SafeBlog

It’s that time of year again! The San Diego County Fair arrived at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on June 10 complete with the concert series, animal shows, contests, food stands, and more. Read below for how to win a free package of admission tickets, rides, and other goodies.

With two weeks left at the Fair, shows still to come include concerts like the Neon Trees, the Beach Boys, and REO Speedwagon. Also, you can’t miss the spectacular July 4 fireworks display that closes out the fair season. Visit the Fair’s website to see a complete list of events and information.

Staying safe starts with the Fair staff taking initial precautions. All Fairgoers must pass through metal detectors and/or bag checks at the entrance. Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed, nor are any weapons.

Here are a few additional safety tips to keep in mind while enjoying the Fair:

1. Get a program when you arrive and study the map to make sure you know where First Aid, Guest Services, and Security locations are throughout the fairgrounds
2. Set up a meeting place so that if your party gets separated, you all have one place where you can reconvene.
3. Make sure that everyone has either a phone or a walkie-talkie so you can communicate if you get separated.
4. Be able to describe what clothes and shoes your children are wearing so you can relay that to fair security if they get lost.
5. Avoid carrying a purse on your shoulder. Instead, try using a fanny pack or a strap that goes across your chest.
6. Keep your money and valuables in your front pocket rather than in a purse or bag.
7. Check out the Calamity Jo Safety Show every day at 11:30am. It’s a great show for kids.

We’re giving away free tickets! The prize package includes:

• 4 Fair admission tickets
• 50 ride tickets
• 4 drink vouchers with food purchase at participating vendors
• Parking voucher

To enter, post a comment with what you are most looking forward to doing at the Fair this year. Submit your comment by 5pm PDT Friday, June 24 and we’ll draw the winner at 9am PDT on Monday, June 27. We will announce the winner in the comment section and also send you an email with pick-up information at our headquarters in San Diego. Please, one entry per person.

Good luck and have fun this year at the Fairgrounds!

We want to take a moment and introduce ourselves and give you a glimpse into why we’re here, what you can expect from SafeBlog, and how you can get involved.

At SafeList, we recognize the need for a resource about online security and safer online commerce. We are here to provide useful information, news, and insight into these topics. The ultimate goal is to have a forum for you, our readers, to start a conversation and share knowledge on this increasing area of concern in the digital age. We’ll be taking a look at the problems that can sometimes result from the anonymous nature of the web, and present ways on how to tackle them.

You’ll be seeing posts from Lauren, our chief blogger, and also from Brittany, who will pop in with her take from time to time. We also hope to bring to you valuable online safety tips and other relevant information from expert guest bloggers. Additionally, we welcome, in fact, strongly encourage contributions from you, our readers. Suggested topics may range from how to protect yourself from threats and attacks online, to safeguarding your personal information, to shopping safely online. This is all to help enable you to enjoy the benefits of an increasingly web-driven world while staying protected from potential threats.

We want to hear from you! Let us know, in the comments section, what is important to you: questions, criticisms, and feedback.  If you want to learn more, make that known as well. We’ll also be continuing the conversation on our social channels, so be sure to check us out on our Facebook fanpage, Twitter @SafeList, and YouTube.

To learn more about SafeList, check out our homepage, where you can find listings on everything from jobs and apartments to services and items for sale in a verified marketplace that is also safer.

We look forward to engaging with you and hearing what you have to say!

Cyber-bullying has recently become a serious issue in online safety. In fact, The National Crime Prevention Council reports that almost half of all American teens are at one time affected by cyber-bullying. Just as it sounds, cyber-bullying occurs when someone publishes hurtful or embarrassing messages about another person on the web. It occurs frequently on social media platforms, such as Facebook and MySpace. It can also occur through blogs, email, forums, text messages and other communication methods.

Recently the news has reported an increase in cyber-bullying cases. When they are not dealt with, it can lead to tragedy, as was seen with the 2010 death of Phoebe Prince. Cyber-bullying can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts in young adults and children, not to mention poor academic performance. Parents have a responsibility to monitor Internet usage and pay close attention to their child’s social lives.

Here are 10 tips to keep in mind if you have children who may be exposed to cyber-bullying:

1. Limit the amount of time your child spends on the web. Try setting time limits.
2. As a parent, become “friends” with your children on their social media accounts so you can track any visible signs of bullying immediately.
3. Put the computer in a common area, such as near the kitchen or family room.
4. Talk to your child’s school to start a program on bullying prevention. If they already have one, make sure that cyber-bullying is an aspect of the program. It should have a system to report to teachers any signs of trouble.
5. Investigate further if your child seems hesitant to attend social events or school.
6. Take action if you notice your child becoming withdrawn or showing signs of lower self-esteem or depression.
7. Contact the school and get the principle and teachers involved.
8. Change phone numbers or email addresses if bullying continues.
9. Block bullies on social media like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.
10. Report to the website owner any harmful content on their site posted by bullies.