Regular bedtimes are important for everyone in the house

If the bedtime battle is the most dreaded time of day in your house, it can be tempting to give in and let the kids stay up late. However, research shows why kids need a regular bedtime and it’s more important than just having some mom-time once the kids are (finally) asleep.

A study in the United Kingdom looked at the sleep habits of 10,000 kids ages three to seven years old. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, concluded that kids with irregular bedtimes had more behavioral difficulties than those who went to bed at the same time consistently.

Related: Earlier Bedtimes for Kids Is Better for Your Sanity, According to Study

 

little girl at bedtime
iStock

The study, which reported that 20 percent of three-year-olds did not have a consistent bedtime, found that kids who did not routinely go to bed at the same time every night were more likely to be unhappy, inconsiderate of others and argued more. The behaviors reported were based on surveys of both parents and teachers.

A follow-up to the study found that irregular bedtimes were also linked with increased risk for obesity and low-self esteem, as well as lower math scores. Regular bedtimes, on the other hand, were shown to have a positive impact on a kid’s development, health and behavior.

The good news is, even if you’ve let that bedtime slide on more than one occasion, it’s not too late. The researchers found that the effects could be reversed by implementing a consistent sleep schedule. When kids switched from having irregular bedtimes to having a regular bedtime they showed measurable improvements in their behavior. The study’s lead researcher, Yvonne Kelly explained, “This shows that it’s never too late to help children back onto a positive path, and a small change could make a big difference to how well they get on.”

RELATED STORIES: Can You Really Make Up For Lost Sleep? Science Has an Answer

 

 

 

Looking for a way to spend more quality time with your kids at home? If your kids are on their Nintendo Switch or Sony Playstation a lot, why not get in on the video game fun? Schedule a family night, and see who’s the best driver, dancer or athlete. It’s a great way to bond with your children and show them you’re interested in what they’re doing. Here are our top picks for family video games—we promise hours of fun!

 

Squishmallows on Roblox

Jazzwares Game Studio

In this game, you collect Squishmallows, complete mini games and customize your own Squishmallow-themed home. Parents and kids will all get a kick out of this family video game!

Gran Turismo

Gran Tourismo as a family video game
Gran-Turismo.com

Any parent who played Gran Turismo as a child is going to want to relive the game while playing their own kids. A racing simulation game, Gran Turismo is known for its graphics and the realistic nature of the cars in the game. Players can upgrade cars based on their wins and also participate in time trials. Grand Turismo is rated 'E' and available for PlayStation systems. The latest edition, Gran Turismo 7, is available now.

LEGO The Incredibles

The Incredibles for Ps4 as a family video game
LEGO.com

LEGO offers a variety of video games that are tied to kid-friendly movies. Since it's family game night, why not LEGO The Incredibles? Players choose to be superheroes or villains, and the game includes characters from other Pixar movies. LEGO The Incredibles includes puzzles and quests, leading them to a matchup with the game's biggest villain. The game was nominated for 'Fan Favorite Family-Friendly Multiplayer Game' at the 2018 Gamers' Choice Awards. LEGO The Incredibles is rated 'E10+' and is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Minecraft

Minecraft as a family video game
Minecraft.net

Originally released in 2011, Minecraft has hundreds of millions of players, and those numbers continue to grow. A sandbox game, meaning that the characters have very few limitations and no set goals, Minecraft lets players mine blocks to construct different things. It's a great family video game for families who enjoy being highly creative and having flexibility.

Minecraft is rated 'E10+' and is available for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X/S.

FIFA International Soccer 21

FIFA 2021 for a family video game
Gamestop

Sports games are popular in the video game world and a great way for some friendly competition. Since soccer is a non-contact sport, FIFA International Soccer games have minimal aggression and physical hitting. Making it a great game for families. Released in 2020, FIFA 21 lets players play matches with soccer players from 30 official worldwide leagues. FIFA 21 is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PS5 and Xbox One, Series S/X and is rated 'E.'

Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Super Mario 3D as a family video game
Nintendo

Super Mario is 35 years old, making it another game parents enjoyed as a child they can now play with their kids. A limited-edition game to celebrate Mario's anniversary, Super Mario 3D All-Stars puts three of Mario's greatest hits, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy, all in one package. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is rated 'E' and is for the Nintendo Switch.

Overcooked!

Overcooked video game
Team17.com

Who doesn’t have family members who love to cook or eat? Overcooked! lets players become kitchen chefs while facing a bunch of issues. Chefs have a limited amount of time to prepare meals (which makes the game even more fun), and there's a chef collaboration involved to get orders out on time. You can even play the game as the Swedish Chef from The Muppets. Overcooked! is rated 'E,' and it's available on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. You'll have to work together, but that's what makes it such a great family video game choice.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossings as a family video game
Gamestop

Winner of the Best Family Game award at The Game Awards 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the fifth edition of the game. Players explore a deserted island while gathering food and items they need and eventually creating a community of human-acting animals. Younger children will find this not too hard to play, making it a great family video game. Animal Crossing is available on Nintendo Switch and is rated 'E.'

Fortnite Battle Royale

Fortnite as a family video game
Forbes.com

Remember how popular the Floss dance was a few years ago? The dance was made even more popular by Fortnite Battle Royale, where players land on an island and then forge for items to help them survive. The longer the game, the smaller the island gets. Fortnite Battle Royale is rated 'T' for Teen and is available for the Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 and PS5.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Mario and Sonic Tokyo 2020 family video Game
Sega

Pairing Mario with fellow video character Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 lets players compete against each other in sports like swimming, gymnastics, karate and surfing. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is available for the Nintendo Switch and is rated 'E10+.'

Just Dance 2021

Just Dance 2021 family video game
Ubisoft.com

Any parent knows that their children think parents aren’t that exciting. Show your kids how cool your moves actually are with Just Dance 2021. Players imitate the dancer on the screen to one of the songs chosen and try to beat each other with the best score. It's a great way to interact with your kids and get everyone off the couch and moving. Available for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch and rated 'E.' This is the perfect family video game!

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

crash bandicoot family video game
Activision.com

Trying to make their way through different levels, Crash Bandicoot and his sister Coco encounter crates, fruit and enemies while trying to achieve their end goal. Both characters roll their way to collecting gems and Quantum Masks to help overcome obstacles they encounter. There are two game modes to choose from, Retro Mode and Modern Mode, and there are competitive multiplayer modes. Crash Bandicoot 4 is rated ‘E10+’ and can be played on PlayStation, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

—Marcea Cazel & Taylor Clifton

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Your kid may not be ready to give up his LEGO collection, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start eliminating plastic from your everyday life. Wondering how to make it happen? It’s easier than you think! From buying in bulk to swapping out your plastic straws, these 29 ideas on how to reduce plastic waste will start you on a better path today.

how to reduce plastic waste
Meghan Rodgers via Unsplash

1. Switch to paper, silicone or metal straws.

2. Bring your own bags to the grocery store (this includes your own smaller reusable bags for fruits and veggies).

3. Buy in bulk when you can, and bring your own containers. Remember to weigh the containers before checking out so the cashier can accurately ring you up.

4. Ditch the plastic sandwich bags. Use these awesome Stasher bags instead.

5. Replace plastic saran wrap with Beeswax wraps.

how to reduce plastic waste
iStock

6. One of the easiest ideas on how to reduce plastic waste? Use a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

7. Recycle your plastic bags. Many grocery stores have collection bins outside.

8. Stop using glitter for craft projects and ask your kids’ teachers to do the same.

9. Buy biodegradable dog waste bags like these Earth Rated bags.

10. Stop using bath and body products with synthetic microbead exfoliants and opt for either natural exfoliating ingredients like scrubs with nut/seed exfoliants like St. Ive’s, or sugar scrubs.

how to reduce plastic waste
Brian Yurasits via Unsplash

11. Know your plastic recycling codes and what your town does and doesn’t recycle. Upcycle what your town can’t recycle: plastic containers and bottles are great for craft/paint projects, puzzle/game piece storage or bath toys.

