Youth Eastside Services Lifeline Online
November 2012 

Make Internet Safety a Priority  

Local incident highlights the need for parents to be ever-vigilant

 girl on cell

Earlier this month the Bellevue Patch and KOMO News reported that a Bellevue man tried to  lure a young girl with text messages. According to KOMO, "Police say the mother of the 13-year-old girl found several sexually explicit messages on her cell phone that was previously used by her daughter." The texts mentioned offers of money, drugs and alcohol, and a meeting was arranged in Renton.

 

We've heard news of this nature around the country but this hits particularly close to home. This happened in our own backyard. It's unsettling to think that our children can become so vulnerable using a tool we rely on to communicate with them.

 

Here are some steps you can take to keep your children safe on the phone and online.

In the News 
Important information you want to know
  
Knowing what your children are sharing online is a good strategy for keeping them safe. Learn about Instagram - a growing social network - and how your kids may be using it. Help them set up their account appropriately and enjoy the creativity it inspires in them.
  
November 17 marks the 14th Annual International Survivors of Suicide Day. In communities across the country, survivors of suicide loss come together at healing conferences and online for support and guidance. Find information on local sites at survivor.
 
School bullies and their victims are likely to abuse alcohol after a bullying episode, according to results of a study conducted by the University of Cincinnati. The study found that school violent victimization was associated with increased odds of recent alcohol use and heavy drinking among males and females and across grades 7-12.

annual report cover 

 

 

Our 2011 Annual Report is now available. To save costs of printing and to the environment, we have it online for your review here. If you would like a printed copy, please contact Maria Lamarca Anderson at 425.586.2322 or MariaLA@YouthEastsideServices.org.

Calling all Table Captains 

Invest in Youth

 

If you're looking for a fun way to volunteer with Youth Eastside Services, sign on as a Table Captain for our Invest in Youth Breakfast!

 

When you join me as a table captain for the March 19 event, you'll play a key role in helping raise funds that allow us to serve all Eastside children regardless of their family's ability to pay for services. These include coping with depression, substance abuse and bullying - challenges more and more local kids are facing as a result of the economic recession.

 

For more details, please contact Brooke Wiles at BrookeW@YouthEastsideServices.org or at 425.586.2326.

 

Sincerely,

  
Patti Skelton-McGougan 
Executive Director