New safety precautions for latch-key kids - AmericaNowNews.com

Home Alone: Kids on social media

Popular social media sites are creating new concerns for latch key kids who, after school, come home to an empty house.

You want to protect your kids when they're home alone? Well there's a lot more to teach them besides simply not answering the door to strangers.

Most parents share the same ideal when it comes to safeguarding their kids.

"I just don't think you can be too safe, too cautious," said Stacy Pawluk.

You already know to tell the kids to never say "Mom and Dad aren't home" when answering the phone. Rather, say they're busy. Don't accept any package deliveries, lock all windows and doors and never leave the house.

But social media is bringing up new concerns. The American Red Cross advises: Children should never post on sites like Facebook or Twitter that they're home alone, and never "check-in" and give away their location.

"They have the ability to tell you where your location is, and especially if a child is posting on these sites that they're going to be home alone, that could potentially signal to somebody that want to harm children that they have access to a house without a parent in," said Jonathan McNamara from the Red Cross.

The American Red Cross offers training for babysitters. If you're an older sibling, or just a neighborhood babysitter, it's a good way to learn CPR, basic child care and first aid.

Copyright 2012 America Now. All rights reserved.

  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Every pet owner knows a dog can get into just about anything around the house. One woman found that out the hard way when her dog ate a bunch of grapes! Turns out, that's one of the most dangerous foods
    Every pet owner knows a dog can get into just about anything around the house. But these common snacks could be fatal for Fido.
  • The United States Secret Service says that counterfeiting of U.S. currency could victimize anyone who doesn't carefully examine the money they're using.
    The United States Secret Service says that counterfeiting of U.S. currency could victimize anyone who doesn't carefully examine the money they're using.
  • Mice are one of the most resilient mammals living on the planet. Some people have them as pets, and they're also used in laboratory experiments. If wild mice get inside your house, they can potentially
    If wild mice find a way inside your home, they can potentially cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your drywall and insulation. They can also transmit a harmful disease which can cause death in humans. 
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and America Now. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.