12. Compost at home to cut down on the amount of trash bags you use.

13. Switch to compostable, eco-friendly trash bags like these.

14. Keep a set (or two) of utensils/reusable straws at work, in your purse, in your diaper bag or in your car, so you don’t have to use disposable utensils when you’re out and about. PS: Chopsticks take up a lot less drawer/bag real estate, and you’d be surprised how many things you can eat with them!

15. Join your local Buy Nothing Group (or start your own) to pay it forward and snag gently-used goods. We love these groups especially for the baby and toddler phase when it's easy to get inundated by plastic toys and gear.

how to reduce plastic waste
Nick Fewings via Unsplash

16. Switch to bamboo toothbrushes.

17. If babe loves the food pouches, but you hate the waste, research where you can recycle them via Terracycle. You can even start a collection site of your own.

18. Buy toilet paper and paper towels that are wrapped in paper instead of plastic.

19. Better yet, ditch the paper towels altogether. Use old rags or towels.

20. Say no to single-use coffee pods.

Bluewater Sweden

21. Bring your coffee mug from home when ordering a latte from your favorite coffee shop.

22. Anticipating leftovers? Bring a to-go container for your doggy bag.

23. For the mamas, check out the Diva cup or opt for plastic-free menstruation products.

24. Stop using a disposable razor.

25. Switch to metal or steel hangers instead of plastic hangers.

26. Make your own cleaning products

27. Cut back the amount of frozen food you purchase. Not only are the wrappers plastic, but the cardboard box is also coated in a layer of plastic. 

28. Check out these companies that are collaborating with Terracycle and be sure to take advantage! 

29. Swap your plastic Tupperware for glass or steel containers, like these

 

 

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The gobs of Halloween candy your trick-or-treaters bring home can border on the obscene, but thinking of them actually eating it all is enough to make your own teeth hurt. Luckily, there’s a sweet little trend that will help you reduce their sugar intake and up the Halloween fun. It’s the Switch Witch, and she’s here to turn your kid’s candy into a toy, book or another tangible (non-edible) item they’ve been begging for. Here’s our advice on how to invite the Switch Witch into your home.

photo: Charles Parker via Pexels

Prep the Kids
If you are reading this before Halloween night, it’s easy to plant the seed. If Halloween has passed don’t panic: the Switch Witch’s magic lasts for the weeks following. Ask your kiddos if they have heard of the Switch Witch, and then get your story in order! Basically, the Switch Witch requires payment of candy, quite a bit of it, and in exchange, she will leave behind something cool. An inexpensive but desirable gift is best (an awesome new book, a toy they’ve asked for repeatedly at the grocery store, a sweet new headband, cash, etc.). Tell them they can choose to leave candy out for the Witch, but make sure it’s a substantial amount. It’s up to you where to leave the candy for the Witch, but we suggest leaving it on a kitchen table or somewhere away from the child’s room in order to ensure success (and pop a couple of peanut butter cups in your mouth before she “arrives”). It’s like Santa Claus meets the Tooth Fairy plus Halloween all in one.

 

photo: Denny Mueller via Unsplash

Make the Switch
Put the candy on a fun tray or in a Halloween candy bucket. Have the kids make a note for the SW. Then, send them off to bed. While they’re sleeping, invoke the powers of the Switch Witch and ditch the candy. You can hide it and make it part of a Halloween candy buy-back program, just make sure your top-secret plan remains undetected. Leave the shiny new item in the place of the candy.

photo: Shutterstock 

Tips and Tricks
Be prepared for some questions about the Switch Witch. Determine her name, hair color, (and yes the SW could be a he, too) where she lives, what she does with all that candy, what her mode of transport is (broom, car, giant bird) and any other fun details that make her come to life. If the thought of a witch creeping into the house at night to take candy sounds scary to your kids, make sure you add lots of details about how nice/fun/cool/sweet she is. Be creative and have fun “tricking” the kids out of all that sugar. 
Check out this book and doll set that brings the Switch Witch right to you.

