Safe Search Kids - Education, Parenting, Internet Safety for All

Disability is diverse and includes persons from every race, gender, culture, age, geographic region, and socioeconomic status. Anyone can belong to this group, and the statistics increase with age. Persons with disabilities, especially children, are among the most neglected groups in society.The case is even worse with students, increasing their dropout risk.

Fortunately, education leaders can take certain measures to create more inclusive conditions for students with disabilities.

Challenges To The Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities

Inclusive education accommodates learners in a community or class regardless of their strengths or weaknesses and maximizes the students’ potential. It comprises strategies, processes, and activities promoting the right to equal education.

Several challenges revolve around including students with disabilities; we break them down in this section.

Inadequate Teacher Training

Teachers are key in the implementation of inclusive learning. Unfortunately, most teachers lack training in teaching and handling children with disabilities. This lack of proper training, knowledge, and qualifications derails the inclusion of students with disabilities.

Inclusive education is essential for embracing diverse learners, including those who benefit from Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Understanding the HCBS can play a crucial role in providing personalized educational experiences for students with developmental disabilities within community settings, thereby promoting a richer learning environment that accommodates all cognitive and social needs.

Societal Norms And Attitudes

Many people are still die-hards of old attitudes and resist accommodating students with disabilities. Certain cultures worsen the situation, resulting in discrimination and hindering education.

Lack Of Inclusive Teaching Methods

Incorporating inclusive teaching methods depends on financial support, which is lacking. According to UNESCO, 2009, the lack of funding hinders professional development, which is key to sustaining school specialists and teachers.

Lack Of Accessible Technology

Inclusive education relies on an environment that is friendly and accessible to a diverse population. The lack of accessible technology to create such environments will hinder the implementation of inclusive education with equality, dignity and without to discrimination or prejudice.

Curriculum

A rigid curriculum that does not accommodate different teaching methods or experimentation for students with disabilities is a setback to successful inclusion. Also, study plans with little or no recognition of different learning styles will prevent students with disabilities from benefiting from the school experience.

Socio-Economic Factors

Negative attitudes towards a person with disabilities caused by religious affiliations or culture can affect its inclusion in schools. Some believe that disability is a punishment and will isolate such members instead of helping them.

The lack of funding for disability programs to ensure school accommodation is also a concern. Most schools lack facilities, trained teachers, and educational materials.

How To Create A Culture Of Inclusion

According to several studies, students risk dropping out if they do not attain a sense of belonging within two months of joining the school. Creating a culture of inclusion is, therefore, necessary to keep such students in school in the following ways:

Develop Inclusive Classrooms

Creating a safe and welcoming educational experience for everyone implies paying attention to the physical facilities in terms of design and accessibility. This means taking into account individual differences in learning, socializing, and working.

Adopt Inclusive Teaching Methods and Materials

A school knowledgeable about the limitations that students with disabilities experience from external barriers is likely to adopt inclusive teaching methods and materials. For instance, students with learning disabilities may have processing disabilities that are solvable through information conveyance, such as testing procedures.

Create A Stand-Alone Disability Studies Department

A standalone disability studies department will accommodate students with disabilities in higher education settings. Such students will gain skills and knowledge customized for their practice at their workplace.

Embed Disability Inclusion Into Performance Review For All

A negative attitude of parents and teachers toward disabled students hinders the implementation of inclusion. Hence, having a full inclusion model encompassing disabilities in a performance review should be accepted for educators to limit such discrimination.

Ensure Accessible Technology

Educators should ensure classroom accessibility for students with disabilities as per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA compliance for websites, captioned videos, document remediation and transcription services in relaying information will keep disabled students in school. ADA requires captioning as a standard element for all video use in classes and that all new content is posted on the website for accessibility. ADA also requires accommodation for students with disabilities through inclusive classrooms.

Conclusion

A person’s situation in life is no one’s choice, and embracing disabled individuals in institutions rather than discriminating against them will change the attitude of society in the long run. Recognizing and overcoming the barriers of inclusive education will make every child comfortable in school for a better and healthier community.

Traveling is a great way to explore new places, create memories, and bond with your family. However, while you’re enjoying your trip, you may also be exposed to the risk of identity theft. It is a serious crime with long-lasting and devastating consequences that can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time.

With a proactive approach, it is possible to minimize or even eliminate the possibility of identify theft. Read on and find out the best things to do.

How Identity Theft Can Happen When Traveling

When you’re traveling, you’re often in unfamiliar surroundings, which can make it easier for identity thieves to take advantage of you. Below are some ways by which you can be exposing yourself and your family to identity theft:

• Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, which means that anyone can access them. This makes it easy to intercept your personal information, such as your passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data.

