Individual law enforcement officersMcLaughlin’s bill would also require law enforcement agencies to convene annually for active shooter training exercises. Individual law enforcement officers are required are required to prepare for active shooter situations through Texas’ Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training center, but state law does notto prepare for active shooter situations through Texas’ Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training center, but state law does not mandate this for entire agencies.mandate this for entire agencies. HB 33 would also provide grants to help police officers to train for active shooter scenarios.HB 33 would also provide grants to help police officers to train for active shooter scenarios. 435162 City of Austin - Housing Department-SCA-07-2025-Website Leaderboard435162 City of Austin - Housing Department-SCA-07-2025-Website Leaderboard McLaughlin said HB 33 would “open the lines of communication” and ensure first responders know how to work together in an emergency.McLaughlin said HB 33 would “open the lines of communication” and ensure first responders know how to work together in an emergency. “Law enforcement agencies don't always coordinate, and at Robb Elementary, that outright failed. ... The safety of our children shouldn't be a question of who's“Law enforcement agencies don't always coordinate, and at Robb Elementary, that outright failed. ... The safety of our children shouldn't be a question of who's in charge. in charge. It should be about how we all step up together,” he said during the hearing.It should be about how we all step up together,” he said during the hearing. Law enforcement officers who testified before the committee said the most important thing to do in an active shooter situation is “stop the killing and stop theLaw enforcement officers who testified before the committee said the most important thing to do in an active shooter situation is “stop the killing and stop the dying.”dying.” “Whether you're the first officer on the scene or the third officer, the training is the same: you’ve got to run towards the gunfire, you’ve got to stop the killing,“Whether you're the first officer on the scene or the third officer, the training is the same: you’ve got to run towards the gunfire, you’ve got to stop the killing, and and you can no longer continue waiting for a tactical team,” DPS director Col. Freeman Martin said. “Uvalde was just an anomaly. ... You can see the officersyou can no longer continue waiting for a tactical team,” DPS director Col. Freeman Martin said. “Uvalde was just an anomaly. ... You can see the officers were asking, ‘What are we doing?’ A lot of them had the training, but they were getting conflicting information.”were asking, ‘What are we doing?’ A lot of them had the training, but they were getting conflicting information.” 403431 Thiel Pediatric Dentistry-SCA-08-2025-Website Leaderboard403431 Thiel Pediatric Dentistry-SCA-08-2025-Website Leaderboard Zooming inZooming in In the wake of the Uvalde shooting, state legislators passed laws in 2023 requiring silent panic alert devices in all public school classrooms and armed securityIn the wake of the Uvalde shooting, state legislators passed laws in 2023 requiring silent panic alert devices in all public school classrooms and armed security officers officers on all campuses.on all campuses. Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said law enforcement agencies are still working to comply with changes from House Bill 3, which overhauled schoolChambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said law enforcement agencies are still working to comply with changes from House Bill 3, which overhauled school safety protocols.safety protocols. “We still have not even completed the training that [HB 3] established, working out the sheriff's duties with schools and police chiefs and fire departments, so“We still have not even completed the training that [HB 3] established, working out the sheriff's duties with schools and police chiefs and fire departments, so we're kind we're kind of putting things on top of each other when we haven't finished what we started,” Hawthorne said March 19.of putting things on top of each other when we haven't finished what we started,” Hawthorne said March 19. 403431 Thiel Pediatric Dentistry-SCA-08-2025-Website Leaderboard403431 Thiel Pediatric Dentistry-SCA-08-2025-Website Leaderboard He said smaller sheriff’s offices do not have the resources to send officers to annual active shooter trainings or hold multi-agency meetings.He said smaller sheriff’s offices do not have the resources to send officers to annual active shooter trainings or hold multi-agency meetings. “I still have murders and rapes and child abuse and all these other cases that I’ve got to keep working on,” Hawthorne said. “We don't have that ability to drop“I still have murders and rapes and child abuse and all these other cases that I’ve got to keep working on,” Hawthorne said. “We don't have that ability to drop what we what we do to spend weeks preparing for this. We have to figure out how to prepare for this catastrophic event in small increments of training, and ALERRTdo to spend weeks preparing for this. We have to figure out how to prepare for this catastrophic event in small increments of training, and ALERRT allows us to do that.”allows us to do that.” McLaughlin said he was working on a version of the bill, known as the committee substitute, that would “not change the concept of the bill, but will allowMcLaughlin said he was working on a version of the bill, known as the committee substitute, that would “not change the concept of the bill, but will allow agencies to work agencies to work together in a more effective way.” The committee could vote on the substitute during a future hearing.together in a more effective way.” The committee could vote on the substitute during a future hearing. Put in perspectivePut in perspective 398914 City of Austin - Water-07-2025-Website Leaderboard398914 City of Austin - Water-07-2025-Website Leaderboard During the hearing, Nim Kidd, who leads the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said he thought HB 33 would help improve communication between firstDuring the hearing, Nim Kidd, who leads the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said he thought HB 33 would help improve communication between first responders.responders. Kidd said he previously worked as a firefighter and did not learn how to work with other agencies until he arrived on the scene of an emergency.Kidd said he previously worked as a firefighter and did not learn how to work with other agencies until he arrived on the scene of an emergency. “Nothing in my initial training as a firefighter told me what I was supposed to expect from law enforcement,” Kidd said. “I think what the representative is trying“Nothing in my initial training as a firefighter told me what I was supposed to expect from law enforcement,” Kidd said. “I think what the representative is trying to do to do is bring those organizations together before, during and after the event to provide a safer response for Texans.”is bring those organizations together before, during and after the event to provide a safer response for Texans.” McLaughlin said he wanted to create strong accountability measures and ensure agencies plan ahead for emergencies under HB 33.McLaughlin said he wanted to create strong accountability measures and ensure agencies plan ahead for emergencies under HB 33. “If these policies had been in place three years ago, maybe, just maybe, those kids would be alive today,” he said. “We don't know that—we can't fix the past.“If these policies had been in place three years ago, maybe, just maybe, those kids would be alive today,” he said. “We don't know that—we can't fix the past. But we sure But we sure can fix the future.”can fix the future.” Rep. A.J. Louderback, R-Victoria, thanked McLaughlin for introducing the bill and said “bringing... everyone to the table on a timely basis or regular continuationRep. A.J. Louderback, R-Victoria, thanked McLaughlin for introducing the bill and said “bringing... everyone to the table on a timely basis or regular continuation is actually is actually part of the goal.” Louderback is the former Jackson County Sheriff.part of the goal.” Louderback is the former Jackson County Sheriff. Also of noteAlso of note Lawmakers also approved millions of dollars in school safety funding during the 2023 session, although some school districts have said it is not enough.Lawmakers also approved millions of dollars in school safety funding during the 2023 session, although some school districts have said it is not enough. This March, the Texas Senate passed a bill that would more than double the annual school safety funding districts receive. The measure was sent to the House.This March, the Texas Senate passed a bill that would more than double the annual school safety funding districts receive. The measure was sent to the House. Schools, Schools, law enforcement would craft annual school safety plans under Texas House bill | Community Impactlaw enforcement would craft annual school safety plans under Texas House bill | Community Impact IntroducedIntroduced 03/03/2025In Committee03/03/2025In Committee 05/14/2025Crossed Over05/14/2025Crossed Over 04/29/2025Passed04/29/2025Passed 06/20/2025DeadSigned/Enacted/Adopted06/20/2025DeadSigned/Enacted/Adopted 06/20/202506/20/2025 Introduced SessionIntroduced Session 89th Legislature Regular Session89th Legislature Regular Session Bill SummaryBill Summary AN ACT relating to active shooter incidents at primary and secondary school facilities and other emergencies.AN ACT relating to active shooter incidents at primary and secondary school facilities and other emergencies. AI SummaryAI Summary This bill, known as the Uvalde Strong Act, comprehensively addresses school safety and emergency response, particularly in the context of active shooterThis bill, known as the Uvalde Strong Act, comprehensively addresses school safety and emergency response, particularly in the context of active shooter incidents. The incidents. The bill requires school districts and charter schools to have specific safety measures, including at least one breaching tool and ballistic shield atbill requires school districts and charter schools to have specific safety measures, including at least one breaching tool and ballistic shield at each campus, and mandates security reviews for new or renovated school facilities. It establishes new training each campus, and mandates security reviews for new or renovated school facilities. It establishes new training and certification requirements for lawand certification requirements for law enforcement, emergency medical services personnel, and public information officers, focusing on improving response protocols for critical incidents. Theenforcement, emergency medical services personnel, and public