San Diego Daycare Injury Report

In Nebraska, Sitter Gets Prison for Shaking Baby - Shaken Baby Syndrome

In Nebraska, Sitter Gets Prison for Shaking Baby - Shaken Baby Syndrome

In Illinois, Edgardo Delatorre was critically injured during an intentional vehicular assault involving a teen driving a stolen car.

The Keane Law Firm seeks to raise public awareness about child abuse, child abuse prevention and the rights of children that have been catastrophically injured. Please call the office or visit our website for a consultation.

In California, three Daly City Skyline Elementary students were injured when a man lost control of his car in the school parking lot.

The Keane Law Firm seeks to raise public awareness about child abuse, child abuse prevention and the rights of children that have been catastrophically injured. Please call the office or visit our website for a consultation. http://www.keanelaw.com/ Phone# 415-398-2777 Address: Keane Law Firm, 1388 Haight Street, No. 244, San Francisco, CA 94117 Email: grace@keanelaw.com

Toy-Related Injuries: How to Keep Your Child Safe This Holiday Season

We recently added an article to our library on holidays, toys, and child injuries.  To read more about toy-related injuries and how you can help keep your child safe this holiday season, click here.

If your child has been injured while playing or as a result of another party's negligence, feel free to contact child injury lawyer Chris Keane with your questions regarding defective product laws and other concerns related to child injuries. As a father and legal advocate for injured and abused children, Keane will answer your questions for free and help you find the best medical treatment for your child. 1-888-592-KIDS.

California Children's Health Advocate Named Chairman of Leading Children's Hospital Association

California's Christopher Dawes, president and CEO of Lucile Packard Children`s Hospital at Stanford in Palo Alto since 1999, has been elected chairman of the Board of Trustees for the National Association of Children`s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and the National Association of Children`s Hospitals (N.A.C.H.), according to the Reuters website.  The leading children's hospital association, the NACHRI and NACH welcome the experienced children's health advocate and look forward to working with him in shaping health care reform as it applies to the needs of children.  According to the article, NACHRI was founded in 1968 and is an association of 220 children's hospitals and institutions that exist to improve the health of kids.  NACH represents over 139 freestanding acute care children's hospitals, rehab and specialty hospitals, and other hospitals associated with larger medical centers.

As a child injury lawyer, Chris Keane is an advocate for injured and abused children who require hospitalization or other treatment.  By narrowing his legal focus to representing children only, Keane has gained the privilege and experience of working with the best medical experts in the field of child injuries.  If you have questions regarding child injuries or abuse, contact Chris Keane online or at 888-592-KIDS for free answers and advice unique to your specific situation.

In Chicago, Jeremiah Range fell from a third story porch located in the south side if the city. He was five-weeks-old at the time of his tragic death.

In Chicago, Jeremiah Range fell from a third story porch located in the south side if the city. Jeremiah was five-weeks-old at the time of his tragic death. He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital. Chicago police are investigating the matter, there have been no arrests. Allegedly Jeremiah’s parents were arguing when the tragedy unfolded.    

The Keane Law Firm seeks to raise public awareness about child abuse, child abuse and injury prevention and the rights of children that have been catastrophically injured. Please call the office or visit our website for a consultation.  

http://www.keanelaw.com/
Phone# 415-398-2777
Address: Keane Law Firm, 1388 Haight Street, No. 244, San Francisco, CA  94117  
Email: grace@keanelaw.com

Attorney Christopher Keane has devoted his Bay Area practice to representing children whose lives have been irrevocably altered by abuse, neglect, injury, or death. He is a member of the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center (SFCAPC), and is currently serving as the President on their Board of Directors. The prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers has awarded Christopher Keane a top rating and, reflecting his dedication to professional excellence. In addition, Mr. Keane is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum Top Trial Lawyers in America, listed in the top 500 Plaintiff's attorneys in America by Lawdragon.com and as a principal member of Keane Law has acted as lead plaintiff’s lawyer on a number of successful multi-million dollar cases.