• Lost or Stolen Documents: When you’re traveling, you may need to carry important documents with you, such as your passport, driver’s license, or credit card. If these documents are lost or stolen, they can be used to commit fraud.

• ATM skimming: Skimming is a technique to steal your credit or debit card information. They attach a device to the ATM that reads and copies information when you insert it.

• Phishing Scams: Identity bandits may send you emails or texts that look like they’re from legitimate sources, such as your bank or credit card company. They’ll ask you to provide personal information or click on a link that will take you to a fake website where they can access sensitive data.

• Shoulder surfing: This is when identity thieves look over your shoulder while you’re entering your PIN or other information into a computer or ATM.
• Hotel Theft: Your hotel room may not be as secure as you think. Housekeeping staff, maintenance workers, and even other guests may be able to access your room and steal your personal information.

• Rental Car Theft: Be careful about leaving personal information in the car you are renting. Such information can be used for fraudulent purposes.

Tips for Protecting Your Family’s Identity While Traveling

There are several steps you can take to protect your family’s identity while traveling. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Secure Your Electronic Devices

Make sure your laptop, tablet, and smartphone have up-to-date security software installed. Use a strong password to lock your devices when you’re not using them. Monitor children when they are using electronic devices and educate them about the potential dangers of sharing information online.

Use Identity Theft Protection Software

These services use advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to monitor your personal information, such as your social security number and credit card details, across the web. You’ll have plenty of options, but in many online comparisons, Aura won hands down. The company offers a range of identity theft protection services, such as credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and identity restoration services.

Be Careful With Public Wi-Fi and Computers

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for anything sensitive, such as online banking or shopping. If you must use public internet connections, ensure the website is secure (look for the “https” in the URL). It can also be tempting to use public computers, such as those in hotels, but be careful. These computers may not be secure and could be infected with malware or keylogging software that can capture your personal information.

Don’t Carry Unnecessary Documents and IDs

Only carry the documents and IDs you need for your trip. Leave any unnecessary documents, such as your Social Security card, at home. Meanwhile, you should also avoid leaving them in unsafe places, such as a rental car.

Keep Your Wallet and Documents Close

When you’re out and about, keep your wallet and documents in a secure location, such as a zippered pocket or a cross-body bag.

Be Cautious When Using ATMs

Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Check the machine for any signs of tampering, such as loose or unusual-looking card slots, and report anything suspicious to the bank.

Use an RFID-Blocking Wallet

RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology is used in some credit cards and passports to transmit information wirelessly. However, this can also make it easier for thieves to steal your information using a scanner. Consider using an RFID-blocking wallet or passport holder to help protect against this type of theft.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Pay attention to who is around you and be on the lookout for anyone who may be trying to steal your personal information.

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Keep an eye on your bank and credit card accounts to make sure there are no unauthorized charges. If you do see something suspicious, report it immediately. The earlier you report, the lesser the chance of compromising your family’s identity.

What To Do After a Case of Identity Theft

If you discover that your identity has been stolen while traveling, it’s crucial to take action immediately to minimize the damage. Here are some steps to take:

1. Contact your bank and credit card companies: Report any suspicious activity or unauthorized charges on your accounts. They may be able to freeze your accounts and issue new cards to prevent further fraud.
2. File a report with the local police: If your passport or other important documents were stolen, file a report with the local police department. This can help you get a replacement passport and may be required by your insurance company.
3. Notify the credit bureaus: Contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will notify lenders that your identity may have been stolen and can help prevent further damage.

Conclusion

Identity theft is rampant, putting traveling families at risk. By taking the necessary precautions, monitoring your accounts, and educating your children about the risks of identity theft, you can help ensure that your family stays safe and secure while on the road. Remember to always be vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Safe travels!

One of the biggest opportunities in this regard is edutainment, which is teaching through playing and entertainment. In fact, many games are designed to simulate a learning process while users play and enjoy a game. Video games have become a severe rival for other types of entertainment and gained a lot of attention, especially Gen Z.

With more than 1.3 billion people worldwide paying close attention to this growing trend, it’s timely that we explore what edutainment is and also learn the benefits job-learning video games can have. In the end, you can be familiar with some of the best video games that simulate a job to learn.

What Is Edutainment?

The word edutainment has been created by combining two words:

• Education
• Entertainment

As it comes from the name, edutainment refers to every tool that combines two fields of education and entertainment. It’s also sometimes called Educational Entertainment.