information officers, focusing on improving response protocols for critical incidents. The legislation creates a template for evaluating and reporting on active legislation creates a template for evaluating and reporting on active shooter responses, develops a guide for preparing for and responding to schoolshooter responses, develops a guide for preparing for and responding to school emergencies, and requires the creation of mental health resource plans for first responders. Additionally, the bill mandates that local law enforcement agenciesemergencies, and requires the creation of mental health resource plans for first responders. Additionally, the bill mandates that local law enforcement agencies and emergency services and emergency services providers conduct thorough evaluations and submit reports after active shooter incidents, and establishes mutual aid agreementsproviders conduct thorough evaluations and submit reports after active shooter incidents, and establishes mutual aid agreements between agencies. The bill aims to improve coordination, communication, and preparedness among various agencies and organizations between agencies. The bill aims to improve coordination, communication, and preparedness among various agencies and organizations to enhance schoolto enhance school safety and emergency response capabilities, with most provisions set to take effect on September 1, 2025.safety and emergency response capabilities, with most provisions set to take effect on September 1, 2025. Committee CategoriesCommittee Categories Justice, Military Affairs and SecurityJustice, Military Affairs and Security Sponsors (96)Sponsors (96) Pete Flores (R)*, Ryan Guillen (R)*, Terri Leo-Wilson (R)*, A.J. Louderback (R)*, Don McLaughlin (R)*, Joe Moody (D)*, Daniel Alders (R), Trent Ashby (R), Pete Flores (R)*, Ryan Guillen (R)*, Terri Leo-Wilson (R)*, A.J. Louderback (R)*, Don McLaughlin (R)*, Joe Moody (D)*, Daniel Alders (R), Trent Ashby (R), Jeffrey Jeffrey Barry (R), Cecil Bell (R), Keith Bell (R), Paul Bettencourt (R), Salman Bhojani (D), César Blanco (D), Greg Bonnen (R), Brad Buckley (R), Briscoe Cain (R), Barry (R), Cecil Bell (R), Keith Bell (R), Paul Bettencourt (R), Salman Bhojani (D), César Blanco (D), Greg Bonnen (R), Brad Buckley (R), Briscoe Cain (R), David Cook (R), Philip Cortez (D), Tom Craddick (R), Charles Cunningham (R), Pat Curry David Cook (R), Philip Cortez (D), Tom Craddick (R), Charles Cunningham (R), Pat Curry (R), Drew Darby (R), Mano DeAyala (R), Mark Dorazio (R), Paul Dyson(R), Drew Darby (R), Mano DeAyala (R), Mark Dorazio (R), Paul Dyson (R), Caroline Fairly (R), Lulu Flores (D), James Frank (R), Gary Gates (R), Stan Gerdes (R), Mary González (D), Brent Hagenbuch (R), Cody Harris (R), Caroline(R), Caroline Fairly (R), Lulu Flores (D), James Frank (R), Gary Gates (R), Stan Gerdes (R), Mary González (D), Brent Hagenbuch (R), Cody Harris (R), Caroline Harris Davila (R), Harris Davila (R), Richard Hayes (R), Hillary Hickland (R), Adam Hinojosa (R), Chuy Hinojosa (D), Janis Holt (R), Lacey Hull (R), Helen Kerwin (R), Ken King (R), Richard Hayes (R), Hillary Hickland (R), Adam Hinojosa (R), Chuy Hinojosa (D), Janis Holt (R), Lacey Hull (R), Helen Kerwin (R), Ken King (R), Stan Kitzman (R), Lois Kolkhorst (R), Marc LaHood (R), Stan Lambert (R), Brooks Landgraf (R), Jeff Leach Stan Kitzman (R), Lois Kolkhorst (R), Marc LaHood (R), Stan Lambert (R), Brooks Landgraf (R), Jeff Leach (R), Mitch Little (R), Janie Lopez (R), Ray Lopez (D), (R), Mitch Little (R), Janie Lopez (R), Ray Lopez (D), David Lowe (R), J.M. Lozano (R), John Lujan (R), Shelley Luther (R), Mando Martinez (D), John McQueeney (R), José Menéndez (D), Will Metcalf (R), MorganDavid Lowe (R), J.M. Lozano (R), John Lujan (R), Shelley Luther (R), Mando Martinez (D), John McQueeney (R), José Menéndez (D), Will Metcalf (R), Morgan Meyer (R), Mayes Middleton (R), Borris Meyer (R), Mayes Middleton (R), Borris Miles (D), Brent Money (R), Eddie Morales (D), Penny Morales Shaw (D), Matt Morgan (R), Sergio Muñoz (D), CandyMiles (D), Brent Money (R), Eddie Morales (D), Penny Morales Shaw (D), Matt Morgan (R), Sergio Muñoz (D), Candy Noble (R), Tom Oliverson (R), Angelia Orr (R), Tan Parker (R), Jared Patterson (R), Dennis Paul (R), Angela Paxton (R), Dade Phelan Noble (R), Tom Oliverson (R), Angelia Orr (R), Tan Parker (R), Jared Patterson (R), Dennis Paul (R), Angela Paxton (R), Dade Phelan (R), Mihaela Plesa (D), (R), Mihaela Plesa (D), Richard Raymond (D), Keresa Richardson (R), Ramon Romero (D), Nate Schatzline (R), Charles Schwertner (R), Joanne Shofner (R), Shelby Slawson (R), JohnRichard Raymond (D), Keresa Richardson (R), Ramon Romero (D), Nate Schatzline (R), Charles Schwertner (R), Joanne Shofner (R), Shelby Slawson (R), John Smithee (R), Valoree Swanson (R), Senfronia Thompson (D), Steve Toth Smithee (R), Valoree Swanson (R), Senfronia Thompson (D), Steve Toth (R), Ellen Troxclair (R), Gary VanDeaver (R), Cody Vasut (R), Denise Villalobos (R), (R), Ellen Troxclair (R), Gary VanDeaver (R), Cody Vasut (R), Denise Villalobos (R), Wesley Virdell (R), Royce West (D), Trey Wharton (R), Terry Wilson (R),Wesley Virdell (R), Royce West (D), Trey Wharton (R), Terry Wilson (R), Last ActionLast Action Effective on 9/1/25 (on 06/20/2025)Effective on 9/1/25 (on 06/20/2025) Official DocumentOfficial Document https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB33https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB33 (1 Companion Bills)(1 Companion Bills) BillTrack*50* © 2011-2025 | legiscan logoBillTrack*50* © 2011-2025 | legiscan logo TX HB33 | BillTrack50 Senate Bill 11 (SB 11) and Other School Safety-Related Legislation | Texas Education Agency Page 12Page 12 Law Enforcement Law Enforcement The Grand Jury studied the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and local law enforcementThe Grand Jury studied the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and local law enforcement agencies to assess their effectiveness in identifying, reporting, and preventing hate crimes andagencies to assess their effectiveness in identifying, reporting, and preventing hate crimes and incidents and providing victim assistance. Legislative actions, including enhanced penalties byincidents and providing victim assistance. Legislative actions, including enhanced penalties by the DOJ, have strengthened standardization and hate crime prevention. the DOJ, have strengthened standardization and hate crime prevention. The Grand Jury’s study confirmed that all Orange County law enforcement agencies updatedThe Grand Jury’s study confirmed that all Orange County law enforcement agencies updated their hate crime policies to be POST-compliant and mandated POST training for all officers upontheir hate crime policies to be POST-compliant and mandated POST training for all officers upon their joining the department, and yearly thereafter. Shifting to a preventive approach, as outlinedtheir joining the department, and yearly thereafter. Shifting to a preventive approach, as outlined in AB449, aims to reduce hate crimes and incidents, build trust between law enforcement andin AB449, aims to reduce hate crimes and incidents, build trust between law enforcement and communities, and promote respect and equality. This strategy is essential in decreasing hatecommunities, and promote respect and equality. This strategy is essential in decreasing hate activity and helping residents feel more empowered to report all hate crimes and incidents to lawactivity and helping residents feel more empowered to report all hate crimes and incidents to law enforcement. enforcement. School Districts and CitiesSchool Districts and Cities School districts across Orange County are integrating anti-bias education into their curricula,School districts across Orange County are integrating anti-bias education into their curricula, recognizing that early education on diversity and tolerance, preferably prior to the sixth grade,recognizing that early education on diversity and tolerance, preferably prior to the sixth grade, helps prevent hate-motivated behaviors. Research from the RAND Corporation and Nationalhelps prevent hate-motivated behaviors. Research from the RAND Corporation and National Association for the Education of Young Children underscores the importance of early anti-hateAssociation for the Education of Young Children underscores the importance of early anti-hate education in reducing prejudice and fostering inclusive attitudes. Many districts offereducation in reducing prejudice and fostering inclusive attitudes. Many districts offer professional development for educators to equip them with the necessary skills to address bias inprofessional development for educators to equip them with the necessary skills to address bias in classrooms. classrooms. School District Survey ResultsSchool District Survey Results The Grand Jury surveyed all school districts in Orange County to determine what they are doingThe Grand Jury surveyed all school districts in Orange County to determine what they are doing to combat and prevent hate crimes and incidents. The survey results revealed that most schoolto combat and prevent hate crimes and incidents. The survey results revealed that most school districts in Orange County have a formal policy regarding hate crimes and incidents, but onlydistricts in Orange County have a formal policy regarding hate crimes and incidents, but only Hate_W hat_is_Orange_County_Doing_About_It_0.pdf Page 14Page 14 Many cities do not have a formal plan to address hate crimes.Many cities do not have a formal plan to address hate crimes. • Several are not collecting or analyzing hate crime data.• Several are not collecting or analyzing hate crime data. • Most cities collaborate with community organizations.• Most cities collaborate with community organizations. • Task forces are used by some but not all cities.• Task forces are used by some but not all cities. 1111 1212 2727 1515 2020 2525 77 • Very few cities receive specific grant funding for hate crime prevention or victim• Very few cities receive specific grant funding for hate crime prevention or victim support.support. 