 

 

 

In California, the tragic death of 4-month-old Everett Carey, a baby left in the back seat of a car at the father’s work place, reminds us of how vulnerable we are to the high-cost of human err.

In California, the tragic death of 4-month-old Everett Carey, a baby left in the back seat of a car at the father’s work place, reminds us of how vulnerable we are to the high-cost of human err. News stories report that Everett Carey was pronounced dead at Doctor’s Medical Center in San Pablo after he was found by his mother, Anne Carey, in the back seat of his father, Alan Carey’s car parked at the his work place. The baby was left inside the car all day. News stories report that the baby’s mother went to pick up the child from day care at the end of her work day and was told the infant never arrived in the morning.  So she drove to the father’s work place and found the infant still in the back seat of the car.  

A witness at the father’s work place says he saw Mr. and Mrs. Carey embrace after finding their infant son in the back seat of the car.  

The Keane Law Firm (www.keanelaw.com) represents children that have been catastrophically injured. The tragedy that unfolded for the Carey family should remind us that parents with small children are trying to coordinate family responsibilities and work schedules. Caring and loving parents are at greater risk for being sleep-deprived and distracted while rearing infants and toddlers. This may make them more prone to accidents and injuries during the course of any given day. New families need support from their extended family members and friends. Please reach out and help someone you know that has small children.  

Hyperthermia is elevated body temperature and in this case, the baby's body temperature increased because of the environmental temperatures that the baby was exposed to while left in the car. Babies do not regulate their own body temperature or environment as well as older children and adults and that is due to their level of development.    

Here are a few safety tips for preventing infants from sustaining injuries or succumbing to hyperthermia in cars: 1) remember infants often fall asleep in car seats during rides and will likely be very quiet – a tired and distracted, caring parent may temporarily forget the infant is in the back seat; 2) cars heat up quickly when sun shines through the windows, even on cool days – it is referred to as the Greenhouse Effect; 3) remember different methods to prevent the danger of leaving a baby in the back seat, such as make a habit to place items in the back of the car, out of reach of baby, so that you have to open the back door and will see the baby before leaving the car (i.e., purse, briefcase or coat); 4) ask your daycare to call you if the baby is not dropped off by a certain time in the morning, especially when sharing responsibility for drop-offs and pick-ups with another individual; 5) and keep an item in the baby’s car seat, so that when you place baby in the car seat, the item is moved to the front seat for you to remember that baby is riding with you, especially when you have errands to run; 6) and most importantly, don’t leave your baby in the car to run errands – you may get unexpectedly distracted and forget how much time has lapsed, the car heats up quickly.         

 

 

 

Martindale-Hubbell Rating for California Child Injury Attorney Chris Keane

We recently added an article about the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, which has provided services to people searching for lawyers for generations by giving them reliable information on the clasification and experience of attorneys. Chris Keane is an "AV"-rated attorney.  To read more about Chris Keane's rating and the Martindale Directory in general, click here.  If you are searching for a child injury lawyer in California, feel free to contact Chris Keane via the web or at 1-888-592-KIDS.  For more information on child injury attorney Chris Keane, click here to view his profile.

In California, Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, D-Hayward introduced legislation AB533 on February 25th. This bill would require that coaches be trained to handle and seek immediate medical attention for student athletes that sustain head injuries, suffer heat

 In California, Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, D-Hayward introduced legislation AB533 on February 25^th. This bill would require that coaches receive training to handle and seek immediate medical attention for student athletes that sustain head injuries, suffer heat strokes or develop asthma attacks. This piece of legislation was drafted in response to the trend in morbidity and mortality in students that suffer such types of health problems during sporting activities. The New York Times has featured an article about 51 deaths and critically injured U.S. high school football players between the years 1997 to 2007. These deaths are preventable if managed properly. Some sources estimate that student football players suffer 250,000 concussions annually. It is known that multiple concussions can adversely impact the health of a young person and even shorten their life span. Presently 13 states require coaches to complete this type of safety training. The federal government is considering a similar legislation. If Hayashi’s bill is signed into law, it could take effect at the end of 2010.

