By Tracey Dowdy

Facebook has made an important change to its Safety Check feature.

If you’re not familiar with the feature, Safety Check sends a message to Facebook users within a geographic area of immediate danger such as natural disaster, terrorist attack or a mass shooting. Users can then notify friends and family that they are safe and sound.

Initially, Facebook manually controlled Safety Check and determined whether an event was alert-worthy. In response, they would send a message to users in the affected area based on the city listed in your profile, your last location listed if you had activated Nearby Friends, and the city where you are currently using the Internet. Users who were safe selected “I’m safe” and an automatically generated notification would be posted to your Timeline.

Since its introduction in late 2014, Facebook had activated Safety Check 39 times. However, they faced criticism for failing to activate the tool in certain areas of the world. For example, it was activated for the Paris attacks in November of 2015, but not for bombings in Beirut the day before.

In response to the criticism, Facebook handed control over to the Facebook community. Instead of Facebook staff far removed from an event determining whether an alert should be sent, users themselves can activate Safety Check. The Orlando Nightclub shooting back in June was one of the first times it was activated by users instead of Facebook staff.

Now, Facebook algorithms search for keywords like “tsunami”, “shooting”, or “fire” in real-time and then fact-check the veracity of the posts through a third-party security firm. If the information is verified, Safety Check is activated.

Allowing the community to control activation is seen as a smart move. Peter Cottle, lead engineer on crisis response for Facebook, explained their motivation for the change. “A typhoon in the Philippines might have six inches of water in your house, and in California, that’d be a big deal. But in the Philippines, we did research there, and people said this wasn’t a big deal.”

“We can tell how many people are spreading this and marking themselves safe, and how quickly it’s growing,” Cottle said. “There’s a real strong measure of urgency based on the rapidness of the people who are using the tool.”

As follow up, Facebook is in beta stages of a Community Help page users can look to after checking in as safe. It will be a forum for those looking for or offering support in the form of supplies, medical aid or counseling services and was born from the #PorteOuverte (Open Door) hashtag after the Paris attacks.

For more information about Safety check, follow this link.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

By Tracey Dowdy

If the prospect of watching Frozen for the eleventeenth time makes you want to shed bitter tears and curse Disney, these holiday movies are a welcome break and may end up being new family favorites.

I’m pretty sure an angel gets its wings every time you watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. When he and the rest of the Peanuts characters participate in Lucy’s Christmas pageant, Charlie chooses a bare, pitiful tree to decorate and ultimately finds the true meaning of Christmas. Kids will love the humor, adults will love the message; and as well as being a nostalgic look at Christmas, it’s a great opportunity to talk to your kids about gratitude and being thankful for what’s really important at a time of year that can be very challenging for some families. (Ages 3+)

Yes, Virginia is based on the real life story of a New York Times editorial from 1897. Little Virginia’s belief in Santa is shaken when a playground bully tells her she’s “infantile” for believing. She and her friend Ollie set out to find the truth and ask everyone from her dad to a sidewalk Santa. Unsatisfied with the responses, she turns to none other than The New York Times, the most reliable source she knows. The paper’s response is sweet and may make your little ones think twice before they give up believing. (Ages 4+)

The same animation studio that brought Wallace and Grommit and Chicken Run to life also created Arthur Christmas, so you know there’s plenty of humor that will appeal to adults as well as children. The story focuses on Santa’s son Arthur and his Grandsanta and their mission to bring a present to a little girl before she wakes up on Christmas morning. It also answers that age-old question, “How does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?” It’s silly, sweet, and a lot of fun. (Ages 4+)

The Muppet Christmas Carol is a perfect introduction to the Dickens’ classic for your kids. The cast consists of all the familiar Muppets, so kids will be engaged immediately, plus the story is narrated by Gonzo the Great and Rizzo the Rat. Rizzo acts as a stand in for your children and often says what they’re thinking, especially at times when the story gets dark. When the Ghost of Christmas Future appears, Rizzo says, “This is too scary. I don’t think I want to see any more,” and he and Gonzo leave until the next scene. Cues like this are scattered throughout the movie and are perfect if your kids are sensitive to the elements that might frighten them. (Ages 5+)

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

By Tracey Dowdy        

It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it?

According to a study by the American Psychological Association, stress levels rose in 2015 with 24% of Americans saying they weren’t just stressed, they were highly stressed. Factor in events like November’s presidential election and I feel confident that number is going to be even higher for 2016.

It’s not just negative things in our lives that raise our stress levels. I love to write, but my stress levels are higher after I’ve written an article. It’s not a negative experience but the concentration it requires naturally increases my tension.

Finding ways to reduce your tension levels is important, as prolonged stress has a detrimental impact on your overall health. These apps can help you manage those stress levels and boost your mental health.