3030 Many cities do not have formal, stand-alone plans dedicated to hate crime prevention. They oftenMany cities do not have formal, stand-alone plans dedicated to hate crime prevention. They often rely on broader public safety policies, or the resources provided by the OCSD. Some cities, suchrely on broader public safety policies, or the resources provided by the OCSD. Some cities, such as Seal Beach and Newport Beach, have more structured approaches, including formal plans andas Seal Beach and Newport Beach, have more structured approaches, including formal plans and designated units within their police departments to manage hate crimes. In contrast, some smallerdesignated units within their police departments to manage hate crimes. In contrast, some smaller cities, which reported few hate crimes and incidents, do not have specialized plans or task forces.cities, which reported few hate crimes and incidents, do not have specialized plans or task forces. A common theme across the survey responses is the need for stronger networks for resourceA common theme across the survey responses is the need for stronger networks for resource sharing, and collaboration with community organizations, schools, and religious institutions.sharing, and collaboration with community organizations, schools, and religious institutions. Cities such as Seal Beach, Garden Grove, and Irvine engage with local groups to fosterCities such as Seal Beach, Garden Grove, and Irvine engage with local groups to foster inclusivity and support victims of hate crimes. These collaborations involve educationalinclusivity and support victims of hate crimes. These collaborations involve educational programs, community events, and partnerships with entities that combat hate activities.programs, community events, and partnerships with entities that combat hate activities. However, some cities, such as Fountain Valley and Aliso Viejo, acknowledge the importance ofHowever, some cities, such as Fountain Valley and Aliso Viejo, acknowledge the importance of such collaborations but have yet to establish a formal partnership. See Appendix for details of thesuch collaborations but have yet to establish a formal partnership. See Appendix for details of the survey.survey. Violence on TV: the effects can stretch Violence on TV: the effects can stretch from age 3 into the teensfrom age 3 into the teens Violence on TV: What happens to children who watch?Violence on TV: What happens to children who watch? Study finds little evidence linking violent Study finds little evidence linking violent video games to increavideo games to increa Ongoing Ongoing school violence in Revere | Watchschool violence in Revere | Watch https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/violence-on-tv-what-happens-to-children-who-watchhttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/violence-on-tv-what-happens-to-children-who-watch August 31, 2017 The Governor of California President pro Tempore of the Senate Speaker of the Assembly State Capitol Sacramento, August 31, 2017 The Governor of California President pro Tempore of the Senate Speaker of the Assembly State Capitol Sacramento, California 95814 DearCalifornia 95814 Dear Governor and Legislative Leaders: 2016-136 As requested by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, the California State Auditor presents this audit reportGovernor and Legislative Leaders: 2016-136 As requested by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, the California State Auditor presents this audit report concerning kindergarten through grade 12 schools’ readiness to respond to emergencies, concerning kindergarten through grade 12 schools’ readiness to respond to emergencies, especially active shooter threats and incidents in and around schoolespecially active shooter threats and incidents in and around school sites. This report concludes improvements need to be made to comprehensive school safety plans (safety plans) to ensure students and staff are kept safe,sites. This report concludes improvements need to be made to comprehensive school safety plans (safety plans) to ensure students and staff are kept safe, including during active shooter including during active shooter incidents. Safety plans are a collection of procedures that schools use in the event of emergencies and to promote a safeincidents. Safety plans are a collection of procedures that schools use in the event of emergencies and to promote a safe learning environment. Although not required by state law, some public-school districts (districts) and county offices of education (county learning environment. Although not required by state law, some public-school districts (districts) and county offices of education (county offices) haveoffices) have embraced practices for responding to violent incidents. However, our analysis found that many districts and county offices do not require schools to includeembraced practices for responding to violent incidents. However, our analysis found that many districts and county offices do not require schools to include these procedures in their safety plans,these procedures in their safety plans, https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/school-violence-preventionhttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/school-violence-prevention ESPORTS BRINGS VIOLENCE SCHOOLS HAVE AS EDUCATION// SCREENTIME/CDESPORTS BRINGS VIOLENCE SCHOOLS HAVE AS EDUCATION// SCREENTIME/CD https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/esports-brings-violence-schools-have-as-education-screentimecdhttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/esports-brings-violence-schools-have-as-education-screentimecd Does violence in video games impact aggression and empathy? A lonDoes violence in video games impact aggression and empathy? A lon https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/does-violence-in-video-games-impact-aggression-and-empathy-a-lon-1https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/does-violence-in-video-games-impact-aggression-and-empathy-a-lon-1 New Study Questions Link Between Violent Videogames, AggressionNew Study Questions Link Between Violent Videogames, Aggression https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/new-study-questions-link-between-violent-videogames-aggressionhttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/new-study-questions-link-between-violent-videogames-aggression Inside a local school district prioritizing safety with its own pInside a local school district prioritizing safety with its own p https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/inside-a-local-school-district-prioritizing-safety-with-its-own-phttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/inside-a-local-school-district-prioritizing-safety-with-its-own-p Violence, Threats, and Harassment Are Taking a Toll on Teachers,Violence, Threats, and Harassment Are Taking a Toll on Teachers, https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/violence-threats-and-harassment-are-taking-a-toll-on-teachershttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/violence-threats-and-harassment-are-taking-a-toll-on-teachers Screen Time Activities and Aggressive Behaviors Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic ReviewScreen Time Activities and Aggressive Behaviors Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/screen-time-activities-and-aggressive-behaviors-among-children-anhttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/screen-time-activities-and-aggressive-behaviors-among-children-an CDC finds early signs of mental health improvement among teensCDC finds early signs of mental health improvement among teens Despite what the CDC calls “good news” and “positive signs,” the data still shows increases in the percentage of students reporting Despite what the CDC calls “good news” and “positive signs,” the data still shows increases in the percentage of students reporting violence and safetyviolence and safety concerns at or on their way to school over the past two years. This includes increases in bullying (15% to 19%) and missing school because of such safetyconcerns at or on their way to school over the past two years. This includes increases in bullying (15% to 19%) and missing school because of such safety concerns (9% to 13%).concerns (9% to 13%). https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/cdc-finds-early-signs-of-mental-health-improvement-among-teenshttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/cdc-finds-early-signs-of-mental-health-improvement-among-teens 5+ Video Games Where Predators Target Kids5+ Video Games Where Predators Target Kids https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/5-video-games-where-predators-target-kidshttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/5-video-games-where-predators-target-kids Another Video Surfaces Showing Pacifica High Water Polo Team DoinAnother Video Surfaces Showing Pacifica High Water Polo Team Doin https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/another-video-surfaces-showing-pacifica-high-water-polo-team-doinhttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/another-video-surfaces-showing-pacifica-high-water-polo-team-doin A mother’s warning: If you have white teen sons, listen up …A mother’s warning: If you have white teen sons, listen up … https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/a-mother%E2%80%99s-warning-if-you-have-white-teen-sons-listen-up-%E2%80%A6-1https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/a-mother%E2%80%99s-warning-if-you-have-white-teen-sons-listen-up-%E2%80%A6-1 Founding Director of Polarization Extremism Research Innovation Lab (PERIL). She is well-known for her research on far-right movements Founding Director of Polarization Extremism Research Innovation Lab (PERIL). She is well-known for her research on far-right movements and how they attractand how they attract and radicalise young individuals.and radicalise young individuals. She says children as young as eight are being groomed into radical movements. The internet has streamlined the radicalisation process She says children as young as eight are being groomed into radical movements. The internet has streamlined the radicalisation process through creating anthrough creating an online ecosystem of hate. Creators of extremist content find ways to manipulate the algorithms and evade security measures. Recruitment into extremism is noonline ecosystem of hate. Creators of extremist content find ways to manipulate the algorithms and evade security measures. Recruitment into extremism is no longer organised, but spread via memes and ‘edgy’ counter-cultural jokes. She argues longer organised, but spread via memes and ‘edgy’ counter-cultural jokes. She argues that this is new territory in counter-extremism work which cannot bethat this is new territory in counter-extremism work which cannot be addressed through securitisation measures. She calls for efforts to increase resilience to extremist messaging and to bolster mainstream narratives, andaddressed through securitisation measures. She calls for efforts to increase resilience to extremist messaging and to bolster mainstream narratives, and identifies the importance of developing identifies the importance of developing preventative measures by reducing people’s susceptibility to extreme messaging. She talks about polarisation and howpreventative measures by reducing people’s susceptibility to extreme messaging. She talks about polarisation and how this led to the attacks on the Capitol on January 6th 2020.this led to the attacks on the Capitol on January 6th 2020. https://core-library.org/children-are-being-groomed-into-extremism/https://core-library.org/children-are-being-groomed-into-extremism/ How parents can spot the