Looking for information on the digital world of texting, gaming and social media of your kids and teens? Wondering where that article was on texting or cyberbullying you know you saw recently on Pediatrics Now?

Don’t worry! They haven’t disappeared…just moved.

You can find all the articles on the digital world of kids and teens that you’ve come to rely on, plus new resources and materials, on the sister site to Pediatrics Now, CyberSafe.

On CyberSafe is you’ll find all things high tech and digital that you wonder about with your growing digital and very plugged in family from articles to resources to information on new products.  In addition, you’ll find excepts from Dr. Gwenn’s book, CyberSafe, and related information.

So, for peace of mind with your digital family, there’s only one word, and site, you need to know: CyberSafe.

I love the theme of this year’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month:

“Our Shared Responsibility”

That truly hits the nail on the head with the best way to approach not only our safety and security online, but our developing kids and teens as well. Just as we do offline, approaching the online world with the same common sense is the best guiding principle. To that end, as you do when they are out and about, teach our kids the familiar motto: “if you see something, say something.” Better to grab an adult if they see something odd online than to suddenly find themselves in a precarious situation.

These issues are complicated and it’s unrealistic to think you’ll be able to not only cover them all in one month but get your family to master all the details a finesse involved with some of the facets of managing online security issues. Instead, aim to introduce ideas and raise awareness then use the coming weeks to months to reinforce those concepts by modeling good behavior with your kids and circling back to important areas that need to be rediscussed as needed.

The main areas to focus on this month include:

1. Your Digital Footprint: Keeping it Safe and Sound

2. Protecting the Online You

3. Cloaking Yourself from Cyber Thieves

If you look at common tip sheets for cyber safety and security, most tips fall in one of these three areas in the end. So, for now, mull these over. I’ll be back soon with a post on each of these areas to give you a sense of what you can do at home to keep your kids cyber secure and what your kids can do, too, even when just emerging on line and with cell phones.

Pediatrics Now is once again an official “NCSAM Champion”, joining groups large and small to help you and your family become a bit safer online. In addition to posting some helpful cyber-tips for you this month, to mark the one year anniversary of my book online safety, CyberSafe, I’ll be posting some helpful excerpts from the book.

Until the next post, safe clicking!

It’s hard to not deny that summer is winding down and school is starting. I always find the more my kids dread the start of school the more it means summer was a success. I also have discovered that the angst over a new school year is a facade – most kids truly love getting back to school to see their friends and get back into activities put on hold for a few weeks to months.

On the Pediatrics Now home page you’ll notice all the information you need to help you and your family start the school year off on the right foot. Everything from staying healthy to smart shopping is there. So, tool around and let me know if you have an topic on your mind that you don’t see. Twitter is often the best way to find me: @DrGwenn.

As with the summer,continue to challenge your family to maximize unplugged time when they can. It’s more of a hurdle with school in full swing but it can be done and is truly needed for everyone to stay fresh and energized. They’ll look at you like you have 2 heads at first but the end result will be so powerful for all of you that the next time you’ll find those “i” devices left on the kitchen table without you having to say a word.

Here’s to a productive and healthy school year!

Cheers!

Dr. Gwenn

2011

Have you had a chance to flip through CyberSafe so far? Do you have any questions for me on the world of kids on line or how your kids are dealing with their “digital stuff”? If so, if you live in Massachusetts or in driving distance of Framingham, MA, I hope you’ll swing by Barnes and Noble on November 16 at 7pm for my author event.

I’ll be talking about CyberSafe, the latest digital headlines and my journey to writing CyberSafe followed by a QA and book signing. This event is well timed given the recent headlines about teens and texting, teens and sleep issues from technology and, of course, cyberbullying. CyberSafe also happens to be a great size for a stocking stuffer so come on by and get an early jump on your holiday shopping!

I’m really excited about the event and look forward to meeting all of you in just a few days.

For more information about the book event, here’s the official event flier:

Meet the Writer

Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe

at a discussion & signing featuring her new book

CyberSafe

Protecting and Empowering Kids in the

Digital World of Texting, Gaming, and Social Media

Join us as Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe, M.D., F.A.A.P. (“Dr. Gwenn”) introduces CyberSafe, her new guidebook published by the American Academy of Pediatrics that helps parents, teachers and other concerned readers navigate the often intimidating digital landscape where children can be plugged in 24/7. CyberSafe offers information on the latest trends in technology — including social networking sites, gaming systems,MP3 players and cell phones — and guidance on everything from helping children deal with cyberbullyingto identifying control systems for monitoring their online activities. Come and learn how you can embracenew innovations and help children get the most out of technology  in a safe, well-informed manner.

~

Dr.Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe is a practicing pediatrician, health journalist and CEO of “Pediatrics Now,”an online health and communications company.  She is a fellow and national spokesperson for theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, an executive committee member of the AAP’s Council onCommunications and Media, and was the lead author of the council’s social media and sexting tips.

Tuesday,  November 16^th

7:00 pm

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

One Worcester Road (in Shopper’s World)

Framingham, MA

(508) 628-5567

All events are free and open to the public. Wheelchair accessible.

Have you had a chance to flip through CyberSafe so far? Do you have any questions for me on the world of kids on line or how your kids are dealing with their “digital stuff”? If so, if you live in Massachusetts or in driving distance of Framingham, MA, I hope you’ll swing by Barnes and Noble on November 16 at 7pm for my author event.

I’ll be talking about CyberSafe as well as the hot digital and cyber issues in the news, having a QA to make sure your questions are answered and ending the evening with a book signing. I’ve had people ask me to sign books for their kids, parents, teachers, husbands, wives…with the holidays around the corner, this event is well timed, actually!

I’m really excited about it and looking forward to seeing you and your friends there in just over a week.

Here’s the official flier for more information:

Meet the Writer

Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe

at a discussion & signing featuring her new book

CyberSafe

Protecting and Empowering Kids in the

Digital World of Texting, Gaming, and Social Media

Join us as Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe, M.D., F.A.A.P. (“Dr. Gwenn”) introduces CyberSafe, her new guidebook published by the American Academy of Pediatrics that helps parents, teachers and other concerned readers navigate the often intimidating digital landscape where children can be plugged in 24/7. CyberSafe offers information on the latest trends in technology — including social networking sites, gaming systems,MP3 players and cell phones — and guidance on everything from helping children deal with cyberbullyingto identifying control systems for monitoring their online activities. Come and learn how you can embracenew innovations and help children get the most out of technology  in a safe, well-informed manner.

~

Dr.Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe is a practicing pediatrician, health journalist and CEO of “Pediatrics Now,”an online health and communications company.  She is a fellow and national spokesperson for theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, an executive committee member of the AAP’s Council onCommunications and Media, and was the lead author of the council’s social media and sexting tips.

Tuesday,  November 16^th

7:00 pm

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

One Worcester Road (in Shopper’s World)

Framingham, MA

(508) 628-5567

All events are free and open to the public. Wheelchair accessible.

I have some exciting news to share. This week, CyberSafe was featured on the cover of Publisher’s Weekly – a truly amazing honor!

I’ll share more with you once I see the issue but wanted to share the news…and the cover art:

Not even officially launched and CyberSafe is already turning heads!

The Editor’s Of Calgary’s Child have listed CyberSafe among their September/October “Best Bets” list. You can check out this listing here.

Thanks, Calgary’s Child!!