 

 

 

 

In Burlingame, an unidentified driver lost control of his car outside of a grocery store and hit three Girl Scouts and the adults accompanying them while selling cookies.

In Burlingame, an unidentified 58-year-old driver lost control of his car outside of a grocery store and hit three Girl Scouts and the adults accompanying them while selling cookies. He said he hit the accelerator instead of the brake while attempting to park his car in a handicap spot. The injury occurred on March 8, 2009. The injured girls were 8, 10 and 12 years old. The adults that were with the children include a 48-year-old woman, mother to one of the Scouts, and a 53-year-old man. One girl and her mother are listed in critical condition. The others are moderately injured and considered stable. The accident investigation is still underway. The car that hit them is a black Lexus. The impact was significant enough to critically injure two people, knock down a metal sign post, topple the table and cookie display and damaged the brick store wall.  The store closed for the remainder of the day.  

The Keane Law Firm represents children nationwide that have been significantly injured. Please contact The Keane Law Firm for a consultation by visiting our website or calling our office. We may be reached at:   

http://www.keanelaw.com/
Phone# 415-398-2777
Address: Keane Law Firm, 530 Jackson Street, Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94133
Email: grace@keanelaw.com

Attorney Christopher Keane has devoted his Bay Area practice to representing children whose lives have been irrevocably altered by abuse, neglect, injury, or death. He is a member of the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center (SFCAPC), and is currently serving as the co-Vice President on their Board of Directors. The prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers has awarded Christopher Keane a top rating and, reflecting his dedication to professional excellence. In addition, Mr. Keane is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum Top Trial Lawyers in America, listed in the top 500 Plaintiff's attorneys in America by Lawdragon.com and as a principal member of Keane Law has acted as lead plaintiff’s lawyer on a number of successful multi-million dollar cases.

 

 

 

In Palmdale, a three-year-old boy died after being struck by a malfunctioning motorized garage door.

In Palmdale, a three-year-old boy died after being struck by a malfunctioning motorized garage door. The boy’s mother was leaving her home with her two sons at 6:15 pm on Tuesday March 10, 2009. As she tried to close the garage door, it struck her three-year-old son in the head. Tragically, the boy died at the hospital approximately an hour later. The investigation ruled the boy’s death was an accident.  

The Keane Law Firm represents children that have been catastrophically injured by unsafe products. Please call The Keane law firm for a consultation by visiting our website or call our office.  

http://www.keanelaw.com/
Phone# 415-398-2777
Address: Keane Law Firm, 530 Jackson Street, Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94133
Email: grace@keanelaw.com

Attorney Christopher Keane has devoted his Bay Area practice to representing children whose lives have been irrevocably altered by abuse, neglect, injury, or death. He is a member of the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center (SFCAPC), and is currently serving as the co-Vice President on their Board of Directors. The prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers has awarded Christopher Keane a top rating and, reflecting his dedication to professional excellence. In addition, Mr. Keane is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum Top Trial Lawyers in America, listed in the top 500 Plaintiff's attorneys in America by Lawdragon.com and as a principal member of Keane Law has acted as lead plaintiff’s lawyer on a number of successful multi-million dollar cases.

In San Jose, Alejandro Casillas and his son Alex were victimized by a hit-and-run driver on the corner of Story Road and Adrian Way while walking to school.

In San Jose, Alejandro Casillas and his son Alex were victimized by a hit-and-run driver on the corner of Story Road and Adrian Way while walking to school. Alex is a student at San Jose’s Mildren Goss Elementary School. The crime occurred on Monday, January 26th at 8:00 a.m. Both Alejandro and Alex were struck by the vehicle. Alex was more severely injured with a severe head injury and multiple broken bones. He is currently hospitalized at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Alejandro sustained a fractured ankle.   