warning signs of radicalization in their kidsHow parents can spot the warning signs of radicalization in their kids We're going to start today with a focus on one of the disturbing but, frankly, all too common elements of that mass shooting in Buffalo We're going to start today with a focus on one of the disturbing but, frankly, all too common elements of that mass shooting in Buffalo this month - the onlinethis month - the online footprint. Investigators are scouring through it. They say the shooter outlined his plans for the attack on the instant messaging platform Discord. These logs arefootprint. Investigators are scouring through it. They say the shooter outlined his plans for the attack on the instant messaging platform Discord. These logs are in addition to a 200-page document of racist conspiracy theories, which in addition to a 200-page document of racist conspiracy theories, which was also online, as was the attack itself, since it was livestreamed. All these factswas also online, as was the attack itself, since it was livestreamed. All these facts expose a grim truth - that the internet is home to a lot of violent, extremist content.expose a grim truth - that the internet is home to a lot of violent, extremist content. To that end, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office would be investigating the social media companies To that end, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office would be investigating the social media companies and their role in promotingand their role in promoting hateful messages. In a statement, she said, quote, "time and time again, we have seen the real-world devastation that is borne of these dangerous and hatefulhateful messages. In a statement, she said, quote, "time and time again, we have seen the real-world devastation that is borne of these dangerous and hateful platforms, and we're doing everything in our power to shine a spotlight platforms, and we're doing everything in our power to shine a spotlight on this alarming behavior." But what may be surprising to some is how much of thison this alarming behavior." But what may be surprising to some is how much of this content is targeted to kids, teens and young adults, especially white teenage boys, to expose them to racist and sexist ideas.content is targeted to kids, teens and young adults, especially white teenage boys, to expose them to racist and sexist ideas. Joanna Schroeder is a parent and a writer who has seen this and tried to warn other parents about this for some time now. So we called Joanna Schroeder is a parent and a writer who has seen this and tried to warn other parents about this for some time now. So we called her to share her ideasher to share her ideas about how to deal with it, and she's with us now. Joanna Schroeder, welcome. Thanks for joining us.about how to deal with it, and she's with us now. Joanna Schroeder, welcome. Thanks for joining us. https://www.npr.org/2022/05/22/1100614913/how-parents-can-spot-the-warning-signs-of-radicalization-in-their-kidshttps://www.npr.org/2022/05/22/1100614913/how-parents-can-spot-the-warning-signs-of-radicalization-in-their-kids Thank YouThank You Craig DurfeyCraig Durfey Founder of P.R.D.D.C.Founder of P.R.D.D.C. Date:8/4/2025 8:04:46 AM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] Children and Screens Policymaker Awards at #MediaandMinds25 Children and Screens 3.4K subscribers Subscribed Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. https://youtu.be/xW1ZeXWz9WU?si=nO5EDIVB95fweflW Date:8/4/2025 2:51:56 PM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] Young online gamers ‘being recruited by extremists’ Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Young online gamers ‘being recruited by extremists’ - https://www.msn.com/en- us/news/world/young-online-gamers-being-recruited-by-extremists/ar-AA1JHqsC?ocid=socialshare Date:8/5/2025 11:38:32 AM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] How To Keep Your Tween Or Teen Gamer Safe From Internet Thre ats Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: How To Keep Your Tween Or Teen Gamer Safe From Internet Threats - https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/parenting/how-to-keep-your-tween-or-teen-gamer-safe-from-internet-threats/ar-AA1qg6Km? ocid=socialshare Date:8/6/2025 2:52:40 PM From:"Craig A Durfey" To: " Subject:[EXTERNAL] Teens are turning to AI for friendship, advice and emotional support Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachme nts unle ss you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Teens are turning to AI for friendship, advice and emotional support https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-05/teens-say-they-are-turning-to-ai-for-friendship Teenagers are increasingly turning to AI for advice, emotional support and decision-making, according to a new study. Date:8/7/2025 3:02:44 AM From:" Subject:[EXTERNAL] Wild Tunes program arranges music performances for shelter pets and How to Build Empathy and Strengthen Your School Community Attachment: Wild Tunes program arranges music for dog and children.pdf;HR 28, as amended, Dababneh WHEREAS, Sections 233.5 (part of the Hate Violence Prevention Act) and 60042 of the Education Code.pdf;AB-638 Mental Health Services Act early intervention and prevention programs.pdf;Orange County, NC - Resolution Addressing Social Media Use Screen Time and Mental Health_Approved by OC Health Department, NC 2025.03.26_For Sharing.pdf;Screen time, including television, videos, video games, and computer usage, shall be prohibited for children 10a ncac 09 .0510.pdf;hoag_and_irvine_unified_speaker_series_1_gaming_social_media_and_mental_wellness_presentation (5).pdf;Grand jury Hate crime initiatives need to.pdf; Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 06-06-202506-06-2025 (P.R.D.D.C.)(P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDRENPARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C.CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. P.O.BOX 2001 GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842P.O.BOX 2001 GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842 SOCIALEMOTIONALPAWS.COMSOCIALEMOTIONALPAWS.COM FACEBOOK: CRAIG DURFEYFACEBOOK: CRAIG DURFEY U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG CRAIG DURFEYDURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA LORETTA SANCHEZSANCHEZ of California. of California. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdfhttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf new website new website socialemotionalpaws.orgsocialemotionalpaws.org To whom it may concern.To whom it may concern. Wild Tunes program arranges music performances for shelter pets:Wild Tunes program arranges music performances for shelter pets: Annika Almgren, 15, sings for shelter animals at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center on Tuesday. Almgren, an artist, volunteered Annika Almgren, 15, sings for shelter animals at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center on Tuesday. Almgren, an artist, volunteered for the program.for the program. comfortable around humans, which ultimately increases their chances of Waiting for a new home can be nerve-wracking. Using music to calm anxious animalscomfortable around humans, which ultimately increases their chances of Waiting for a new home can be nerve-wracking. Using music to calm anxious animals is the latest program adopted by the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center to help the is the latest program adopted by the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center to help the pets in its care that are hoping to On Tuesday, the shelter introducedpets in its care that are hoping to On Tuesday, the shelter introduced Wild Tunes, a music program created by Yuvi Agarwal, a 12-year-old Houston boy who was on hand to perform for some of the dogs. His nonpro Wild Tunes, a music program created by Yuvi Agarwal, a 12-year-old Houston boy who was on hand to perform for some of the dogs. His nonpro The program was also introduced last week at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority shelter in Downey. The program was also introduced last week at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority shelter in Downey. “Music has the power to calm, connect and“Music has the power to calm, connect and heal,”heal,” Yuvi said in a statement. “Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned and stressed shelter pets associate humans with something good. Yuvi said in a statement. “Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned and stressed shelter pets associate humans with something good. When pets are routinely exposed to music, it helps them become more When pets are routinely exposed to music, it helps them become more “Music has the power to calm, connect and heal,” Yuvi said in a statement. “Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned “Music has the power to calm, connect and heal,” Yuvi said in a statement. “Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned and stressed shelterand stressed shelter pets associate humans with something good. When pets are routinely exposed to music, it helps them become more pets associate humans with something good. When pets are routinely exposed to music, it helps them become more How to Build Empathy and Strengthen Your School Community How to Build Empathy and Strengthen Your School Community How to Build Empathy and Strengthen Your School CommunityHow to Build Empathy and Strengthen Your School Community Although it doesn’t necessarily take a lot of work to build empathy, it does take attention and commitment — but it’s worth it for Although it doesn’t necessarily take a lot of work to build empathy, it does take attention and commitment — but it’s worth it for students, educators, and thestudents, educators, and the school community. Studies show that when young people have empathy, they display:school community. Studies show that when young people have empathy, they display: More classroom engagementMore classroom engagement Higher academic achievementHigher academic achievement Better communication skillsBetter communication skills Lower likelihood of bullyingLower likelihood of bullying Less aggressive behaviors and emotional disordersLess aggressive behaviors and emotional disorders More positive relationshipsMore positive relationships IntroductionIntroduction Aggressive behaviors become an important priority in health promotion of children and adolescents all over the world. It is documented Aggressive behaviors become an important priority in health promotion of children and adolescents all over the world. It is documented that at least 8% ofthat at least 8% of children around the world are affected from bully behaviors and about 50% of them involve aggression.[1,2,3] Behavioral problems such as juvenile misbehavior,children around the world are affected from bully behaviors and about 50% of them involve aggression.