Pacifica

Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – the idea that your perception of any given situation determines your reaction more than the situation itself – Pacifica provides users with tools to manage stress, anxiety and even depression by using mindfulness, relaxation and healthy habits. Instead of a “quick fix,” the app focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors and helps you recognize your triggers as part of a long term solution. There’s a Daily Mood Tracker, audio tools and exercises, and Daily Challenges to help you reach your mental health goals. It’s not a “feel-good,” daily affirmation style app; it’s practical, user friendly, and a great resource.
(iOS/Android; free with in-app purchases)

Breathe2Relax

You know how in movies they give someone a paper bag to breathe into if their panicking? Breath2Relax is your virtual paper bag. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are clinically proven to reduce the “fight or flight” response and mitigate the intensity of your emotions, particularly anxiety and anger management.
(iOS/Android; free)

Headspace

Headspace is “meditation made simple.” Using guided meditations simple enough for beginners, Headspace promises to help with focus, concentration and mindfulness and will help reduce anxiety and stress. The free version gives users full access to Take 10, the first level of the course. You can track your progress, get rewards for using the app regularly, and partner with a friend to encourage one another. The sessions can be downloaded for offline access and once you’ve mastered the basics, you can opt to move to the next level by purchasing the monthly, annual, or “forever” subscriptions.
(iOS/Android; free with in-app purchases)

The HeartMath Institute has a Stress and Well Being Survey that can help you measure your current stress levels and do a mental health check-up. Although it has been developed by professionals, it should never replace the need for services provided by a medical professional. Always seek the advice of your doctor before following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

It has been a while since we talked about home entertainment systems. Over the last few years, my family has tried a few different ones, including Apple TV, Roku, three gaming consoles and Amazon Fire TV. Given all the competing claims about content, ease of use, value for money and more, it’s not surprising that most parents are confused about what’s the best decision for their families.

So here are five important questions to ask yourself before you go out and buy another home entertainment system this holiday season:

1) Do you have one of those awesome high definition displays but want to do more than just watch TV?

2) Do you use on demand services like Netflix and Hulu or watch Blu-Ray movies?

3) Do you want to make sure your kids are watching age-appropriate content?

4) Do you want access to top-rated games?

5) Do you want to bond with your kids over something you will both enjoy?

If the answer to any of those 5 questions is “yes”, then you can’t go wrong with an Xbox One S from Microsoft.

At under $300, it certainly offers unbeatable value. In fact, in the run-up to Christmas, most retailers are selling select 500GB Xbox One S bundles for just $249. (I just saw one at Costco for $239!)

With the Xbox One S, you will be the hero of the family. You will be able to watch your favorite movies in high resolution; bond with your kids with games everyone can enjoy (racing games, Guitar Hero, puzzle games); and you can Skype with grandparents to give them a thrill on Sunday afternoons.

Most importantly, the Xbox One S will keep your kids safe, because right out of the box you will be able to set up controls to block inappropriate content, regulate what your kids can purchase online, and prevent them from sharing personal information.

To find out more about this incredibly versatile family entertainment system, check out my video clip. If you have any questions, post them here on the page or look out for my next clip on the best games families can enjoy together.

All opinions are my own. The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Microsoft.

By Tracey Dowdy

Choosing items for stockings is just about my favorite part of holiday shopping. Most of the items I choose are simple and inexpensive – lip balm, purse size lotions or hand sanitizer, crazy socks – but I like to include at least one item that’s a little nicer.

Here’s a list of stocking stuffers under $25 for all the techies on your list.

The Kingston DataTraveler SE9 flash drive has a capacity of up to 64GB and is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP and Mac. It’s compact – a little smaller than a standard house key – has a sturdy metal casing with a large ring that makes it easy to attach to your keys, and while not the fastest, it’s hard to beat the design and durability at this price point. The 16GB runs around $6 and you can get the 64GB option for around $18.

Who couldn’t use an extra set of earbuds? Panasonic’s ErgoFit RP-HJE120 are better quality than you might expect for under $10. Honestly, for under $10 normally I’d assume you’re better off with two empty soup cans and a piece of string, but this time I’d be wrong. They come in a bunch of fun colors and depending on the color, are as little as $4 a pair.

The Philips SPS2150WA travel charger offers 2 USB ports and 3 AC ports. Keep in mind that with just 1 amp of power, some devices like tablets will take a long time to charge, but as a back-up charger, $6 is hard to beat. Its design is compact and folds up to take up less space in your bag when you travel. It’s not fancy, but it will get the job done.

I have purchased at least 4 AmazonBasics Lightning cables because somehow in my house, they disappear. I can only assume they’ve traveled to wherever single socks and spare keys go. As a side note, always be careful when buying third-party accessories like lightning cords, especially if they’re not certified by Apple. Amazon’s cords are, plus they’re cheaper, range in size from 4 inches to 6 feet, and are available in black or white. The 4” is $5.99 and the six-foot cord is $7.99 or you can buy a two pack for $15.59.

The AmazonBasics Mini Bluetooth Speaker pairs with your Android or iOS phone, tablet or laptop up to 30 feet away and promises ten hours of battery life from a single charge. You can listen to audio as well as use it to make hands-free calls. It’s lightweight enough to be portable but designed and weighted to not tip over if used outdoors in a breeze. The speaker comes in five colors for $19.99 or buy the speaker and a 3.5mm audio cable for $24.98.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.