It actually includes all the technologies, software products, and methods that use entertainment to educate people. It’s great to educate through entertainment media because it makes education less boring to people, especially kids.

It seems that the word edutainment was first used by Walt Disney in 1954. Academics, businesses, politicians, governments, and other sectors in various forms use edutainment.

Here are some common types of educational entertainment:

Using Entertainment in Schools: Teachers can leverage the power of games, toys, media, and experiences in various combinations to educate and entertain their pupils. These approaches entertain as well as educate youngsters at the same time.

Video Games for Edutainment: Even outside of school, kids can play and learn at the same time. Thanks to the internet, there are countless simulation video games out there that will teach something when playing and enjoying. One type of these games focuses on simulating real jobs to improve your skills in a specific task. For example, farming, driving, home chores, and many other tasks can be taught using job simulation games.

Legos for Edutainment: Toys are another simple way to spice up a school day, just like games. Lego, a well-known construction toy that is enjoyed by both adults and children, are a famous example. Lego construction improves a kid’s ingenuity, motor and engineering abilities, problem-solving, and spatial comprehension.

Advantages of Playing Job Learning Simulation Games

Learning simulation games are here to simulate a real job, task, theory, or fact through a game.

They are supposed to improve your skills and understanding in a specific field without any real-world repercussions and stress. They’re actually “edutainment” tools that resemble real experiences without having to face the risks!

Here are some of the benefits of playing these games, especially for kids:

Interactive

In contrast to traditional lectures or hands-on training, games encourage the participant to participate actively in the learning process. Also, there is no “try, fail, learn” opportunities in traditional lectures. Learners will train their abilities to adjust to the real environment through simulations.

Learning new skills

Another obvious advantage of job simulator games is that they teach you new skills. There are numerous simulation games that are quite instructional. Try a simulator game if you choose to pursue a new interest or are eager to work in a certain profession. There will almost always be a simulation game for you, whether it’s farming, landscaping, or home renovation.

Self-alignment

The instructor mostly sets the teaching in the traditional education system, whereas the learner sets games and simulations. This is a big difference in which learners adjust the game’s pace to suit their personalities.

Standard scoring

When it comes to traditional education methods, it is exceedingly difficult to assess all pupils uniformly. Subjectivity is almost always present. Simulated learning enables better learner-to-learner evaluations by applying the rules to all participants equally.

Relaxation

Job simulation games are the most effortless means of learning. There is no stress of losing, so you can easily play it again and again. You should not do any physical activity, and you can simulate many types of jobs in your room.

Cost-effective

Simulations are considerably more cost-effective and widely accessible than instructor-led or workshop-style learning.

The Best Learning Simulator Games in 2023

Here are the top video games that you can learn how to do a task when playing them:

1.    Two Point Hospital

This one is available on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and the internet.

It’s your responsibility to ensure that Two Point County’s new infirmary is up to par and prepared to deal with whatever unique illness the locals bring in, whether Floppy Discs, Cubism, or dreaded Night Fever! In this lighthearted hospital management game, you must ensure it is.

In this game, you’ll learn:

• Great management skills
• Budget balancing
• Being careful in your decisions
• Working at maximum efficiency
• Helpful info about the hospitals

2.    HEADLESS JEFF-3

This is a second-person puzzle online game, and your mission is to reassemble the detached head of a robot back to its body.

In HEADLESS JEFF-3, you see the game space from the robot’s head’s eyes! In this game, you’ll learn the following:

• How to solve complex puzzles
• Change your point of view to see the environment from a totally different perspective
• Overcome difficult laws of physics

3.    Youtubers Life

Operating a YouTube channel used to be deemed non-commercial, but that still holds true today. You’re placed in the modest shoes of a YouTuber with few basic tools who want to build a channel in Youtubers Life.

You are driven by subs and views, acquiring your arsenal of equipment to make better videos, gaining a following, and expanding your channel like genuine-life YouTubers. You must maintain a social life, educate yourself, and eventually hire people in addition to establishing a social media presence.

4.    Kitten’d

Kitten’d is something special for those who’re interested in pets. This is a VR game that puts you in a room with very expensive and breakable objects. There are also lots of cute kittens that need your attention.

Actually, you have to feed them, clean their place, and make them happy. There are 28 levels in 4 different worlds.

You can just hang out with your pets in the sandbox world, which is totally new to gamers. This is really helpful for kids who need to learn how to take care of their objects and pets.