[1,2,3] Behavioral problems such as juvenile misbehavior, adulthood violence and criminal behavior might root from experiences of aggressive adulthood violence and criminal behavior might root from experiences of aggressive behaviors of the first years of life.[4,5]behaviors of the first years of life.[4,5] In spite of the related investigations, there are still obvious gaps in evidence that focus on aggressive bullying behaviors and In spite of the related investigations, there are still obvious gaps in evidence that focus on aggressive bullying behaviors and its predisposing factors. Theits predisposing factors. The results of studies of adolescents aggression behaviors' have discussed on different interactive factors which contributes from different domains of cognitiveresults of studies of adolescents aggression behaviors' have discussed on different interactive factors which contributes from different domains of cognitive stimulation, emotional support and television exposure.[6,7] Recently, stimulation, emotional support and television exposure.[6,7] Recently, most of the children and adolescents spend a considerable part of their time using visualmost of the children and adolescents spend a considerable part of their time using visual and auditory devices, including television, computer games, cell phones, tablets and personal computers.[8,9,10] Along with these situations, the Americanand auditory devices, including television, computer games, cell phones, tablets and personal computers.[8,9,10] Along with these situations, the American Academy of Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that in daily program of under 2 years children, entertainment media time should be limited to 1-2 hours.Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that in daily program of under 2 years children, entertainment media time should be limited to 1-2 hours. The AAP also warns about the television setting in children's bedrooms.[11] Despite of these recommendations, related investigations on daily activities ofThe AAP also warns about the television setting in children's bedrooms.[11] Despite of these recommendations, related investigations on daily activities of children and children and adolescents show that, yet most of them spend more than two hours for television watching,[12] and about 36% of 6-year-old children haveadolescents show that, yet most of them spend more than two hours for television watching,[12] and about 36% of 6-year-old children have televisions in their bedroom.[13]televisions in their bedroom.[13] Over the past decade, many adverse health outcomes and complications have been attributed to patterns of screen time activities.[14,15,16] Over the past decade, many adverse health outcomes and complications have been attributed to patterns of screen time activities.[14,15,16] Recent evidenceRecent evidence confirmed that time spent using devices such as a computer, television or games directly raises the risk of the adverse health outcomes.[17]confirmed that time spent using devices such as a computer, television or games directly raises the risk of the adverse health outcomes.[17] Although some of published researches about relationship between aggression in children and use of visual devices show a direct relationship, Although some of published researches about relationship between aggression in children and use of visual devices show a direct relationship, there are still athere are still a few studies that present different results[6,7,15,16,18] Furthermore, there are some studies that have not been able to reach to a clear inference.few studies that present different results[6,7,15,16,18] Furthermore, there are some studies that have not been able to reach to a clear inference. Considering the obvious gaps of required evidence for better policy making and aimed to provide the most comprehensive overview of Considering the obvious gaps of required evidence for better policy making and aimed to provide the most comprehensive overview of problem, present studyproblem, present study as a well-developed systematic review, summaries the results of published studies in scope of association of screen time activities and aggressive behaviors.as a well-developed systematic review, summaries the results of published studies in scope of association of screen time activities and aggressive behaviors. MethodsMethods This is a systematic review on association of Screen Time (ST) and violent behaviors' in children and adolescents through which we This is a systematic review on association of Screen Time (ST) and violent behaviors' in children and adolescents through which we targeted two maintargeted two main objectives as follow:objectives as follow: 1)Assessment of association between screen time and violent behaviors;1)Assessment of association between screen time and violent behaviors; 2)Assessment of heterogeneity and finding the sources of differences.2)Assessment of heterogeneity and finding the sources of differences. Search strategySearch strategy To search for related resources and literature, we used more comprehensive electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed and ISI Web of Science). Moreover, relatedTo search for related resources and literature, we used more comprehensive electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed and ISI Web of Science). Moreover, related unpublished studies unpublished studies (grey literature, thesis project and congress paper) considered for further data availability(grey literature, thesis project and congress paper) considered for further data availability Addictive Screen Use Trajectories and Suicidal Addictive Screen Use Trajectories and Suicidal Behaviors, SuicidaBehaviors, Suicida From 2013 to 2023, 10-year trends were similar to what data showed in 2021. There were decreases in students' use of substances. There were increases inFrom 2013 to 2023, 10-year trends were similar to what data showed in 2021. There were decreases in students' use of substances. There were increases in students' experiences students' experiences of violence, signs of poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Students' sexual activity decreased, but so did theirof violence, signs of poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Students' sexual activity decreased, but so did their protective sexual behaviors, like condom use.protective sexual behaviors, like condom use. What Works in SchoolsWhat Works in Schools Through the What Works in Schools program, CDC supports school districts to improve health education, connect young people to health services, and createThrough the What Works in Schools program, CDC supports school districts to improve health education, connect young people to health services, and create safe and supportive safe and supportive school environments. These three strategies reduce students' sexual risk, substance use, and experiences of violence and improve theirschool environments. These three strategies reduce students' sexual risk, substance use, and experiences of violence and improve their mental health.mental health. Despite what the CDC calls “good news” and “positive signs,” the data still shows increases in the percentage of students reporting violence and safetyDespite what the CDC calls “good news” and “positive signs,” the data still shows increases in the percentage of students reporting violence and safety concerns at or on concerns at or on their way to school over the past two years. This includes increases in bullying (15% to 19%) and missing school because of such safetytheir way to school over the past two years. This includes increases in bullying (15% to 19%) and missing school because of such safety concerns (9% to 13%). concerns (9% to 13%). https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/cdc-finds-early-signs-of-mental-health-improvement-among-teenshttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/cdc-finds-early-signs-of-mental-health-improvement-among-teens Wild Tunes program arranges music performances for shelter petsWild Tunes program arranges music performances for shelter pets Yuvi Agarwal, 12, plays music for a shelter dog at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center in Mission Viejo on Tuesday. Agarwal developed the Wild TunesYuvi Agarwal, 12, plays music for a shelter dog at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center in Mission Viejo on Tuesday. Agarwal developed the Wild Tunes program, which program, which brings together volunteer musicians to play soothing music for shelter animals to increase their chances of being adopted.brings together volunteer musicians to play soothing music for shelter animals to increase their chances of being adopted. Annika Almgren, 15, sings for shelter animals at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center on Tuesday. Almgren, an artist, volunteered Annika Almgren, 15, sings for shelter animals at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center on Tuesday. Almgren, an artist, volunteered for the program.for the program. comfortable around humans, which ultimately increases their chances of comfortable around humans, which ultimately increases their chances of Waiting for a new home can be nerve-wracking. Using music to calm anxious animals is the latest program adopted by the Mission Viejo Waiting for a new home can be nerve-wracking. Using music to calm anxious animals is the latest program adopted by the Mission Viejo Animal Services CenterAnimal Services Center to help the pets in its care that are hoping to On Tuesday, the shelter introduced Wild Tunes, a music program created by Yuvi Agarwal, a 12-year-old Houstonto help the pets in its care that are hoping to On Tuesday, the shelter introduced Wild Tunes, a music program created by Yuvi Agarwal, a 12-year-old Houston boy who was on hand to perform for some of the dogs. His nonpro boy who was on hand to perform for some of the dogs. His nonpro The program was also introduced last week at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority shelter in Downey. “Music has the power The program was also introduced last week at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority shelter in Downey. “Music has the power to calm, connect andto calm, connect and heal,” Yuvi said in a statement. “Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned and stressed shelter pets associate humans with something good.heal,” Yuvi said in a statement. “Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned and stressed shelter pets associate humans with something good. When pets are routinely exposed to music, it helps them become more When pets are routinely exposed to music, it helps them become more “Music has the power to calm, connect and heal,” Yuvi said in a statement. “Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned “Music has the power to calm, connect and heal,” Yuvi said in a statement. “Wild Tunes is a win-win