WEATHER ALERT
Cell-a-bration or cell-a-mistake? Is your child ready for a phone this holiday?
Read full article: Cell-a-bration or cell-a-mistake? Is your child ready for a phone this holiday?Smartphones are on the top of the Christmas list for many children, preteens and teen. But are they ready to have one or will it just lead to more screen time and less family time?
Toys to avoid for your little ones for the holidays
Read full article: Toys to avoid for your little ones for the holidaysReports show nearly 155,000 children under the age of 12 were treated at emergency departments last year due to toy-related injuries. So, how can parents keep their little ones safe?
5 things to tell boys about puberty -- because if you’re not talking to your children, someone else will, doctor warns
Read full article: 5 things to tell boys about puberty -- because if you’re not talking to your children, someone else will, doctor warnsIt’s a natural part of aging but talking about puberty with your child can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Experts say it’s critical for parents and caregivers to tackle these tough topics so that children don’t turn to unreliable sources on the internet or friends for answers. In today’s Health Minute, Mandy Gaither has five things to tell boys about puberty.
‘So many programming options’: Parents, students can visit elementary schools Saturday for school choice showcase
Read full article: ‘So many programming options’: Parents, students can visit elementary schools Saturday for school choice showcaseParents and students can show up to most elementary schools this Saturday to learn more about a school and what programs are available.
Shining a light on safety: Apps, tips for safe trick-or-treating
Read full article: Shining a light on safety: Apps, tips for safe trick-or-treatingWith Halloween being one of the deadliest nights of the year for child pedestrians, News4JAX wants to give trick-or-treaters the tools to have the safest night of frights possible.
Baby walkers linked to thousands of injuries & multiple deaths, Consumer Reports warns
Read full article: Baby walkers linked to thousands of injuries & multiple deaths, Consumer Reports warnsConsumer Reports explains why baby walkers are so dangerous and what parents can do to protect their children.
Child not quite ready for a smartphone? Consider smartwatch instead
Read full article: Child not quite ready for a smartphone? Consider smartwatch insteadConsumer Reports has the low-down on the high-tech watches that might be the perfect solution for parents who aren't ready to hand over a smartphone just yet.
Warning for parents: Transitioning your child’s car seat too soon can be deadly
Read full article: Warning for parents: Transitioning your child’s car seat too soon can be deadlyA new AAA analysis of five years of government crash data reveals a concerning trend: child seat and booster use declines after a child turns 3, despite the continued need for these safety devices.
Surgeon general issues advisory declaring parental stress as significant public health concern
Read full article: Surgeon general issues advisory declaring parental stress as significant public health concernThe U.S. surgeon general recently issued an advisory declaring “parental stress” as a major public health concern.
Baby starting day care? Consumer Reports shares tips to make the transition smoother
Read full article: Baby starting day care? Consumer Reports shares tips to make the transition smootherSending your baby to daycare for the first time is an emotional milestone for many parents. It is often filled with anxiety and a touch of guilt. As Consumer Reports explains, there are some easy ways to make the transition smoother for you and your little one.
How newborn specialists are helping new moms navigate early days of motherhood
Read full article: How newborn specialists are helping new moms navigate early days of motherhoodMore than 3.5 million babies will be born this year. That means 3 million new moms will be navigating the world of endless diaper changes, feedings and sleepless nights.
SJSO warns about ‘dangerous’ social media trend where teenagers seek out, confront sexual predators
Read full article: SJSO warns about ‘dangerous’ social media trend where teenagers seek out, confront sexual predatorsThe St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is sending an urgent warning to parents after deputies confirmed they’re investigating two separate cases involving a potentially dangerous social media trend.
Helping students transition back to school: What experts say to do right now & after classes start
Read full article: Helping students transition back to school: What experts say to do right now & after classes startPutting away the bathing suits and packing the bookbags may feel different for each student, and experts say preparing for it now can help.
Safe & affordable: Safety groups reveal best used cars for your teen drivers
Read full article: Safe & affordable: Safety groups reveal best used cars for your teen driversTwo safety groups -- Consumer Reports and the IIHS -- share their top picks and features so you know what to look for when buying a used car for your young driver.
4th of July was deadliest holiday weekend last year for children killed in frontover, backover crashes
Read full article: 4th of July was deadliest holiday weekend last year for children killed in frontover, backover crashesLast year, the Fourth of July was the deadliest holiday weekend for children killed in backover and frontover crashes, according to data from Kids and Car Safety.
Are you sure you know what’s in your baby’s lotion? Consumer Reports’ investigation might surprise you
Read full article: Are you sure you know what’s in your baby’s lotion? Consumer Reports’ investigation might surprise youConsumer Reports looks closely at what’s in some popular baby lotions, and the results might surprise you.
Want to keep your child busy without screen time? Here’s a pediatrician’s guide to summer activities
Read full article: Want to keep your child busy without screen time? Here’s a pediatrician’s guide to summer activitiesSchool’s out for the summer, and children now have a lot of free time on their hands. So, what are some ideas to keep them entertained?
