SanTan FAMILY FUN
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SanTan Sun News
Happy Thanksgiving
Keeping kids safe while online
By Alison Stanton
While the Internet has plenty of positive things going for it—from helping people keep in touch with friends and family, to using it as a research tool for school projects—it can also have a dark side.
As Rajani Rastogi, a social worker at Hamilton High School, noted, with the number of kids and teens who are online steadily growing, it is more important than ever for parents to be aware of some of the issues that can arise, as well as how to keep their kids safe.
“In this day of social media, there is a lot of stress for kids who are dealing with cyberbullying, or who are reading rude comments,” said Rastogi, who also coordinates the Chandler Unified School District’s parent education program.
“Many teenagers are looking to work on their self-esteem through social media.”
For teens who are already dealing with depression and anxiety, having negative experiences online can make them feel even worse, Rastogi said.
In addition to contending with cyberbullies who can belittle and tease kids and teens online, Rastogi said it’s possible for teens to have their names used for nefarious purposes.
Fake social media accounts
Brooke Barr and her 13-year-old daughter Revé Osheel learned the hard way about fake social media accounts.
As Barr explained, last spring she noticed that Revé had “liked” a photo posted by one of Barr’s friends on Instagram.
The problem? Revé did not have an Instagram account.
After Revé, an eighth grader in the Chandler Unified School District, insisted she didn’t open an account on her own, Barr knew someone was impersonating her daughter.
Barr posted about the incident on both Instagram and Facebook. Almost immediately she began getting private messages from multiple kids, all reporting that they had gotten mean messages from the fake “Revé.”
Barr called the police department, who advised her to report it to Instagram.
“I filled out my form online stating that it wasn’t my daughter’s account and they were bullying other kids with it and they emailed me back stating it had been shut down and to ‘have a great day,’” Barr said,
“I emailed back saying I wanted the IP address of who it was.”
After a great deal of time and effort by Barr, she was eventually able to obtain the IP address.
Barr learned that a 12-year-old girl who attends the same school as Revé had made the account.
Although she was frustrated to learn that the classmate would not be prosecuted, Barr has vowed to do whatever she can to prevent other families from going through the same situation.
“I am currently working feverishly at putting together a class for parents,” she said.
Communication is key
To keep their teens safe, Rastogi said parents should take an active role in their online lives.
“With cyberbullying and other problems, a lot of it has to do with a lack of communication. Parents need to sit down and talk with their teens about what is
going on online,” Rastogi said.
“Parents should also encourage their child not to post any personal or private information online because there are predators out there.”
Although parents may shy away from asking their kids for their passwords, Rastogi said they have every right to have access to this information.
“When parents say ‘We need to respect their privacy,’ I say ‘No, you need to make sure your kids are safe,’” Rastogi said.
Barr said she asks Revé to put her smartphone on her nightstand every night.
“Some nights I look into it, and some I don’t. I always know the password,” Barr said.
“Parents need to be way more involved in their kids’ lives, with the emphasis on them and social media. So many children are ruining their futures and reputations with their online personas.”
To keep tabs on their teens’ online activity, parents should only allow computers in open and common areas of the home, Rastogi said.
“Ask your teen to show you what they are doing,” she said.
Parents should also consider setting a time limit for online activity.
“It’s the same as making sure they do their homework and setting limits for them. Students need to learn to communicate in person with adults and peers,” Rastogi said.
When a teen reports that he or she has been cyberbullied, Rastogi said parents need to take it very seriously.
“Have the teenager show what’s online, and then take appropriate action,” she said.
“If the teens are in school, come in and set up a meeting with the school counselors so that they can help facilitate things. If it’s out of control, parents need to reach out to the proper authorities. It’s important not to take this lightly.”
Rastogi said parents must also remind their teenagers that while social media and other online activities can be fun, they should not allow it to take over their lives—or be a way to boost their selfesteem.
“Parents should say ‘Being online has a time and a place, but it does not define who you are.’”
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.