The vehicle that hit them is described as a four-door 1990s silver or gray Nissan. News stories report that witnesses say the vehicle made no attempt to stop. Anyone with information regarding the driver or a vehicle that fits this description and possibly has front end damage, please contact the San Jose Police Department.  

The Keane Law Firm represents injured children nationwide. Please call us for a thorough and immediate consult.  

A child has been severely injured. The Keane Law Firm represents children that have been catastrophically injured from hit-and-run drivers. Please call us, the child injury law firm for a timely case evaluation at 888-592-KIDS or 415-398-2777.  You may visit our website at www.keanelaw.com – we will determine the facts of the case and file a claim to hold those responsible to pay for the damages.

 

In Georgia, tragedy struck the family of Kristian Sales this morning when she suddenly became the victim of a hit-and-run driver on her way to school.

In Georgia, tragedy struck the family of Kristian Sales this morning when she suddenly became the victim of a hit-and-run driver on her way to school this morning. Kristian was crossing the street to catch the bus on her way to school when her parents witnessed that a hit-and-run driver struck their daughter and left her lay in the street severely injured. Her parents rushed to her side. She was transferred emergently to Grady Hospital. She suffered a brain injury and multiple fracture injuries. Kristian is a student at Chamblee High School. Family, friends and those of us at the Keane Law Firm send our thoughts and support for Kristian to recover from this serious injury, she is a victim of a tragic crime. The hit-and-run driver left a severely injured child on the side of the road in very cold weather. While criminal courts will proceed with criminal charges in matters such as this, the Keane Law Firm will pursue a civil suit and seek compensation from the defendant for the victim and the victim’s family outside of criminal court. The Keane Law Firm helps child victims and their families nationwide.     

A child has been severely injured. The Keane Law Firm represents children that have been catastrophically injured from hit-and-run drivers. Please call us, the child injury law firm for a timely case evaluation at 888-592-KIDS or 415-398-2777.  You may visit our website at www.keanelaw.com – we will determine the facts of the case and file a claim to hold those responsible to pay for the damages to protect the injured child’s future interests. In a child injury lawsuit, we will recover for pain, suffering, disability, disfigurement, medical bills, hospital bills, home health care costs, rehabilitation costs, nursing care, transportation costs, future lost income and wages, etc… 

DO YOU HAVE A SERIOUS OR CATASTROPHIC INJURY, SPINAL CORD INJURY, BRAIN INJURY, BURN, SHAKEN

BABY SYNDROME, WRONGFUL DEATH OR CHILD ABUSE CASE OR LAWSUIT AND NEED A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER OR ATTORNEY FOR A CHILD OR CHILDREN?

http://www.keanelaw.com/
Phone# 415-398-2777
Address: Keane Law Firm, 530 Jackson Street, Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94133
Email: grace@keanelaw.com

Attorney Christopher Keane has devoted his Bay Area practice to representing children whose lives have been irrevocably altered by abuse, neglect, injury, or death. He is a member of the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center (SFCAPC), and is currently serving as the co-Vice President on their Board of Directors. The prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers has awarded Christopher Keane a top rating and, reflecting his dedication to professional excellence. In addition, Mr. Keane is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum Top Trial Lawyers in America, listed in the top 500 Plaintiff's attorneys in America by Lawdragon.com and as a principal member of Keane Law has acted as lead plaintiff’s lawyer on a number of successful multi-million dollar cases.

 

 

Avoid dangerous toys during holidays - read this!

In addition to all the attention which lead paint laced toys has received, there are several other types of toys which can be dangerous for kids - including toys with magnets.  Read this article for tips on which toys to avoid.  Also, be on the lookout for these toys when you visit other parents' homes - to make sure your child doesn't suffer a critical injury while visiting a friend on a playdate.