opportunity that helps abandoned and stressed shelterand stressed shelter pets associate humans with something good. When pets are routinely exposed to music, it helps them become more pets associate humans with something good. When pets are routinely exposed to music, it helps them become more comfortable around humans, which ultimately increases their chances of For the volunteers, it is a great way to practice their comfortable around humans, which ultimately increases their chances of For the volunteers, it is a great way to practice their music and boost their conmusic and boost their con Animals on Tuesday were treated to several performances, including by new volunteer Annika Almgren, 15, who has an interest in becoming a veterinarian in Animals on Tuesday were treated to several performances, including by new volunteer Annika Almgren, 15, who has an interest in becoming a veterinarian in the future. “I love animals. I am also a performing artist. I love to sing the future. “I love animals. I am also a performing artist. I love to sing and play instruments,” she said. “I just thought this was the perfect opportunity and Iand play instruments,” she said. “I just thought this was the perfect opportunity and I applied.” The center is seeking more volunteer musicians and singers. For more information or to register, call 949-470-3045 or go to wildtunes.org/volunteersapplied.” The center is seeking more volunteer musicians and singers. For more information or to register, call 949-470-3045 or go to wildtunes.org/volunteers or or Orange Orange County RegisterCounty Register Wild Tunes program arranges music performances for shelter pets How Pets Can Transform Emotional W ellness and Social Skills Boosting Emotional Wellness with Pet Companionship DOGS ARE OUR BEST BUDDYS READing Paws # 2 DOGS OUR BEST BUDDY Associations Between Screen Time Use and Health Outcomes Among US OC government agencies need to improve hate crime initiatives, gr Violence, Threats, and Harassment Are Taking a Toll on Teachers, From 2013 to 2023, 10-year trends were similar to what data showed in 2021. There were decreases in students' use of substances. From 2013 to 2023, 10-year trends were similar to what data showed in 2021. There were decreases in students' use of substances. There were increases inThere were increases in students' experiences of violence, signs of poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Students' sexual activity decreased, but so did theirstudents' experiences of violence, signs of poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Students' sexual activity decreased, but so did their protective sexual behaviors, protective sexual behaviors, like condom use.like condom use. What Works in SchoolsWhat Works in Schools Through the What Works in Schools program, CDC supports school districts to improve health education, connect young people to health Through the What Works in Schools program, CDC supports school districts to improve health education, connect young people to health services, and createservices, and create safe and supportive school environments. These three strategies reduce students' sexual risk, substance use, and experiences of violence and improve theirsafe and supportive school environments. These three strategies reduce students' sexual risk, substance use, and experiences of violence and improve their mental health.mental health. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance SystemYouth Risk Behavior Surveillance System Thank YouThank You Craig DurfeyCraig Durfey Founder of P.R.D.D.C.Founder of P.R.D.D.C. �� ..(_ ORANGECOUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Improving health. Inspiring change. ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEAL TH RESOLUTION ADDRESSING SOCIAL MEDIA USE, SCREEN TIME, AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH WHEREAS, according to a recent survey one-third of all teens report being online and using social media platforms "almost constantly";1 and WHEREAS, a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory warned that while social media may offer benefits, there is growing evidence of risks to youth mental health including anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of sleep;2 and WHEREAS, studies have found correlations between time spent on social media and mental health including one study that found risk of anxiety and depression doubled in youth that spent more than three hours daily on social media;3 and WHEREAS, adolescence represents a critical time in the brain development and studies have reported social media may result in addictive behavior, decreased attention span, and lower test scores;4,5,6 and WHEREAS, growing reports suggest social media can expose youth to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and heavily edited comparisons that can lead to eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal ideation;6 and WHEREAS, evidence-based strategies to reduce the risks of social media include implementing device-free school policies, setting screen-time limits at home, avoiding screens before bedtime, and educating families about the psychological effects of social media;6 ,7,8 and WHEREAS, time spent on social media and screens decreases time for exercise, sleep, in-person time with friends, and other activities that are thought to improve mental health and healthy social development (for youth and adults).2,3 •4 ,5 ,6 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on this 26th day of March 2025, that we the Orange County Board of Health: 1.Recognize social media use among youth as a significant public health concern and mental health risk. 2.Recommend parents and caregivers establish screen-time limits for their children/teens, particularly restricting device use on school nights and before bedtime, to promote healthy sleep habits. 3.Urge parents to consider delaying getting their children smartphones and exploring pledges with other parents like the "Wait Until 8th" initiative.9 4.Encourage parents and young people to explore the resources listed below to further understand the impact of digital technology on youth development. 5.Support "Away for the Day" policies in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools that restrict personal device use during school hours to support focus and well-being. 6.Suggest Orange County school districts or the county explore joining ongoing class action lawsuits against social media companies, with the goals of funding additional mental health services for youth and/or requiring social media companies to improve their age verification and parental controls.10 7.Support the countywide adoption of "Screen-Free Week" during May 5-11, 2025, as observed by Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools and encourage parents and children of the county to participate.11 8.Support statewide legislation, such as Senate Bill 55, that would join NC with other states in requiring school districts to have policies around use of cellphones during the day and nationwide legislation that would require social media companies to have more effective age/parental consent verification.12,13 9.Support educational efforts that inform families, schools, and policymakers about the risks of social media use and the importance of digital wellness. �. Alison Stuebe, MD, MSc Chair, Orange County Board of Health Orange County Health Director 919 245 2405 > 300 West Tryon Street > Hillsborough, NC 27278 > orangecountync.gov Page 1 of 2 REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 1.Sidoti, Michelle Faverio and Olivia. “Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024.” Pew Research Center (blog), December 12, 2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/12/12/teens-social-media-and- technology-2024/. 2.U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health (2023). https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/youth-mental-health/social-media/index.html 3.Riehm KE, Feder KA, Tormohlen KN, Crum RM, Young AS, Green KM, Pacek LR, La Flair LN, Mojtabai R. “Associations Between Time Spent Using Social Media and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among US Youth.” JAMA Psychiatry. 2019 Dec 1;76(12):1266-1273. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2325. https:// pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6739732/ 4.Lissak, Gadi. “Adverse Physiological and Psychological Effects of Screen Time on Children and Adolescents: Literature Review and Case Study.” Environmental Research 164 (July 2018): 149–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.015. 5.Twenge, Jean. iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood--and What That Means for the Rest of Us. (2017). 6.Haidt, Jonathan. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. (2024). 7.Muppalla, Sudheer Kumar, Sravya Vuppalapati, Apeksha Reddy Pulliahgaru, and Himabindu Sreenivasulu. “Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management.” Cureus 15, no. 6 (June 2023): e40608. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40608. 8.American Psychological Association, "Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence" (2023). https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use 9.Wait Until 8th. “Wait Until 8th.” Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.waituntil8th.org."Wait Until 8th" Campaign, www.waituntil8th.org. 10.Scofield, Sydnee. “Wake County school board joins lawsuit against social media giants.” ABC 11 News, February 20, 2024. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://abc11.com/social-media-lawsuit-wake-county-schools- board-of-education/14450653/ 11.Screen-Free Week. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://screenfree.org/about/ 12.“NC Senate Bill 55, Student Use of Wireless Communication Devices.” NC General Assembly. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S55 13.“Social Media and Children 2024 Legislation.” National Conference of State Legislatures.Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.ncsl.org/technology-and-communication/social-media-and-children-2024-legislation. Scan this QR code with your phone or go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/16BIFTyyRehshQKjldeMP19k5JZlzL05G/view?usp=sharing to access live resource links 919 245 2405 > 300 West Tryon Street > Hillsborough, NC 27278 > orangecountync.gov Page 2 of 2 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (a) For each group of children in care, the center shall provide daily four of the five activity areas listed in G.S. 110 - 91(12) as follows: (1) Centers with a licensed capacity of 30 or more children shall have at least four activity areas available in the space occupied by a group of children. (2) Centers with a licensed capacity of less than 30 children shall have at least four activity areas available. Separate groups of children may share use of the same activity areas. (3) Centers with a licensed capacity of 3 to 12 children located in a residence shall have at least four types of activities available. (b) In addition to the four activity are as that are available each day, each center shall have materials and equipment in sufficient quantity, as described in Subparagraph (d)(1) of this Rule, to ensure that the fifth activity area listed in G.S. 110-91(12) is made available at least once per month. (c) Each center shall provide materials and opportunities for each group of children at least weekly, indoors or outdoors, for the following: (1) music and rhythm; (2) science and nature; and (3) sand and water play. (d) When preschool children three years old and older are in care the following shall apply: (1) the materials and equipment in an activity area shall be in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or differe nt activities; and (2) when screen time is provided on any electronic media device with a visual display, it shall be: (A) offered to stimulate a developmental domain in accordance with the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development as referenced in Rule .0508 of this Section; (B) limited to 30 minutes per day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and (C) documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that shall be available for review by the Division. (e) When children under three years old are in care the following apply: (1) each center shall have developmentally appropriate toys and activities for each child to promote the child's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development, including: (A) books; (B) blocks; (C) dolls; (D) pretend play materials; (E) musical toys; (F) sensory toys; and (G) fine motor toys; (2) materials shall be kept in a space where related equipment and materials are kept in accordance with G.S. 110-91(12) and shall be made available to the children on a daily basis; (3) materials shall be offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices, (4) on a daily basis caregivers shall provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. An open area that allows freedom of movement shall be available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers; (5) hands-on experiences, including both familiar and new activities, shall be provided to enable the infant or toddler to learn about himself and the world both indoors and outdoors; and (6) each child under the age of 12 months shall be given supervised tummy time positioned on his or her stomach while awake and alert each day. (f) Screen time, including television, videos, video games, and computer usage, shall be prohibited for children under three years of age. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(6),(12); 143B-168.3; Eff. July 1, 1988; Amended Eff. July 1, 2010; July 1, 1998; October 1, 1991; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017. GAMING, SOCIAL MEDIA AND MENTAL WELLNESS PRESENTED BY: SINA SAFAHIEH, MD BACKGROUND: •Sina Safahieh, MD is a double board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. He graduated with a medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch and completed an adult psychiatric residency and child & adolescent fellowship at UC Irvine. Dr. Safahieh has a private practice in Newport Beach and has staff privileges at Hoag Hospitals and CHOC. He is medical director of the ASPIRE program at Newport and Irvine Hoag Hospitals, team psychiatrist for the Los Angeles Chargers and a Major League Baseball certified clinician. “It’s hard enough being cool in real life!” -Anonymous teen LET’S LOOK AT THE FACTS •11.5% of youth (age 12-17) in California report suffering from at least one major depressive episode (MDE) or other primary mental health condition in the past year. •73% increase in hospitalizations between 2007-2016 for primary mental health •Self harm: 51% increase in 14 years for self harm ER visits •63% of youth (age 12-17) in California with major depression or other primary mental health disorder did not receive any mental health treatment. SUICIDE RATES •Orange County has had the largest suicide rate increase among the nation’s 20 most populous counties •OC board of supervisors reported the county’s per-capita suicide rate in the last two decades increased a whopping 45 percent in OC. •Compare to an average increase of 22 percent nationwide during the same time frame •For teens the suicide hike was 29% in OC vs 22% in California •More teen suicide in first 3 months of 2019 than all of 2018 combined! •2nd leading cause of death in OC, for each suicide death there are 10 hospitalizations for attempted suicides HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS FOR SELF HARM •Much increased rates since 2009: •Ages 10-14: 189% increase •Ages 15-19 : 62% increase •Ages 20-24: 17% increase •Timing consistent with advent of social media and increased smartphone usage •Large spike in suicides, psychiatric hospitalizations around 2009-2010, approx the same time that 50% of teens had a smartphone. Facebook opened to public in 2006. WARNING SIGNS FOR DEPRESSION •Suicide threats, direct and indirect •Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death •Dramatic change in personality or appearance •Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection •Changed eating or sleeping patterns •Severe drop in school performance •Cutting or other self harm behaviors •Obsession with death •Giving away belongings/drafting a will •Irrational, bizarre behavior SCREENS, SCREENS AND MORE SCREENS! https://youtu.be/JAZ9otowtxI?t=13 SCREEN TIME •Includes televisions, gaming consoles, computers, tablet devices and smartphones. •Children in the United States ages 8 -18 spend on average 7.5 hours a day with media and technology screens. •Children who watch a lot of electronic media are likely to: •Have lower grades in school •Read fewer books •Exercise less •Be overweight •Sleep less •blue light from screens blocks production of melatonin IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP HYGIENE •Sleep is crucial •Affects your memory, retention, mood, cognition, ability to cope, immune system •One hour less sleep per night has proven to increase the risk of car accidents •You can get a DWI (driving while impaired) for sleeplessness! •Glymphatic system: •Recently discovered macroscopic waste clearance system •Cleaning crew of the brain GAMING ADDICTION VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY •Video games generate $139 billion per year in revenue •More than film, music, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL industries combined •2.4 billion people play video games every year •Rise in E-Sports •More people watched League of Legends championship than NBA finals •Teenager recently won $3 million in Fornite FORTNITE •“Free game” created by Epic Games •250 million players, the company has made more than $3.9 billion •Hired psychologists to utilize intermittent and continuous reinforcement to keep people hooked onto games; similar to slot machines •Micro-transaction model: like drug dealers •Give you drugs for free, once your hooked you cant stop using! SOBERING GAMING STATS •More than half a billion people worldwide playing computer and video games at least an hour a day --and 183 million in the U.S. alone. •The average young person racks up 10,000 hours of gaming by the age of 21 •Roughly the same time they spent in in a classroom for all of middle and high school if they have perfect attendance. •5 million gamers in the U.S., in fact, are spending more than 40 hours a week playing games •The equivalent of a full time job! GAMING ADDICTION •WHO recently added as mental health condition •Not in DSM 5 but likely in the next manual •Currently classified “Condition for Further Study” •With further research, the APA may or may not decide to make the disorder "official" in future editions of the DSM. •Many popular games emphasize negative themes and promote: •The killing of people or animals •The use/abuse of drugs and alcohol •Criminal behavior, disrespect for authority and the law •Sexual exploitation and violence toward women •Racial, sexual, and gender stereotypes •Foul language and obscene gestures •Escapism, avoidance GAMING ADDICTION •More common in male adolescents 12 to 20 years of age •Recent studies show 55/45 percent male:female ratio •More prevalent in Asian countries than in North America and Europe •South Korea and Japan have the most tech addiction rehab clinics •Young people have literally died playing video games excessively •Playing for 30-40 hrs straight without stopping, standing, eating, or using the restroom •Embolisms, strokes, cardiac arrest •Likely to worsen with introductions of augmented reality and virtual reality DSM DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA •Repetitive use of Internet-based games, often with other players, that leads to significant issues with functioning. •Five of the following criteria must be met within one year: •Preoccupation or obsession with Internet games •Withdrawal symptoms when not playing Internet games. •A build-up of tolerance–more time needs to be spent playing the games. •The person has tried to stop or curb playing Internet games, but has failed to do so. •The person has had a loss of interest in other life activities, such as hobbies. •The person lied to others about his or her Internet game usage. •The person uses Internet games to relieve anxiety or guilt–it’s a way to escape/avoid. •Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201407/internet-gaming-disorder-in-dsm-5 AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS SCREEN TIME RECOMMENDATIONS •Younger than 18 months, avoid use of screen media other than video -chatting. •18 to 24 months of age who want to introduce digital media should choose high -quality programming •2 to 5 years, limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high -quality programs •6 and older, place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and ensure sleep, physical activites, hobbies are not affected •Designate media-free times together, such as dinner or driving, as well as media-free locations at home, such as bedrooms. •Have ongoing communication about online citizenship and safety, including treating others with respect online and offline. GAMING EFFECTS ON THE BRAIN •Activates key regions of the brain’s pleasure circuit, including the nucleus accumbens, as well as the amygdala, and the orbitofrontal cortex •PET scans revealed increased dopamine release, specifically in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens •Similar response as drug or gambling addictions, including withdrawals •Minds are activated but bodies are not, leading to inability to vent aggression/stress •DNA hasn’t evolved since caveman era! GAMING EFFECTS ON FUNCTIONING •Spending excessive time playing these games can lead to: •Less time socializing with friends and family •Poor social skills, time away from family time, school work, and other hobbies •Lower grades, less