RESOURCES
Websites
http://bit.ly/1FuBPMu www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/ prevention/
Books
“Words Wound: Delete Cyberbullying and Make Kindness Go Viral,” by Justin W. Patchin and Sameer Hinduja “lol...OMG!: What Every Student Needs to Know About Online Reputation Management, Digital Citizenship and Cyberbullying,” by Matt
Ivester
Brooke Barr keeps an extra close eye on her daughter Revé Osheel’s online activity ever since Revé’s name was used to create a fake Instagram account. Submitted photo
7 Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Experience a rare, up close look at Western history at this family-friendly culinary event. Authentic 1880s chuck wagons from around the Southwest compete to cook up the best meals fit for the trail using slow-cook, wood-fire methods from the time period. Tumbleweed Ranch at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2717, www.chandleraz.gov.
7 Play-Well Teknologies—Jedi Engineer Using LEGO, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Young Jedi will explore worlds far away and engineering principles right in front of them. Defeat the Empire by designing and refining R-2-units, settlements on far-flung edges of the galaxy and more! Imagination and engineering combine to create motorized and architectural projects such as energy catapults, shield generators and defense turrets. Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. $7 to $10 registration fee. (480) 782-2640, www. chandleraz.gov.
8 Chandler Symphony Classical Series, various times. Every year, Music Director Jack Herriman and Associate Conductor Alex Zheng lead volunteer musicians from all around the Valley in a pops concert and five classical concerts, including a spring concert that showcases the winner of the annual Youth Competition. Chandler Center for the
Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org.
9 The Painted Pot with Fly Art, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring art to the garden. Paint your own clay pot for those lovely succulents. Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned pro, spend a wonderful night full of art and friends. Participants must bring their own 10- to 12-inch clay pot to class. Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. Registration fee. (480) 782-2640, www.chandleraz. gov.
9, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 30
Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area has plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
9, 16
Chefs in the Making, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Make a cute apron and then cook something yummy while wearing your new kitchen duds. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov.
10, 12, 17, 19, 24,
Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This indoor play area is designed for children 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area has plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
11, 14
Cellphone Charm, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 11 and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 14. Cellphone charms add a really special look to your cellphone. Make your phone one of a kind with a personalized charm. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $9 to $13 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
12
Cornhole Tournament, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cornhole is a very easy social game where teams of two or three can come out and have a great time competing at the same level. Participants are guaranteed to meet new people and have a great time to kick off the holiday season. Come on out and enjoy a great time with your friends. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2727, www. chandleraz.gov.
13
Lil’ Gardener , 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Make a cute apron and paint a ceramic pot while wearing your new garden fashion statement. Each class is a stand-alone class, and a variety of aprons will be made, so feel free to sign up for multiple classes. For participants ages 7 to 13. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweed.
13, 18
Science Matters Super Science Show, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Science Matters needs your help to solve the mystery of the missing mascot. Use forensic science skills to solve the mystery and become a chemical detective. You can become a science super sleuth. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. $2 to $3 registration fee. (480) 782-2727, www.chandleraz. gov.
14
Donuts and Dads, 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. What’s more fun than baking donuts with your dad? Mix up the batter, bake and decorate these fun treats. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 7822900, www.chandleraz.gov.
14, 28
Geo Walk of San Tan Mountains, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Be a part of a hike and lecture about Arizona’s hidden geological past. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing to meet any weather conditions. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $11 to $15 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov.
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14
Rock the Block! 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Rock the Block! is an annual free, family-friendly block party that celebrates the fun, dynamic lifestyle that Chandler offers while promoting hometown businesses. The event has garnered more than 18,000 attendees in the past and is expected to attract even more in 2015. Downtown Chandler. Free. http://bit.ly/1M48n6G
15
National Dance Company of Siberia, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This great show features more than 200 costumes, superb choreography of dances from different regions of Russia and Siberia, and unforgettable music for a must-see event that features 45 dancers. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $42. (480) 7822680, www.chandlercenter.org.
16 Observing the Universe with Binoculars, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Find out what wonders of the universe you can discover with an ordinary pair of binoculars. Materials will be provided.
Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov.
18, 21
Mommy and Me—Thanksgiving Place
Setting, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. What fun for each child to make their very own Thanksgiving place setting with a placemat, napkin ring and nameplate. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $9 to $13 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov.
20
Come Alive Storytime with Ms. Diana— Nature Edition, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Music and stories are an important part of shaping a child’s life. Through interactive stories, music, games and drama, Ms. Diana builds a positive attitude, character, self-esteem and values. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 7822890, www.chandleraz.gov.