 

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=96029

San Francisco Child Injury Lawyer gives link to information on dangerous toys

The San Francisco Chronicle has a great page called "Healthy Toys" on their website.  It provides up-to-date news stories on toys, toy recalls and general toy safety issues.  Here's the link:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/11/21/BAleadtests21.DTL

California toy injury lawyers are available to help if you know a child who has been injured by a danerous toy.  The Keane Law Firm has been recognized as having an AV rating - the highest legal ability and ethics rating available, and Christopher Keane has been rated as one of the leading plaintiff's lawyers in America as a "tireless advocate for injured children".  Contact him today to see if he can help your child. 

 

Anthony Cataldo expresses fear and concern over the severity of the bullying his young son has endured while attending Piedmont Avenue Elementary School. Zachary Cataldo sustained a severe head injury.

Officials responsible for the daily operation of Piedmont Avenue Elementary School have failed to deliver a safe learning environment for the young students that attend classes there. Young Zachary Cataldo first suffered the loss of four teeth in one incident on the playground whereupon he was picked up and twirled around and thrown on the playground by an older student. In another incident he was punched in the stomach. Just recently, in a third incident, he has sustained a skull fracture from an attack on him while he was waiting for his ride after school.  

Allegedly, Piedmont Avenue Elementary is known for violence and there appears to be no resolution to this inexcusable problem. The San Francisco Chronicle refers to this school as a danger zone, among others.  

One key principal to reduce death and injury in children is to restructure the environment to improve safety.  Prevention from injury related to non-accidental injury requires supervision. Supervision is a key factor in preventing children from becoming victims of crime on school grounds. The educators claim they can’t supervise before and after-school activities and the parents are responsible for watching their children after-school. When so many children are enduring assaults in this school, at what point does it become moral neglect and a failure to protect? 

Carnival ride, at California’s Calaveras County Fair, malfunctioned and injured 24 riders when part of it collapsed suddenly on Friday evening.

Most of the injured riders are children. Three seriously injured riders were airlifted to area medical centers. Other riders were seen in local emergency rooms for various complaints of pain after a carnival ride went seriously wrong. State accident investigators are currently working to determine what happened. The accident occurred at the fair grounds in Angel Camp, California during the Calaveras County Fair.   

As a child grows from infancy, starts to walk, ride a bike, and drive a car; the child’s risk for injury and death changes with the child’s developmental stage and lifestyle. The type of death and injury changes with the development level of the child. With the exception of infants, accidents are the number one cause of mortality in children. County Fairs are common events during the spring and summer seasons. The carnival rides are disassembled and assembled as the carnival travels to the various locations. The machinery endures much wear and tear. And the skill level of the people responsible for assembling the ride may vary.  While it is not known how this accident occurred at this time, consider whether amusement ride conditions are safer at stationary amusement parks versus traveling carnivals. Large established stationary amusement park rides are not subjected to the disassembly and assembly rate as compared to the traveling machine.

In Madera County Children’s Hospital, a 21-month old boy is recovering from a near drowning accident.

On June 9, EMS was called to the Escalon Avenue home of a toddler in the late afternoon. The little boy ventured outside into his backyard and nearly drowned in an inflatable pool. His mother found him unconscious. Life support measures were administered.  

Toddlers develop their gross motor skills to include walking, running, climbing, throwing and riding. They are naturally curious and use their new skills to explore their environment. At this age, toddlers can open doors, gates, drawers, bottles and boxes. They become easily distracted and lack judgment. They do not fear heights, depth of water, heat from flames, volatile materials, electricity and animals. Because of the newly developed ability to wonder and perform fine and gross motor skills, toddlers are at risk.  

Males tend to get injured more, but the overall incidence of injury peaks in this age group. The major cause of injury is related to environmental factors, such as hazardous structures, drowning and pools of water among other things.  