Consumer Reports investigation finds baby wipes ingredients that might pose risk to children, planet
Read full article: Consumer Reports investigation finds baby wipes ingredients that might pose risk to children, planetIf you have small children, there’s a good chance you have baby wipes stashed just about everywhere. Whether you’re using wipes for diaper changes, removing makeup, or cleaning sticky fingers, you want them to be safe for people and the planet.
Jacksonville children enjoy reading, fun activities at ‘River City Readers Summer Kickoff’ event
Read full article: Jacksonville children enjoy reading, fun activities at ‘River City Readers Summer Kickoff’ eventDozens of parents and their children visited Ed Austin Regional Park Saturday morning for the River City Readers Summer Kickoff event.
Latest drowning report shows 12% increase in child deaths
Read full article: Latest drowning report shows 12% increase in child deathsDeadly drownings for children under age 15 increased by 12% in 2021 compared to the previous year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) annual drowning and submersion report.
AAA sends warning at the start of summer: The 100 deadliest days for teen drivers
Read full article: AAA sends warning at the start of summer: The 100 deadliest days for teen driversMemorial Day has come and gone, and this week marks the start of the “100 deadliest days for teen drivers.” AAA reports an average of seven people will die, every day, in crashes involving teen drivers between now and Labor Day.
Swimming safety tips to keep in mind as pools reopen for summer
Read full article: Swimming safety tips to keep in mind as pools reopen for summerMany pools will be reopening this Memorial Day. And if you’re planning to take your little ones swimming, there are some safety tips parents should keep in mind.
Parenting with purpose: Talking to your kids about sex
Read full article: Parenting with purpose: Talking to your kids about sexMay is Sex Education Month. According to Planned Parenthood, kids and teens who have regular conversations with their parents about sex are less likely to take risks with their sexual health. But these talks can be awkward for both parties. It’s a tough topic, but one that shouldn’t be ignored.
Expert: 1 in 8 couples struggles with infertility, but the answer might be simpler than you think
Read full article: Expert: 1 in 8 couples struggles with infertility, but the answer might be simpler than you thinkFor National Infertility Awareness Week, a local couple shares their battle to overcome infertility, and a local fertility specialist offers advice for couples struggling to conceive.
Cyber safety: Protect your child from predators online
Read full article: Cyber safety: Protect your child from predators onlineFrom homework to staying in touch with friends and family, the internet is a valuable tool for kids to learn and stay connected. But a recent presentation from Meta platforms details that their algorithm may connect minors with sexual predators.
What to do when your kids want what others have
Read full article: What to do when your kids want what others haveIf you're the parent of a tween or teen, you've probably been asked at some point to buy them whatever is popular at school, like the latest name brand tumbler, skincare, or smartphone. But, what if the item is too pricey or you don’t think they need it?
Consumer Reports: 3 baby formula makers tested didn’t work effectively
Read full article: Consumer Reports: 3 baby formula makers tested didn’t work effectivelyNewer gadgets called infant formula makers are claiming to make precisely measured, warm, ready-to-drink bottles. But before you buy, you need to know what Consumer Reports’ safety experts found in their investigation.
How to help children overcome perfectionism
Read full article: How to help children overcome perfectionismPerfectionism is defined as a "personality trait" when a person sets "unreasonably high standards" and has "unrealistic expectations" for themselves. It's often coupled with "intense self-criticism."
Dying to be pregnant: Toxic stress plays a role in maternal deaths
Read full article: Dying to be pregnant: Toxic stress plays a role in maternal deathsAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,200 women died of maternal causes in 2021, compared to 861 in 2020 and 754 in 2019.
How to combat social media addiction in children, teens
Read full article: How to combat social media addiction in children, teensIn a multi-state lawsuit against Meta, the states claim that the social media company has harmed young people’s mental health and promoted addiction. But just how harmful is social media for children and teens?
Florida bill to keep children under 16 off social media moves forward amid debate on government’s role, parental rights
Read full article: Florida bill to keep children under 16 off social media moves forward amid debate on government’s role, parental rightsAmid a debate about the role of government and parental rights, the Florida Senate on Thursday passed a bill that seeks to keep children under the age of 16 off social media platforms.
DCPS adds permission slip policy for students to participate in any school-related event or activity
Read full article: DCPS adds permission slip policy for students to participate in any school-related event or activitySome parents and teachers are not happy about a new policy for Duval County Public Schools that requires students to have a permission slip to participate in any school-related activity.
Florida Senate likely to pass high-profile bill blocking children under 16 from social media
Read full article: Florida Senate likely to pass high-profile bill blocking children under 16 from social mediaThe Florida Senate is ready Thursday to pass a high-profile bill that seeks to prevent children under age 16 from creating accounts on what lawmakers say are “addictive” social-media platforms.
‘Mom guilt’: Why it’s real and how to deal with it
Read full article: ‘Mom guilt’: Why it’s real and how to deal with itYes, moms, it's a real emotion when you feel bad about taking time for yourself. But health experts are giving you the green light and saying lose the guilt and embrace some "me time."
Warning for parents: Screen time delays your child’s development
Read full article: Warning for parents: Screen time delays your child’s developmentMobile devices are everywhere – and even babies seem to enjoy the technology. But a new study shows too much screen time could negatively affect a little one’s development.
