2WebWatchers would like to acknowledge two new resources provided by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission).  The first is  Net Cetera – Chatting with Kids about Being Online, available as a free download (PDF) or as a booklet that you can order through OnlineOnguard.gov. Educators and parents can order multiple copies at  bulkorder.ftc.gov. The booklet “covers what parents need to know, where to go for more information, and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online.” We really appreciate being able to provide our workshop participants with this great take-away.

In connection with  Net Cetera, the FTC also recently posted a short video called “Stand Up to Cyberbullying.” This is a great tool to teach students to be kind online and stand up for bullying victims. The video calls cyberbullying a “lose-lose situation” because “it makes the person being harassed feel bad, and it makes the bully look bad.”

How often do you see drivers texting or talking with hand-held cell phones? California is taking a stand against this dangerous practice. Across the country and up and down the state, law enforcement kicked off the first-ever Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The California Highway Patrol is partnering with more than 200 other law enforcement agencies to maximize enforcement this month. A ticket for violating either the hands free or no texting law costs a minimum of $159, and subsequent tickets cost $279.

Want to read more about more reasons to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road? Check out the Distracted Driving Fact Sheet and FAQs from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Here are a few more sites to learn more about distracted driving and what YOU can do:

• National Safety Council – Info, studies, tips on distracted driving
• Focus Driven – advocates and families of distracted driving victims give you the facts, stories and tools you need.
• Impact Teen Drivers – working to share with teens the dangers of reckless and distracted driving through their effective campaigns online and in schools.
• Distracted.Gov – the US government’s official website on distracted driving.
• No Phone Zone – Oprah Winfrey’s distracted driving website.

Too many lives are destroyed every year because of distracted driving. It’s time to remind family, friends, and co-workers that “it’s not worth it!”