5.    BBQ Simulator

You can’t find any game funnier than BBQ Simulator. As it comes from the name, in this game, you have to learn how to make a great barbecue. You can also learn about camping and other nature tasks. You can enjoy the game with up to 8 friends in the multiplayer mode and experience many things that would be difficult in the real world.

6.    Duct Tape Simulator

In Duct Tape Simulator, you’ll act as duct tape, so you must learn how to fix cracked and broken objects. First, you have to search the room for damaged things, and then you need to repair them to score. This is great for teens to learn how to pull their weight in fixing things in their homes.

Conclusion

Learning simulators are great tools for every type of personality and people of different age groups. They’re multi-purpose games that let you enjoy and learn at the same time. Try to search and find the game that perfectly matches your interests. You can also use these tools to improve your skills in many jobs.

Read about using technology to gamify fitness for kids.

Today’s kids are the first generation to grow up fully immersed in technology. This has advantages and disadvantages, with an undeniable downside being increased mental health disorders. While technology can be fun for parents and kids alike, there are ties between technology and depression that parents should know about.

The Connection Between Technology and Depression

Recent research found that depression among kids increased by more than 25% in the past decade, leading to lowered self-esteem.

Though there are several possible contributing factors, it’s undeniable that the increased use of technology takes a toll on children’s mental health. The internet is better able to connect us and help us learn, but it’s also a platform for bullying, insecurity and toxic ideas that can be especially harmful to still-developing minds.

Cyberbullying is common among kids online. They often don’t realize the true impact their words and actions have. It’s easy to hide behind a user name and computer screen to make a mean comment or threaten someone else. Kids often bully because they are still figuring out how to handle social situations and feel like being mean will put them at the top of their social ladder. Bullies are often insecure. By tearing someone else down, they can feel better about themselves. Bullying among adults also often happens online, normalizing it for kids.

Social media often shows kids the “best” photos and experiences, making them self-conscious about their appearance and abilities. Fancy filters can erase blemishes, giving kids unrealistic expectations for how they should look. Children often follow the accounts of celebrities they like and don’t realize people are in charge of making them appear glamorous.

Screen time keeps kids from other activities that nurture their bodies and minds. Research shows that the average kid engages in four to six hours of screen time daily. Being sedentary for this long increases the risk of developing depression.

How to Help Kids Avoid Depression Tied to Tech

Several things can contribute to mental health issues, and you can only do so much to prevent them. However, changing your child’s technology habits can reduce or eliminate depression symptoms. Here are some things you can do.

Limit Their Time

Children from 2-5 years old should only have under one hour of screen time per day, and older kids should not be on for more than two. Two hours is also the standard recommended time for adults. Kids under 2 should only have occasional screen time.

Even if you set a timer, they might have more exposure than you realize. Televisions in the background of other activities can catch their eye, and unattended devices could lead to sneaky behaviors. As easy as it can be to hand your child a device while trying to do something else, another distraction could preserve their well-being.

Encourage Physical Activities

Getting your kids moving distracts them from technology and can improve their physical and mental health. Research shows that regular exercise can help prevent and treat symptoms of depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Children are more motivated to exercise when they do something they love. Sports, dancing, martial arts or just playing outside encourages them to enjoy themselves without using technology. Many sports teach children important life skills without them knowing it, such as responsibility, honesty and emotional control.

Teach Them About It

It’s important to monitor your child’s social media use, but you can’t protect them from everything. Between school and extracurricular activities, they’re likely to see or experience mean or inappropriate content. One of the best things you can do is teach your children about what they may encounter.

Everyone wants to protect their kids, but it helps to tell them about cyberbullying, filters and photo alterations, different morals and beliefs, and responsible posting. That way, they’re equipped with the knowledge to confidently navigate television, video games, internet searches and social media. They can better understand what enriches them and what doesn’t when they guard their hearts and minds against negativity.

Accessing Support When Needed

If you notice signs of depression, anxiety, or emotional withdrawal in your child, professional support can make a significant difference. In addition to adjusting tech habits and encouraging healthy routines, consider reaching out to licensed professionals.

Many parents find help through online counselling BC, which offers flexible, virtual therapy for children and teens. Services like these can support kids in developing resilience, processing emotions, and building self-worth in an increasingly digital world.

Helping Kids Use Technology Wisely

The connection between technology and depression in children is hard to ignore, but that doesn’t mean you should ban it. These days, kids need to know how to navigate the vast amount of content and connections made through tech. Limiting their time and equipping them with the right mindset and life skills reduces their risk of mental health conditions now and in the future.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.