New federal safety standards now in effect for child car seats
Read full article: New federal safety standards now in effect for child car seatsNew federal standards for child car seats took effect Monday to address side-impact crash tests, minimum child weight labels, school bus-specific restraint requirements and more.
Facebook and Instagram roll out new tools to help parents keep their teens safe online
Read full article: Facebook and Instagram roll out new tools to help parents keep their teens safe onlineOnline stranger danger is a real concern on social media. As a result, Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has rolled out new tools for parents that will limit messages with kids. This, as state lawmakers want to ban minors from using social media altogether.
New study shows child care costs are more than in-state college tuition in Florida
Read full article: New study shows child care costs are more than in-state college tuition in FloridaNew numbers from care.com show most parents spend 24% of their household income on child care. Half of parents surveyed spent more than $18,000 in 2023.
The FTC wants to hear from you about children’s online privacy
Read full article: The FTC wants to hear from you about children’s online privacyThe FTC wants to hear from you about the protections the agency is considering when it comes to what information websites can collect from children and how they use and share that information.
Don't be tempted by tech. These last-minute toys cost less, have more benefits
Read full article: Don't be tempted by tech. These last-minute toys cost less, have more benefitsIf you are looking for things that will improve language and learning, the American Speech Language and Hearing Association recommends considering non-tech options.
Tragedy drives family to help protect others with first-of-its-kind safety demonstration home
Read full article: Tragedy drives family to help protect others with first-of-its-kind safety demonstration homeCharlie’s House is the nation’s first safety demonstration home -- designed from the ground up -- and dedicated to reducing at-home accidents and injuries.
Health Alert: Why you should NOT buy weighted sleep products for babies
Read full article: Health Alert: Why you should NOT buy weighted sleep products for babiesA warning for any parent or caregiver: Stop using weighted sleep products for babies! Consumer Reports gives us the update on these dangerous products that are still currently for sale.
Scary toxic Halloween hazards to watch out for
Read full article: Scary toxic Halloween hazards to watch out forHalloween is right around the corner, and with over 44 million children gearing up to transform into witches, wizards, pirates, and princesses, it's important for parents to be aware of some crucial safety measures. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and happy Halloween.
What features to look for when buying nanny cams or baby monitors
Read full article: What features to look for when buying nanny cams or baby monitorsWith so many different baby monitor and nanny cam products on the market at different price points, it’s important to know the ones that are recommended and what to look for -- based on how you plan to use them.
DCPS and the FBI team up to talk to parents about their kids and smartphone dangers
Read full article: DCPS and the FBI team up to talk to parents about their kids and smartphone dangersFBI Jacksonville and the Duval County Public Schools’ Parent Academy is hosting the “Be Smart with your Kids’ Smartphone” program for the fall semester.
How to tell if your child is struggling with anxiety or depression
Read full article: How to tell if your child is struggling with anxiety or depressionTuesday was World Mental Health Day, and it’s a good reminder for parents to talk to their kids about mental health to recognize if they’re struggling with something like anxiety or depression.
‘They are not safe’: Consumer Reports warns parents to dump water beads immediately
Read full article: ‘They are not safe’: Consumer Reports warns parents to dump water beads immediatelyConsumer Reports is sounding the alarm about a popular product for kids that can hurt or even kill younger children.
‘This is happening every week’: 125 children left alone in vehicle that was then stolen, nonprofit’s data shows
Read full article: ‘This is happening every week’: 125 children left alone in vehicle that was then stolen, nonprofit’s data showsSince the beginning of the year, 125 children have been left alone in a vehicle that was then stolen, according to a national nonprofit car safety organization that is warning parents and caregivers about the risk.
Why you should add your child’s bike helmet to your back-to-school checklist
Read full article: Why you should add your child’s bike helmet to your back-to-school checklistAs you're going through your checklist for back to school, if you have kids who will be riding their bikes, the experts at Consumer Reports say it’s important to know if they need a new bike helmet.
Which vaccines are required for schoolchildren in Florida? A reminder ahead of the new year
Read full article: Which vaccines are required for schoolchildren in Florida? A reminder ahead of the new yearAs a new school year inches closer, some students must get their shots. The sooner you get them, the better.
‘Not only preventable, they’re predictable’: Safety experts explain reasons children are left in hot cars
Read full article: ‘Not only preventable, they’re predictable’: Safety experts explain reasons children are left in hot carsApproximately 87% of children who die in hot cars are age 3 or younger and the majority (56%) were unknowingly left by an otherwise loving, responsible parent or caregiver.
Prenatal supplements: What’s safe & which nutrients are most important?
Read full article: Prenatal supplements: What’s safe & which nutrients are most important?Since there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to prenatal supplements, we turned to the experts at Consumer Reports to help break down what’s inside the bottles so you can buy the right one for you.
Access to subsidized children’s health insurance expands to more working-class Florida families
Read full article: Access to subsidized children’s health insurance expands to more working-class Florida familiesGov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed 10 bills, including a measure that will expand eligibility for the KidCare subsidized health insurance program.