Toddlers are at the highest risk of drowning across the lifespan of children. They do not have the developmental ability to swim, nor can they keep their heads above water, or know how to get out of water. Young children can drown in very shallow water, including pails of liquid, toilets, bathtubs and baby pools. Drowning is the second leading cause of deaths related to injuries after motor vehicle accidents. According to the CDC, children between the ages of one and four years of age are more likely to drown in swimming pools and hot tubs. Mortality rates secondary to drowning are three times higher for males. Approximately 78% of drowning victims are male. Unlike adults, young children do not call out for help while in distress, they generally drown silently. Near-drowning accidents can result in permanent brain damage. For every child that drowns there are approximately five near-drowning episodes in children. Drowning is the second highest cause of injury-related deaths in children between the ages of one and nine years old.   

     

Santa Barbara Health Officials Warn of Toy Danger - including lead paint danger

Local health officials in Santa Barbara County, California, are warning parents about toy safety issues - especially concerning unsafe lead in toys - and especially this time of year.

California toy injury lawyers are available to help if you know a child who has been injured by a danerous toy.  The Keane Law Firm has been recognized as having an AV rating - the highest legal ability and ethics rating available, and Christopher Keane has been rated as one of the leading plaintiff's lawyers in America as a "tireless advocate for injured children".  Contact him today to see if he can help your child. 

Consumer safety officials recall cribs that place infants at risk for falling over railings. The crib railings may cause serious injury or death.

Health and safety officials placed a recall on 24,000 cribs (and issued another warning against placing pillows and stuffed animals with additional soft bedding inside babies’ cribs). The recalled cribs were manufactured in Indonesia and imported to the U.S. by Munire Furniture, Inc. between November 2005 and November 2007. There are various model numbers for these cribs. The cribs are sold as the Majestic Curved Top 9500, Majestic Flat Top 9000, Essex 7100, Brighton-Sussex 9100 and Captiva 5100 cribs.

Officials initiated the recall because the cribs do not allow for mattresses to be placed in the lowest position (minimum height 26”) as babies grow, placing older infants and toddlers at risk for falling over the railing.    

 

Two year-old boy in critical condition from near-drowning in northwest Bakersfield, California. The Keane Law Firm offers child water-safety tips

A two year-old boy is in critical condition from a near-drowning incident that occurred in a back yard pool located at a northwest Bakersfield home. The accident occurred around 4:00pm this afternoon. Neighbors reported hearing a loud scream. The mother reportedly jumped in to rescue the two-year old from the bottom of the pool. Witnesses say the child was very pale. EMS arrived and the boy was taken emergently to Mercy Southwest Hospital. The incident is under investigation. Witnesses report there is no fence around the pool.

Drowning occurs when death results within twenty four hours of a submersion accident where asphyxiation has resulted. Drowning = death. Near-drowning occurs when a victim survives submersion with asphyxiation. There are different circumstances associated with near-drowning that influence survival and permanent injuries sustained by victims. Both fresh water and salt water have serious consequences for the victim.

Swimming pools in back yards are common sites for near-drowning and drowning accidents. Children should always be supervised around water.  Water safety is a very important health care promotion for children. Pools should have fences and remain securely locked when not in use. Parents and caregivers must not leave children unsupervised for any reason while around pools. Children drown much faster and quieter than adults. Small children that fall into pools generally do not yell or cry. Small children that fall in pools generally are submersed within a minute. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be initiated immediately in victims found unconscious in the water, then call 911.    

The Los Angeles hospital was fined for the heparin administration error to Dennis Quaid’s twin infants last November. The Keane Law Firm will represent children seriously injured or killed by hospital errors. Every client is a star to us.

The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Hospital was fined $25,000.00 by California health regulators for the heparin error committed on three newborns, including the Quaid twins. The California Department of Public Health cited this hospital for the violation that predisposed these infants to potential serious injury and death. The news report states the hospital cooperated with state investigators. The investigation reveals the infants received 1,000 times the dose ordered. The antidote to reverse the effects of the heparin was administered. The hospital has issued an apology.