reading •Less exercise and becoming overweight •Decreased sleep and poor quality sleep •Aggressive thoughts and behaviors GAMING/SCREEN TIME BOUNDARIES •Avoiding video games in preschool-aged children •Checking ESRB ratings •Playing video games with their children to share the experience •MAKE A CONTRACT: Setting clear rules about game content and playing time, enforcing limits •Monitoring online interactions and warning children about potential dangers of Internet contacts while playing games online •NO TVS IN THE BEDROOM!! Allowing video game playing only in public areas of the home, not in the child’s bedroom •Ensuring video games are only played after homework and chores are done •Encouraging participation in other activities, particularly physical activities SOCIAL MEDIA •90% of teens ages 13-17 have used social media •75% report having at least one active social media profile •51% report visiting a social media site at least daily •On average, teens are online almost nine hours a day, not including time for homework SOCIAL MEDIA: STARTING YOUNG •96% of children under 4 have used a device before •75% of them have their own device •75% of teens have their own smartphone •The average teenager is texting approx 100 texts per day •In recent Pew poll, 40% of adolescents self-reported that social media is having negative effects in their lives POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF SOCIAL MEDIA •Staying connected to friends •Meeting new friends with shared interests •Finding community and support for specific activities •Sharing art work or music •Exploring and expressing themselves •Exposure to new ideas and current events •Learning technical skills •Learning character strengths POTENTIAL RISKS OF SOCIAL MEDIA •Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content (e.g., sex, drugs, violence, etc.) •Exposure to dangerous people •Cyber bullying, a risk factor for depression and suicide •Oversharing personal information •Exposure to excessive advertisements •Privacy concerns including the collection of data about teen users •Identity theft or being hacked •Interference with sleep, exercise, homework, or family activities •Seeking validation through likes, thumbs ups 4 MOST COMMON STRESSORS ON SOCIAL MEDIA •Highlight reel •Comparing our behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reels •Social currency •Economy of attention •Likes, thumbs up •A shot of dopamine •Reinforces pleasure circuits •Tying up self worth with what everyone else thinks about us •FOMO: fear of missing out •Online Harassment ASSOCIATION OF SCREEN TIME AND DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENCE •Study published July 2019 in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) Pediatrics: •3826 adolescents; who entered the seventh grade in 31 schools in the Greater Montreal area. •Assessed screen time and depression throughout 4 years •Data were collected from September 2012 to September 2018. •Significant between-person associations showed that for every increased hour spent using social media, adolescents showed a 0.64-unit increase in depressive symptoms (95% CI, 0.32-0.51) •8.5 unit difference in 40 point scale in self esteem NEW STUDY LITERALLY PUBLISHED LAST MONTH! •A study published last week in the journal JAMA Psychiatry suggests that teenagers who spend more than three hours a day on social media are more likely to develop mental health problems including depression, anxiety, aggression, and antisocial behavior. •The study:Nearly 6,600 12-to 15-year-old Americans self-reported how much time they spent per day on social media, as well as whether they had any mental health problems. The researchers found that three hours of social media correlated with higher rates of mental health issues, even after adjusting for a history of such problems. •Manifests in two main ways •internally (depression and anxiety) •externally (aggressive behavior or antisocial behavior) CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP? •3 explanations of how social media may have a casual relationship with increased depression •Displacement theory: more time spent on screens, less time on other activities •Upward social comparisons aka FOMO “everyone’s life looks great on facebook” •Spiral hypothesis: reinforcement spiral phenomenon. “Life in a bubble”. RISKY INTERNET BEHAVIOR •Teens more vulnerable because of limited capacity for self regulation •Youth who are more at risk offline tend to be at risk online •Visiting inappropriate sites •Exposure to social media content that encourage behaviors •Cyber bullying •Sexting : 10% of teens have sent, 30 % have received •Revenge porn SIGNS OF CYBERBULLYING •School avoidance •Upset after using technology •Take cyberbullying reports at face value; don’t dismiss •Save evidence •Discuss with other parents, school staff •15% of kids experience cyberbullying, 20% experience regular bullying •Girls more likely to damage social relationships than physical bullying •Sibling bullying is just as dangerous •5% of teens cyber bully themselves •A form of self injurious behavior BRIDGING THE DIGITAL GAP •Digital natives vs digital immigrants •Parents cannot often keep pace with the digital landscape •Learn about technology first hand •Have kids teach you directly and be savvy enough to make sure you aren’t getting hoodwinked •Talk to other parents •Concerted effort with schools •It takes a village! DIGITAL NATIVES VS DIGITAL IMMIGRANTS •Digital Natives •Like constant connectivity •Prefer immediacy and have short attention spans •Go to the internet first for information •Prefer to socialize online and less so with face-to-face communication •Digital Immigrants •Prefer to talk on the phone or in person •Prefer formal communication channels, such as phone, detailed emails, or face -to-face communication •Printing things out as opposed to working on screen WHEN TO GET A SMARTPHONE? •No magical age! •Once given a smartphone, it will be very difficult to take it back. •You’ve opened up Pandora’s box. •Taking away a smartphone from a 10-year-old will often create more problems than waiting to give them phone a year or two later. •At earliest should be 7th or 8th grade •Wait until 8th not 8! WHEN TO GET A SMARTPHONE? •Consider “dumb” phone, flip phone or specialized kid friendly smart watch •Kids can make calls and text, and most have GPS capability. •Allows communication without getting sucked into some of the drama that plays out on social media. •Allows for testing waters before getting smartphone •Go over some do’s and don’ts •We want to be clear about the expectations and limits TECH BOUNDARIES •Relinquishing phone at night •Having a phone is not a human right! It is a privilege. •Again, no TV’s in the bedroom. Ever. •Firm contracts, that need to be enforced. •Using technology to fight technology •Using apps to predetermine time limits to prevent negotiations at night PARENTAL CONTROL APPS •OurPact: family locator and screen time management •Bark: (social media monitoring): connects to 24 platforms •Life360: Cell phone GPS location, including historical tracking •iPhone Backup extractor: reads text messages, including deleted messages, call history, photos and videos, voicemails, notes and contacts •Webwatcher: keystroke logger •Blocksi: for google chromebooks •AAP’s Family media use plan PARENTAL CONTROL APPS •Wirecutter (a New York Times publication) recommendations: •Apple screen time is best for iOS •The controls built into iOS 12/13 let you set a daily time limit on app and/or device use and give you more information about and control over your kid’s screen time than third-party apps can. •Google family link for Android family with kids under 13 •Qustdio (computer filtering/monitoring/time control: for Android households with kids 13 and older AAP FAMILY MEDIA USE PLAN •Interface tool from AAP that can be personalized •www.Healthychildren.org/mediauseplan •Media time calculator •Screen free zones and times •Device curfews •Digital citizenship •Digital footprint, posting is permanent •Review privacy settings in social media •Discuss family expectations SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS/REGULATIONS •Executives of social media companies/gaming companies don’t allow their own kids on these platforms •Easier to limit social media use if it’s a concerted community/school effort. •Hard to ask kids to stop or curtail use if all their friends are using it •Again, all devices out of the bedroom! Especially before bed! •Ideally, no social media until high school WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO? •Lead by example •You can‘t forbid them from using technology, its not practical or tenable •Its a balancing act. Mild usage can be beneficial, like a peer group •Parents need to watch their kids posts, know their passwords •Create an illusion of privacy •Checking in on social media on the DL (“down low”) •Reading diaries/journals •GPS tracker (without kids knowledge) •Phones •Cars SOURCES AND INFORMATION •AACAP •AAP •Psychologytoday.com •JAMA CURRENT RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY •211: This is a free 24-hr information and referral service for information about: hotlines, food and shelter assistance, help with drug abuse, violence, and other health issues. •NAMI OC: Online resources as well as their contact number (714) 991-6412 •HOAG: Community Mental Health Resources •Suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK •CAT Team: 866-830-6011 •ASPIRE WHAT DOES ASPIRE HELP WITH? •Depression and mood disorders •Anxiety •ADHD •Personality disorders •Autism spectrum disorder •Oppositional defiance disorder •Video game addiction THE ASPIRE PROGRAM STRUCTURE 8 week Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills based program with a weekly check in with teens facilitator to address skills and how skills are being used in triggering situations. Any afterschool obligations are put on hold until the teen completes the program. Works collaboratively with parent, teen and treatment team to address behavior issues and future needs related to aftercare. Mandatory parent and child attendance and participation THE ASPIRE PROGRAM BENEFITS Families not covered by insurance are provided scholarships for the remainder of the program through philanthropy. 1st program in Southern California with WASC accreditation. Students that complete the program qualify to receive 5 hours of elective credit with participating school districts 4 Key Points Addressed by ASPIRE Distress tolerance Interpersonal effectiveness MindfulnessEmotional Regulation ASPIRE LOCATIONS Hoag Newport Beach located inside the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living Hoag Irvine located off of Sand Canyon near Hoag Irvine ASPIRE-HELPING TEENS AND FAMILIES NAVIGATE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS •Patrick's Purpose: John and Kim Turner: •https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LdMILKeBNY For more information, visit www.hoag.org/ASPIRE