—Amber Guetebier

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After the mini ghosts and goblins have eaten their share of trick-or-treating treasures the real question remains: what will you do with the pile of candy left after the big night? Before you find your fingers sneaking stealth-like into their bucket, take a peek at the 11 ideas we’ve found to put all that sugar to good use. Your waistline and your kid’s teeth will thank you.

skittlepaint_jenkossovan_halloweencandy_halloween_national_redtricycle

photo: Jen Kossovan via Mama. Papa. Bubba.

1. Create art with candy. Skittles… taste the Rainbow. Or make a rainbow with Skittle paint. Bright colors, sweet smells and a lot of smiles come out of this clever candy project we spotted over at Mama. Papa. Bubba.

dissolvingcandy_daynaabraham_halloweencandy_halloween_national_redtricycle

photo: Dayna Abraham via Lemon Lime Adventures

2. Feed curiosity with candy. Unload a few of those pesky pumpkin candies that seem to make their way down to the bottom of the bucket by joining mama Dayna Abraham of Lemon Lime Adventures for a simple science experiment. It’s as easy as grabbing a few drinking glasses, paper and curious kiddos.

guessthecandyjar

photo: Sommy Rhee

3. Have a fun math lesson by teaching the kids the art of estimation. Guess how much candy is in the jar? It can be a fun ice-breaker at a birthday party, too. The winner gets to take home the whole jar.

switchwitch_gabbycullen_halloween_redtricycle

photo: Gabby Cullen

4. Give it to the Switch Witch. Encourage the kids to give up some of the candy by coaxing them into making an offering to the Switch Witch.

 

pinata_gabbycullen_national_redtricycle

photo: Gabby Cullen

5. Prep your party piñata. Yay for party planning! Halloween is the perfect time to stock up on the candy you’ll be looking for when the birthday season picks up. Stash a pile of the good stuff and save for down the road. Want to know how to make your own piñata? Grab the how-to here.

popcorntrailmix

photo: Sommy Rhee

6. Spice up family movie night. Add M&Ms, candy corn, Nerds, malted milk balls or other small sweets to your popcorn to come up with a unique trail mix.  

photo: Randalyn Hill via Unsplash

7. Save supplies for holiday gingerbread houses. Pick out the best decorative candy from the bunch and save it for the gingerbread house-making sessions that will probably be happening a few weeks from now. We love the idea of Dum Dums being used as entrance lanterns, nerds being used as the gravel walkway, and various chocolate bars being formed into furniture.

CandyBuyBack3

 

8. Let the kids sell it back. Taking extra loot to a national buyback program will not only relieve them of too much sugar, but kids will also feel good knowing their donation will allow U.S. troops overseas to get their fill of the Halloween spirit, too. Find a buyback program near you.

nestlecrunchbowls_halloweencandy_national_redtricycle

photo: courtesy meals.com

9. Use it up during your next dinner party. Gather up all the Crunch bars you can find and save them for your next dinner party. With just a little prep and a great recipe found over at Meals.com, you’ll be dishing up dessert with an added crispy shell. Want to know why leftover balloons will come in handy? Hop on over to Meals.com for the entire tutorial.

mmsbalance_trishastanley_halloweencandy_national_redtricycle

photo: Trisha Stanley via Inspiration Laboratories

10. Balance out sugar with science! For every M&M they eat, they can add one to the scale, while you talk about equal parts and balancing acts. Making your own version of this experiment is as easy as entering Inspiration Laboratories and getting the complete tutorial.

— Sommy Rhee & Gabby Cullen

 

 

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Teaching your kids about conservation and the environment is a lot more than just recycling, but it doesn’t have to drastically alter your lifestyle either. There are dozens of small things that families can do to go green, and many of them have the added bonus of saving you money! Read on for simple ways to help your crew help the planet. 

iStock

1. Pick up trash. Bring along a spare plastic bag or two to pick up wayside recycling or garbage on walks around the neighborhood.

2. Carry reusable totes. Cut back on landfill-clogging plastic (and to save money if your city charges for bags!). Stash a few in your car and a folding one in your purse.

