How to keep teens safe when they connect on social media

ORLANDO, FLA. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Social media has connected the world, but some say it may be doing more harm than good, especially for kids.

According to whistleblower-released research, Instagram makes body image issues worse for one in three teenage girls. And among teenagers who reported suicidal thoughts, 6% of users traced it back to Instagram.

Facebook’s own research reveals when young women see content involving eating disorders, they become depressed, and it makes them use Instagram even more, continuing the cycle. So, what can parents do to protect their teens?

TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook… the list goes on and on for ways kids can connect.

A new study published in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health suggests social media harms girls more than boys, leading to cyberbullying, sleep problems, and less exercise.

So, what can parents do?

First, rather than giving your kid a smart phone and let them download multiple apps… start by letting your child text only with a best friend or family member. Once your child proves they’re responsible online, choose one platform and one time period, such as Instagram for 30 minutes a day.

You can set that limit via your phone. On Apple, look for the family sharing settings, and on an Android, you can use an app called Family Link. When the time limit is up, the app on your child’s phone will no longer be accessible.

To prevent unwanted downloads, there is also an ask to buy setting on Apple phones that will send a request to the parent. Also, remove phones and tablets from the bedroom at night. Most importantly, for kids and adults it’s important to understand that the more we pay attention to our phones, the less we’re investing in the rest of our lives.

Also, help your teen curate their feed. A recent study found that fewer than half the parents regularly discussed content with their teenager. But the experts said it’s helpful to talk about who they are following and how these accounts make them feel.

Source: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Social-Media-and-Teens-100.aspx#:~:text=Surveys%20show%20that%20ninety%20percent,mobile%20devices%20with%20internet%20capabilities

https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/03/tech/facebook-whistleblower-60-minutes/index.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/21/well/family/teens-social-media-help.html?.?mc=aud_dev&ad-keywords=auddevgate&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnoqLBhD4ARIsAL5JedJGj8jSFhEPVA1Afv5aNR96D6gJYTwMzlfKdUJFhJRDBPydx5OGUdYaAk–EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds, https://time.com/5650266/social-media-girls-mental-health/

Contributor(s) to this news report include: Danielle Gober, Producer; Robert Walko, Videographer and Editor. To receive a free weekly email on Smart Living from Ivanhoe, sign up at: http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk

2 dead, 2 injured after argument leads to shooting at SE Side apartment complex, SAPD says

An argument turned shooting at a Southeast Side apartment complex left two people dead and two others injured, according to San Antonio police.

The shooting happened around 6:30 a.m., Sunday, at an apartment complex in the 400 block of Montrose.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said officers were initially called for reports of an altercation turned shooting inside of an apartment.

When police arrived, they found a woman sitting outside in front of an apartment with a gunshot wound.

She told officers she awoke to an argument inside of her apartment involving two people — a man and a woman in their early 20s.

The situation escalated when she heard gunfire, and she was also struck by a bullet that went through the wall, according to Chief McManus.

Police said the man and woman were found fatally shot inside of the apartment.

Upon further investigation, officers located a fourth person who was injured by the gunfire in another apartment across the street from where the shooting happened.

Chief McManus said the four person, a man, was injured by gunfire and had gone to the other apartment after the shooting. At last check, he was in critical condition.

Police believe the incident is likely drug-related, but it’s unclear who the shooter was or if any rounds were returned. The investigation is still preliminary.

We’ll bring more updates to this story as they become available.

More on KSAT:

Woman killed, 5 others injured after crash on Northwest Side, police say

San Antonio family claims loved one was shot, killed for petting neighbor’s dog

A family is starting the New Year mourning the loss of 28-year-old Valentin Gonzales IV after he was fatally shot during an argument just days ago.

The shooting happened on Dec. 30 at an apartment complex in the 7100 block of Wurzbach.

Police arrested the suspect, 18-year-old Jordan Eaton, after he turned himself in. At the time of the shooting, he ran from the scene before officers arrived.

Eaton is accused of shooting Valentin following an argument. Officials said Valentin was then rushed to an area hospital, but later died from his injuries.

His wife Brittany said the argument that led to the shooting began after Valentin petted Eaton’s dog.

“He says that, ‘you can’t touch my dog! I don’t f*** with you, I don’t f*** with any of you,’” said Brittany.

She alleges that after the argument, Eaton flashed his gun. She said her and Valentin tried to ignore him, but when Eaton’s dog came back toward them, he started firing rounds.

Eaton allegedly aimed his shots at Brittany but he missed, and Valentin tried to wrestle the gun away. However, in doing so, he was hit by the gunfire.

His family is upset that Eaton received bond, and said they believe he should remain behind bars.

According to Bexar County court records, his bond is set at $280,000. At last check, he is still being held in the jail and hasn’t been released.

