Keeping Track of Your Kid's Gadgets
Now that school's in full swing a warning about all the electronics your kids might be taking to class. From i-pads and i-pods to laptops and cell phones, students of all ages are using a lot of expensive gadgets these days. To protect those items and your family's identity give your child a few reminders. First of all use password protections. It sounds obvious, but you should have a password even on your smart phone in case it's stolen. Otherwise a thief will have access to your private information. And tell your kids to keep electronics off the floor. Instead, rest a laptop or tablet against your leg so you're aware of it. If it s not in your line of sight it s much easier for someone to grab it and take off. Don t leave your electronics visible in the car. It s an open invitation to thieves. Also, consider software you can download to track stolen electronics.
Cartoon Brain Drain?
Is your kiddo a big fan of SpongeBob SquarePants? A new study may have you switching the channel.
University of Virginia researchers showed the SpongeBob cartoon to a small group of four-year-olds. The researchers determined the SpongeBob viewers didn't problem-solve or focus as well as children who watched slower-paced cartoons or kids who played with crayons. And their brains were tired from all the stimulation. Experts say a child's developing brain doesn't have enough time to process fast-paced media. Nickelodeon, which airs SpongeBob, questions the methodology of using four year olds for the research. The company markets the cartoon to kids older than six.
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