California Supreme Court upholds Prop 8!

The California Supreme Court voted overwhelmingly 6-1 to uphold Prop 8 which was to amend the state's constitution to include that marriage is between one man and one woman.

Thanks to the California Protect Marriage Coalition and all the citizens in California for their efforts and money!

YouTube flooded with porn

You probably didn't know that Wednesday was declared 'Porn Day' on YouTube. YouTube had an onslaught of porn clips uploaded to the video sharing website even though YouTube has a filter system and a team of employees dedicating to removing porn. The porn videos were tagged with kid friendly names like the Jonas Brothers.

YouTube has removed the videos, but it may take a few days for all of the images to be deleted.

Stories here and here.

In memory of Celia Turley

In memory of Celia Turley (39), a wife, mother of 5 children ages 6-16, and kindergarten school teacher, who passed away unexpectedly last week, due to complications from leukemia treatments.

Be thankful for each day. Make the most of each moment you have with your children and family. Focus on the things that matter the most. Set aside the distractions that take your time and your thoughts and your money away from things that really make a difference. Find small ways to help other people and connect with other people around you. See the good and find opportunities in every day and every experience. Pray that God will give you strength and courage to be the best you can be, and all that He needs you to be.

Internet Safety by Cox

Cox Communications is leading the efforts to help keep your children safe online and on their cell phones. Their program is called Take Charge! and gives comprehensive, in depth information on what parents need to know.

Parents- You need to take the time to review the contents on this website. Your kids are not as safe as you think. You need to take control of the Internet, TV and cell phone. It's time to sit down with your child and discuss what's appropriate and the consequences of sending or viewing obscene pictures.

Parents click here to find the parental controls.

Learn more about Internet safety.

Or click here to learn more about cell phone safety.

We'll discuss this more in depth in future blog posts.

Thanks Cox Communications!!

Sexting: 'Parents Don't Have a Clue,' John Walsh Says

From Fox News-

A new survey, conducted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com, uncovered some alarming figures. The survey of more than 1,200 volunteers aged 13 to 26 found that 20 percent of teenagers have either sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves, while another 48 percent said they have received such messages.

Read more here.

NetSmartz Workshop great resource to learn about online dangers and solutions

Are your kids safe online? NetSmartz Workshop has separate places directed to parents & guardians, educators, law enforcement, teens and kids to visit and learn about online safety.

They cover topics including cyberbullying, sexting, sexual predators, gaming, and more . . .

"NetSmartz offers free, multimedia Internet safety presentations you can use with your children or in your community.[NetSmartz] innovative presentations utilize the latest statistics, online resources, videos, and expert tips to educate, engage, and empower children and adults to be safer on- and offline."

Visit http://www.netsmartz.org/ to access important resources to keep your children safe online.

Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Growing

According to the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force there is a growing number of Internet crimes against children in Arizona: 2001-2008. 

Arizona reports of Internet crimes against children have grown dramatically in the past several years.  In 2008, the Arizona ICAC received 4,222 reported incidents, up from 832 in 2007.  Most of the reports involved either unlawful images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors or the luring of minors for sexual exploitation.

The numbers highlight the need for increased enforcement of these serious crimes.

AZ Family Council President, Jeremy Geigle, appointed to National Online Safety Working Group

The Arizona Family Council announced that its president, Jeremy Geigle, has been appointed to serve on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Online Safety and Technology Working Group – a working group with the charge of keeping children and families safe online. 

Geigle was appointed as one among thirty other private sector groups and child and family advocacy leaders from across the nation.  These members will work with federal agencies to evaluate and make recommendations on how to increase and implement safety online.

“Now is the time to do all we can to educate, implement technology, and save our children from the danger that lurks online.  I am honored to collaborate with members off this working group, who have children’s online safety as a first priority.”

As an attorney, Mr. Geigle has worked with juveniles that have been victimized by online adult content and child pornography. As president of AZ Family Council, he has introduced legislation to protect children online and worked to educate and empower families, parents, and the community in dealing with Internet safety.