3. Veg out! You don't have to have a plant-based diet year round but cutting back on the consumption of meat does help conserve valuable resources. Try implementing Meatless Mondays or another meat-free meal one night a week. Check out these vegetarian recipes to get inspired.

4. Buy secondhand. You can find kids' clothing, furniture, home accessories and art from the antique market, from a Facebook marketplace, garage sales or Craigslist. Not only will you be consuming fewer new products, but your stuff will have a story.

5. Use washable containers. Plastic containers work great in lunch boxes

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6. Turn off the lights. Simply making the rounds and flipping the switch has a huge impact on energy usage.

7. Ditch the chemicals. Opt for some non-toxic homemade cleaners that are simple and inexpensive.

8. Wash, rinse, and reuse plastic bags.

9. Use smart bulbs. If your kid needs a night light, make sure to use an LED light. It can be on all night without taking nearly as much energy as a conventional light.

10. Dispose of old paint and electronics the responsible way. Check with your city's garbage pick-up provider to see if they have days or drop-off sites. Most Goodwill stores accept these items for recycling.

bedtime routine
iStock

11. Use reusable/refillable water bottles all day, every day! You'll help decrease the amount of plastic clogging our oceans and landfills. 

12. Buy rechargeable batteries. If you decide to go with regular batteries, make sure to recycle them properly.

13. Quit using paper towels to clean. Cut up old bath towels and tee shirts for cleaning instead.

14. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.

15. Leave the car at home. Chose one trip a day to bike or use public transportation. 

eco-friendly brands like BeesWrap are changing the world.
courtesy Bee's Wrap

16. Buy sustainable goods. Be a conscious consumer and make sure the products you buy have a minimal effect on the environment

17. Buy in bulk. Buy from the market's bulk section to avoid unnecessary packaging. Do you really need individual containers of olives or cheese sticks when you can buy in bulk and pack it yourself?

18. Take an hour or less and switch all your bills to paperless.

19. Save plastic to-go containers and make mini-greenhouses for starting seeds.

20. Check the family car's tire pressure once a month. Having the right amount will increase gas mileage by three percent (woot!).

Alexas Fotos via Pixaby

21. Put your computer to bed. Plan on stepping away from the keypad? Switch your computer to “sleep” mode to save energy.

22. Tote your own refillable coffee mug. Many coffee shops even charge less for patrons who bring their own mug.

23. Load up the dishwasher. Also, don’t worry about pre-rinsing. (Note: this doesn't work as well with old appliances!).

24. Avoid products with palm oil. Rainforests are still being destroyed in order to produce palm oil. It's found in everything from chocolate to shampoo. Read more here.

25. Use coffee grounds in a compost pile or under acidity-loving plants like azaleas.

Pexels

26. Designate one glass per day. Instead of grabbing a new cup each time a kid needs a drink, assign everyone a cup each day. 

27. And speaking of compost ... If you don't have space or yard to start your own, see if your city offers a composting program or try and start one at your kid's school.

28. Share your old magazines with friends or doctor’s offices. It's always a good idea to black out your address first. And if no one wants them, recycle them!

29. Use cloth napkins instead of paper. Not only will you save trees but you'll look extra fancy.

30. Buy reusable snack bags. You won't have to buy plastic bags for months, if not years. 

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31. Sell old cellphones. All they're doing is taking up space in your desk drawers. You can send them to usell.com for cash.

32. Add some green. Houseplants are natural air filters, so grow one in your kiddo's room!

33. Dry your clothes in the sunlight or air. Even if they still need to "finish" in the dryer, you'll save electricity and gas by letting natural elements do half the job.

34. Cut up plastic six-pack rings! You probably heard about this when you were a kid but it's still a problem and it's an easy thing to do.

35. Talk to your kids about why going green is so important. You'll be creating future conservationists!

Pexels

36. Unplug  appliances (like toasters, hair dryers and coffee makers) when you’re not using them. 

37. Organize a local beach or park cleanup. 

38. Plant a pollinator-friendly garden in your yard, school or neighborhood. 

39. Consider the rain garden: a garden designed to help filter run-off from parking lots. Many schools are creating these in medians and edges of parking lots. 