20, 21, 22
Arizona Antique Market, various times. Come check out a variety of items from the 1800s and 1900s including china, knickknacks, vintage clothing and much more. 860 N. 54th St., Chandler. Free. (602) 717-7337, www. azantiqueshow.com.
21 Plants, People and the Environment, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Since people have been on Earth, there has been a relationship between humans and plants. Take a guided walk through Veterans Oasis Park and learn about the importance of native plants to culture, food, medicine, tradition, arts and crafts and music. The terrain is easy and will teach you the study of ethnobotany. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www. chandleraz.gov/eec.
21 Woofstock, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come enjoy all things dog at this annual event. Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 7822669, www.chandleraz.gov.
24
Muffins and Moms, 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Come make muffins with your mom. Mix up batter, bake these tasty treats and enjoy spending time together. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov.
25
Milkshakes with Moms, 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Come make milkshakes with your mom! We will create these tasty treats and enjoy spending time together. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov.
26
Annual Turkey Swim, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring a can of food and swim for free. Hamilton Aquatic Center, 3838 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2630, www.chandleraz.gov.
27, 28, 29
Ballet
Etudes’ Nutcracker, various times. Let Clara’s magical journey surround you as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $25 to $29. (480) 782-2680, www. chandlercenter.org.
WHERE KIDS EAT FREE
Apple Dumpling Café
3076 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 279-3879, www.appledumplingcafe.com.
Mondays are family value night, when kids eat free with each adult meal purchase of $6.95 or more. Ice cream happy hour is 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, when kids buy one ice cream or dessert and get one free.
Chompie’s
3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 398-3008
www.chompies.com
Children 10 and younger receive one free item from the kids’ meal menu with an adult meal purchase of $8 or more on Tuesdays. Dine-in only.
Copper Still Moonshine Grill
2531 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 656-1476
www.CopperStillMoonshineGrill.com
Kids ages 10 and younger eat for free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.
Dilly’s Deli
2895 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler (480) 722-0645
www.dillysdeli.com
Get one free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased at $6 or more on weekends.
El Palacio Restaurant & Cantina
2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 802-5770
www.epfamilyrestaurants.com
Kids 12 and younger eat free when adult meals are purchased on Wednesdays.
Fat Willy’s
4850 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler (480) 883-1356
www.fatwillysaz.com/chandler
From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, dine-in and get a free kids’ meal with every adult entrée purchased. Kids can select from the Little Leaguers menu only and must be 12 or younger.
Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta
590 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 35, Chandler (480) 812-8433, www.floridinos.net
Kids eat free from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Receive one free kids’ meal per $8 adult purchase when customers dine-in only.
The Hungry Monk
Andersen Fiesta Shopping Center, 1760 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 963-8000
www.hungrymonkaz.com
Kids eat free on Mondays with every purchase of an adult entrée.
NYPD Pizza
2580 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 722-0898
www.aznypdpizza.com
Kids eat free on Wednesday and Sunday after 4 p.m. with the purchase of a small or medium pizza. Dine-in only.
Pittsburgh Willy’s
48 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler (480) 821-3197
Every day, except Sunday breakfast, one child aged 10 and younger eats free with each paying adult, while additional kids eat for 50 percent off, when they order from the Wee Willy menu only.
Planet Sub
1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 245-6503
www.planetsub.com
Kids eat free with a paying adult on Mondays.
Social Box
1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 899-6735
www.socialboxeateries.com
Kids 12 and younger eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entrée on Mondays.
Sidelines Grill
2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 792-6965
www.sidelinesaz.com
Kids eat free from the kids’ menu after 4 p.m. Thursdays with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only.
Whiskey Rose Bar and Grill
135 W. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler (480) 895-7673
Kids eat free on Tuesdays and Sundays with the purchase of an adult entrée.
The SanTan Sun News now has a regular “Where kids eat free” section. Restaurant owners, please email us details such as days of the week kids can eat free at your establishment, and what conditions apply, such as purchase of an adult meal, certain hours, etc. Include your restaurant name, address, phone and website and a contact name for verification. Readers, if you know of a location that has a kids-eat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for confirmation and details.
Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun.com. WHERE KIDS EAT FREE