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center conducted a study by reviewing medical records of hospitalized children in 27 states. The findings revealed that of the 52,000 children that received substandard health care, almost 5,000 children died from the errors in the year 2000. Not all injuries related to hospital error are readily identified. See more details by clicking on this link.

 http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0815/is_8_29/ai_n6160543/print

 

Four year-old Carlos Alejandro Flores drowned last summer at Great America amusement park. The Keane Law Firm represents families of children lost to drowning accidents.

News stories about the drowning death of Carlos Alejandro Flores report that there were not enough life guards at the Great America wave pool on July 12, 2007. Witnesses report that rescue and response time was slow. The details about how much adult supervision was available the day Carlos was killed are unclear. Since last summer, Great America has reportedly taken measures to improve safety precautions at the wave pool.  

Drowning is the second leading cause of death in small children. According to the CDC, children between the ages of one and four years of age are more likely to drown in swimming pools and hot tubs. Mortality rates secondary to drowning are three times higher for males. Approximately 78% of drowning victims are male. Unlike adults, young children do not call out for help while in distress, they generally drown silently. Near-drowning accidents can result in permanent brain damage. For every child that drowns there are approximately five near-drowning episodes in children. Drowning is the second highest cause of injury-related deaths in children between the ages of one and nine years old.   

Supervise toddlers at all times while they are playing in the pool. Stationary pools should have a locked fence around them. Personal well-fitting flotation devices should be on all children during water recreation. Never leave a toddler unsupervised during play time in or near the water. Because young children do not call out for help while in distress, they need supervision for this reason. Lapses in adult supervision, even while parents are around but distracted, are very common features of drowning accidents. Introducing swimming lessons and water safety at a young age will reduce the likelihood of drowning or near-drowning mishaps through the lifespan of a child.      

MySpace sexual assault case dismissal brings to light an unresolved social dilemma that arises from adolescent internet social networking.

News stories are covering the court’s dismissal of a suit against MySpace over another sexual assault that occurred when two young people, a young girl from Texas and a man, met in person after having made contact on the MySpace internet site. The man was charged with a sexual assault crime and sentenced to prison.

Developmentally, adolescents seek out acceptance from peers and place greater emphasis in that direction during this phase of their lives. Often times, the adolescent will engage in risk taking activity to achieve this acceptance from someone outside the family. This phenomenon occurs in many forms. Family influence, though responsible for the development of moral code and identification, figures less prominently in the social development of an adolescent. This is a temporary phase in the lives of children. However, it is a phase at which the adolescent is most vulnerable to harm from outside influences. The key is protecting the adolescent until young adulthood when more responsible decision-making begins to occur.       

The sex crime in this court case, as others before it, illustrates the need for the development of public policy that increases penalties against predators that use the internet as a tool to commit crimes against other people. Penalties for these crimes should automatically carry harsher sentencing when internet is a factor in a case. Because perpetrators are looking to commit this crime using a tool that increases their victim pool; it no longer is a crime against one person, it is plotting a crime against masses of potential victims, including all of our children.  

This case also emphasizes that our children need censorship and supervision to protect them from the danger they face as they seek to socialize with people they meet from the internet. An additional feature to protect minors may include mandatory parental identifiers to join websites, even for children over the age of 14. This feature would make parents responsible for the activity of their child while on the internet. Parental identifiers may be included with the membership or the membership is denied. Audit trails will show when parents monitor their child’s activity on websites including, but not limited to MySpace. Parents are not absolved of the responsibility to monitor the activity of their children on the internet. While some may make the case that there is an intrusion of privacy or a barrier to the self-expression of the child; others may make the case that there is moral neglect when a child is allowed to surf the net into questionable territories that is perceivably an obvious harm. Somewhere therein is the answer.