40. Use calendars and greeting cards to make cool art

41. Reuse old toys in inventive ways. 

42. Stop using plastic straws. Switch to paper, silicone or metal straws. Ask your local businesses to do the same. 

43. Stop using bath and body products with synthetic microbead exfoliants and opt for either natural exfoliating ingredients like scrubs with nut/seed exfoliants like St. Ive’s, or sugar scrubs.

iStock

44. Consider swapping out plastic toothbrushes fort these bamboo toothbrushes. Use your old toothbrushes to clean grout and hard-to-reach places. 

45. Create non-toxic crafts like this milk & vinegar plastic

46. Stop using glitter. If you must use glitter, use this biodegradable brand, Today Glitter

47. Use vinegar in place of glass cleaner. 

48. Avoid food waste with these clever ideas. 

49. Consolidate your Amazon orders, people! Yes, we know you can get it it one day. But if you order several items you can request they arrive in one shipment instead of multiple boxes. 

50. Be kind to animals and all living things.

—Gabby Cullen, Amber Guetebier, Erin Feher, Kristina Moy, Chantal Lamers

 

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It’s August and school is upon us! Last year was just about the weirdest year ever for our kids, so this fall might feel a little intimidating or scary for some little ones. The good news? Kids are resilient and strong, but it makes total sense that they might have a lot of big feelings associated with being back in the classroom. Here are five creative ideas that might be helpful to ease the back-to-school transition:

1. Act It Out
If kids are nervous about going back to school, try roll play! First, act out what the first day of school might actually be like, then try the OTT version (Over the Top) where everything is silly and exaggerated. Try switching rolls. You can be the teacher and your child can be the student and then switch!

2. Draw It Out
Help kids feel ownership of their back-to-school process with an art project to decorate a new lunch box or a backpack. Using glitter glue pens or fabric markers give kids the freedom to go to town on an item they will be bringing with them to school. This gives them a sense of control and helps them bring their own unique perspective and artistic voice into an otherwise unfamiliar situation.

3. Play It Out
Kids need practice reading other people’s emotions—particularly with masks. Remind them of the importance of using their eyes to express and read emotions. Practice “HAPPY” “SAD” “ANGRY” and “SILLY” eyes. Make it into a game and see if you can guess each other’s emotions.  

4. Talk It Out
Let your story be their school super power. Tell them the story of your first day of school or a memorable moment from your childhood at school with this framework:  

A LONG TIME AGO, WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE, I HAD A HARD TIME WITH ___________ .  

I FELT ___________ WHEN I WAS GOING TO ___________.  

I TOOK MY DEEP BREATHS AND I __________.  

IT WAS SCARY AT FIRST, BUT THEN I REALIZED ______________.  

5. Dance It Out
Do you walk to school? How about dancing to school instead? Take turns leading different silly dance moves as you walk. Bonus: play some fun music on your phone as you go! Not walking, but driving? No problem, use arm-dancing that you can do SAFELY while driving!

Whatever you choose to do, keep in mind that the more creative play and imagination you can bring to the back to school process, the more your kids will have opportunities for laughter and joy! Laughter is proven to reduce anxiety and stress and, I think we all could use a little of that this fall. 

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This post originally appeared on Piedmont Post.

Nina Meehan is CEO and Founder Bay Area Children's Theatre and the host of the Creative Parenting Podcast. An internationally recognized expert in youth development through the arts, Nina nurtures innovation by fostering creative thinking. She is mom to Toby (13), Robby (10) and Meadow (5).  

   

TikTok has announced new changes to its platform that will help keep teens safe while still being able to create fun and engaging content. The video app’s recent update is specifically geared towards 13-17 year olds and builds on existing protective features.

Over the next few months, the changes will begin rolling out and include changes to Direct Messaging privacy settings, viewing and downloading options and push notifications. Keep reading to see all the specifics.


When a 16 or 17-year-old joins TikTok, Direct Messaging defaults will be set so that ‘No One’ is automatic. Users will need to actively switch to a different sharing option in order to be able to use the feature. All existing teens in this age group will receive a prompt to review their settings.