Valentin leaves behind eight kids, his wife, mother and multiple siblings. All of them were in tears as they spoke about the incident.

They described Valentin as a family man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it.

“I rushed over here man. I don’t even live in town… I drove as fast as I could. The traffic was hell, I couldn’t get here in time. I’m sorry brother,” said Timathy Gonzales, Valentin’s brother.

“I love you baby and I miss you so much. I can’t go without you…,” said Cynthia Garza, Valentin’s mother.

More on KSAT:

Man critically wounded after shooting at Northwest Side apartmentSuspect charged with murder, aggravated assault in deadly shooting on Northwest Side, SAPD says

Motorcyclist killed in three-vehicle crash on far North Side, deputies say

A motorcyclist is dead after a three-vehicle crash on the county’s far North Side, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash happened around 6:30 p.m., Saturday, on Highway 281 S and Loop 1604.

Deputies said a truck and a vehicle collided, and just moments later, the situation took a deadly turn when a motorcycle hit one of the vehicles. Further details on what lead to the crashes are limited at this time.

The motorcyclist, a 60-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

No charges are expected to be filed, and the roads were temporarily closed as crews worked to clear the scene.

The investigation continues. We’ll bring more updates as they become available.

More on KSAT:

Woman killed, 5 others injured after crash on Northwest Side, police say

Newly-hired nurse starts job with Baptist Health System on New Year’s Day amid COVID-19 surge

Baptist Health System is sharing the story of one of its newly-hired licensed nurses, hoping to encourage others to join the field and help alleviate the shortage of healthcare workers.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the need for healthcare workers has rapidly increased.

There are more patients in need; however, there are also more workers opting to retire or who are seeking a career change.

Andrew Smith, 25, said it was a calling for him to help those in his community, and starting his career during the holidays was an added bonus.

On Tuesday, North Central Baptist Hospital is hosting a hiring event at its location on 520 Madison Oak Drive, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The hospital is looking to fill the following positions: RN, respiratory therapists, RN case managers, imaging technicians, experienced certified surgical technician and patient care assistants. Attendees who are interested in any of these positions are urged to bring a copy of their resume.

Generous sign-on bonuses will also be offered to all qualified candidates that are hired, according to health officials.

If you’re interested in joining a program of study at the Baptist School of Health Professions, click here.

Woman killed, 5 others injured after crash on Northwest Side, police say

A woman is dead and five others are injured after a three-vehicle crash on the city’s Northwest Side, according to San Antonio police.

The crash happened Saturday evening on Culebra Road and Zarzamora Street.

It’s unclear what lead to the collision, though witnesses told police a red truck was likely speeding down Zarzamora and possibly ran a red light before it crashed into a silver truck and a Jeep.

Police said a 50-year-old woman in the silver truck died at the scene.

Five other passengers from all three vehicles were injured, four of which were taken by EMS to University Hospital. The other passenger was transported to the Brooke Army Medical Center.

Details on their conditions are currently unknown. The investigation continues.

We’ll bring more updates as they become available.

More on KSAT:

Man shot, critically injured while leaving bar near UTSA on New Year’s Day, SAPD says

City of San Antonio prepares for freezing temps, urges residents to take precautions

As the city of San Antonio is expected to reach freezing temperatures this weekend and into Monday, officials are asking residents to take precautions.

City officials said you should follow the four Ps—people, pets, plants, and pipes and be extra careful when traveling on roadways.

People

City officials said residents can prepare themselves by staying warm and dressing in layers. Check on your elderly family and neighbors to ensure they have access to heat and warm clothing.

The city’s Department of Human Services said they have been working with nonprofit organizations to prepare overnight shelters and meals for those experiencing homelessness.

Nonprofit workers began outreach to known homeless encampments on Wednesday. Officials said they are continuing to provide information and transportation to shelters as well as handing out cold-weather supplies.

The city will provide a homeless connections hotline Sunday for those looking to help individuals connect with assistance during cold weather. The homeless connections hotline number is 210-208-1799.

For tenants and homeowners, the city is preparing to open four warming centers on Sunday. These centers will serve as a short-term emergency shelter and will open if conditions worsen due to freezing temps, heavy winds, or cold weather power outages.

City officials said they will provide specific locations on Sunday morning if the warming centers open.

Pets

Pets should be brought inside, away from the cold. If a resident cannot bring in their pet, you should purchase an insulated and protective enclosure that will provide them with a safe and warm place to stay.

Officials said that shorthaired dogs or dogs that are very young or old, and cats should not be left outside during the winter. As an extra precaution, officials recommend shorthaired dogs wear a sweater while outside.

