Scroll Smart Social media is a huge part of growing up today. From sharing pictures to keeping up with friends and family, it’s become a daily routine for many kids. But it also comes with serious risks. Here’s how to help your kids use social media wisely. How old should they be? The American Academy of Pediatrics advises children to be at least 13 before opening a social media account. But that is not an absolute: Some kids may be ready at 13, others not until 16. Research has identified serious negative effects on children under 13, such as not enough sleep, poor body image, and cyberbullying. Start the conversation on your terms. Before your child opens their first account, ensure they know social media isn’t just likes and filters — it’s
A Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Navigate Social Media
a public space where people share their lives and opinions. Help them understand the permanence of what they post. Even if something “disappears,” screenshots and digital
shouldn’t post it. It’s also important to talk about how what they post today could impact them in the future, from college applications to job opportunities. Be a good role model. If you constantly scroll or overshare, kids will think that’s normal. Show them what balanced, thoughtful social media use looks like. Put the phone down. Enjoy time offline. Keep the conversation going. Social media is always evolving, and so are its challenges. Let your child know they can come to you if something makes them uncomfortable or if they’re unsure about what to do. Being smart on social media is a life skill. With the right guidance, kids can enjoy everything it offers, without falling into the pitfalls. A frank conversation now can make a big difference later. LSD, ketamine, ecstasy, PCP, psychedelic mushrooms, or amphetamines on your person can lead to a state jail felony. Although marijuana is considered a controlled substance in Texas, possession of it results in a different charge. Texas considers possession to be the act of having actual care, custody, control, or management of a controlled substance. Which is worse? While the specific circumstances of the offense play a role in determining which is worse, generally, possessing a controlled substance will lead to more severe penalties. Even getting caught with less than a gram will lead to a felony charge that often comes with jail time and fines up to $10,000. A standard unlawful carrying of a weapon charge is a misdemeanor with the potential for jail time and fines.
footprints last forever. Chat about privacy.
Privacy settings are your child’s first defense, but they are not perfect. Explain why it’s important to protect personal information. Ensure they never share things like their school name, home address, or phone number online — even with people they think they know. And never become “friends” with anyone they don’t know in person. Remind them that kindness counts. The internet can be a harsh place, but it doesn’t have to be. Teach your kids to treat others with kindness online, just like they would in person. If they wouldn’t say it face-to-face, they
Which Texas Crime Packs a Bigger Legal Punch? Weapons or Drugs
One of the most common questions people ask attorneys in casual settings is, “Which is the worse crime to get convicted for? Crime A or Crime B?” While it’s never a good idea to premeditate committing any crime, this can be a fun thought exercise and a great way to learn more about our state’s laws. Let’s explore two common charges in our state and determine which leads to worse outcomes if convicted. Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon Texas is known for having more relaxed gun laws, but you can still get in trouble for carrying a handgun, an illegal knife, or a club under specific circumstances. You can receive an unlawful carrying of a weapon charge if you are a minor carrying a handgun without a license, a felon carrying a firearm in public, intoxicated while carrying, subject to a
protective order that prohibits firearm possession, or carrying a weapon in a restricted location such as a school, government building, polling place, hospital, or liquor store. You can also receive this charge if you carry a weapon while driving intoxicated, possessing illegal drugs, evading arrest, or acting disorderly. You can still be charged even if you have a license to carry. Possession of a Controlled Substance Drug use has become more popular across the country over the past decade, but that doesn’t mean you can walk around with drugs. Texas classifies controlled substances into four groups. We will only focus on the top two groups, as they lead to the worst punishments. Having less than a gram of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine,
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