When it comes to sharing videos, users under 16 making their first video will now see a pop-up which tells them to choose who can watch the video. On each subsquent video, they can continue to decide who is able to watch before posting.

TikTok is also adding options for who can download your teen’s videos via pop-up question. Sixteen to 17-year-olds will have the option to turn the feature on or off, while anyone under the age of 16 will continue to have downloads disabled. 

Push notifications will be disabled for 13 to 15-year-olds starting at 9 p.m., and 16-17 will have push notifications starting at 10 p.m. These changes are in line with TikTok’s goal of fostering healthy digital habits from a young age. You can see even more about these new changes over on TikTok.

––Karly Wood

It’s smart to be sun safe, but if you’ve been using certain sunscreens, it’s time to make a switch. Johnson & Johnson has announced it’s voluntarily recalling 14 sunscreen products from five different product lines due to the presence of benzene, a known carcinogen. All of the affected products are aerosol (spray) sunscreens.

Benzene is not an ingredient in any of the sunscreens, but it may have contaminated the products during the manufacturing process and internal testing identified low levels of the carcinogen. The following sunscreen lines are under recall:

  • NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen
  • NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
  • NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen
  • NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen
  • AVEENO® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen

If you have one or more of these products in your house, stop using them and discard. You can contact the JJCI Consumer Care Center with any questions. If you have more specific medical questions, contact your healthcare provider.

The Environmental Working Group recommends avoiding spray sunscreens due to inadequate coverage and potential inhalation risks. You can find a full report from the group on safer sunscreen choices online.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Pichara Bann on Unsplash

 

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More than ever before, there is so much tech in our hands and our homes. It’s pretty cool to have the world at your fingertips, but with that comes extra responsibility, especially when it comes to our kids and tech. Not sure where to start? Google, our favorite search engine, has our back yet again! They’ve put together this informative hub with articles containing simple instructions on keeping in control of your kids’ online experience. Check out these five excellent online parental controls. Looking for more? Explore the Parental Controls section of the new Google Families hub

1. Parental Controls on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch is a massive hit with kids of all ages, but did you know there’s a Parental Controls app for the Switch? Game changer! You can set play-time limits, learn how to turn off voice chat on the Switch system and turn off other social features. You can also learn how to limit mature content, which will prevent kids from playing mature-rated games. Wondering how your kid got that new game on their Switch and then you get the credit card bill? Not to worry, you can learn how to restrict Nintendo eShop purchases and block spending and auto-renewals on both the Nintendo eShop and on Nintendo.com.

Explore more at families.google

2. Google Family Link

No matter your child's age, it's important to establish your family's rules for the digital playground. Google's Family Link app helps parents establish boundaries and healthy internet habits with their families, so kids can safely explore with technology. This free app gives parents all kinds of additional controls for their kid's Android and Chromebook devices—setting screen or app limits, viewing where they're spending their time online, blocking or allowing apps, seeing where their device is currently located and even remotely locking a device when it's time to take a break!

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3. Parental Controls on Netflix

Some may argue that Netflix is the best thing since sliced bread, and we agree. With so many choices for all ages and interests, it’s a goldmine of entertainment. Create a password for each kid. Now they can only access their account, and you set controls as you see fit. You can then enable the Netflix Kids experience, limiting what they can view based on age and even adding title restrictions.

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4. Apple's Screen Time

Too much of a good thing? You have the power to set time limits on Apple devices too! Just go into Settings > Screen Time and select your child's device to get reports on what apps they're using and how often they're using them. Once you set your passcode, you can set limits for downtime (so necessary!), how long apps can be used, which contacts your kids can get in touch with and even block content, purchases and downloads. 

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5. Parental Controls on Amazon Echo

Kids love asking Alexa about all kinds of things, and we agree, it's pretty fun. But don't forget to set some limits with your robot pal. It's easy! Enable the Amazon Kids Settings in your Alexa app. Once you've added it, you can manage the settings either through the app or by logging in to your Amazon account and going to your Parent Dashboard.

Explore more at families.google

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—Jamie Aderski