The city recommends everyone to bang on their car hood once or twice before warming up their car. Cats can crawl into the warm engines and the noise should scare away the cats before you start the engine, officials say. Anti-freeze should also be put out of reach from pets as they are attracted to the sweet taste.

If you notice a pet outside without proper care or in need of shelter, the city asks that you call 3-1-1 or visit saacs.info/311. Animal Care Services officers will be practicing zero tolerance and will cite for violations.

Plants

City officials recommend that potted plants be brought inside to protect them from dying. If you have outdoor plants you want to protect, they should be covered with a cloth fabric.

Pipes

Residents can protect their pipes from freezing by covering all outdoor pipes. City officials recommend that you also allow your faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing as well.

Roads and Traffic

San Antonio police and the Public Works departments say they are prepared to activate the city’s ice plan if precipitation occurs. Public Works said they have crews on-call if traffic equipment malfunctions due to wind conditions.

You can also keep up with current traffic conditions and road delays on KSAT’s traffic page.

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The city is also working with CPS Energy and the San Antonio Water System to coordinate preparedness plans.

You can reach the city’s customer service line at 3-1-1. The service line hours will remain open Sunday from 8 a.m. until midnight.

In the event of power outages or severe weather conditions, KSAT will bring you latest on air and on our website.

Two people hospitalized after man hits them with a baseball bat, police say

Two people are hospitalized after a man crashed into their car and attacked them with a baseball bat, according to San Antonio police.

The incident happened around 12:53 a.m., Saturday, in the 3000 block of Navajo Street.

Police said a man and his girlfriend were driving home after visiting a friend’s house on New Year’s Eve. However, they got lost and pulled over to look up directions.

That’s when a man driving the opposite way struck their car, police said. After the crash, the man then got out of his car with a baseball bat.

Police said as the other man was inspecting the damage to his car, the man hit him with the bat, causing a severe head injury.

Another man came to intervene but he was also hit in the head, authorities said.

Both men were taken by EMS to University Hospital in serious condition.

Police say the man fled the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

More on KSAT:

Man found shot, killed in vehicle outside NE Side apartment complex, police sayMan shot, critically injured while leaving bar near UTSA on New Year’s Day, SAPD says

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Betty White’s 100th birthday film still taking to the big screen despite actress’s death

Movie screenings of Betty White’s “100 Year Young” will still go on as planned despite her passing on Dec. 31, according to CNN.

The renowned actress and “Golden Girl” would have been 100-years-old on Jan. 17.

“Our hearts mourn today with the passing of Betty White. During the many years we worked with her, we developed a great love and admiration for Betty as a person, and as an accomplished entertainer,” film producers Steve Boettcher and Mike Trinklein said in a statement to CNN. “We are thankful for the many decades of delight she brought to everyone. Betty always said she was the ‘luckiest broad on two feet’ to have had a career as long as she did. And honestly, we were the lucky ones to have had her for so long.”

Boettcher told CNN they plan to continue on with the film screening as a way to celebrate White’s life and career.

“100 Years Young” will debut on White’s birthday for a one-day-only event in select theaters, including in San Antonio. Tickets are being sold through Fathom events.

I’m going BIG for my birthday – right to the BIG SCREEN! Get your tickets and join me by clicking here:https://t.co/qXoSO2BYM3

— Betty White (@BettyMWhite) December 17, 2021

The film, which spans an hour and 40 minutes, features cameos from some of White’s celebrity friends, including Ryan Reynolds, Tina Fey, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Clint Eastwood, and delves into her achievements during her career in the spotlight.

“You’ll experience Betty’s funniest moments on The Golden Girls, hosting SNL, Hot in Cleveland, The Proposal, The Mary Tyler Moore Show—and a lost episode from Betty’s very first sitcom. Plus Betty reveals inside stories of her amazing life and career,” according to the ticket website.

In San Antonio, you can see the film at these three theaters at 1 p.m. or 7 p.m.:

Cinemark San Antonio 16 – 5063 Loop 410 NWRegal Cielo Vista 18 – 2828 Cinema RidgeCinemark McCreless Market – 4224 S. New Braunfels Ave.

Tickets are priced at $13.38 each.

White’s career achievements span from 1949′s “Hollywood on Television” to a 2019 role in Disney Pixar’s “Forky Asks a Question,” according to an article from the Associated Press. She’s also known for her signature role in “The Golden Girls.”

If you want to celebrate the life of Betty, click here to buy your tickets.

More on KSAT:

Betty White marks 99th birthday Sunday; up late as she wants

Photos: New Year’s Eve celebrations from around the world

Many people gathered around the world to ring in 2022. Several major celebrations, such as the one in Time’s Square in New York City, gathered large crowds unlike NYE celebrations last year.

Despite all the challenges 2021 may have brought, people were eager to ring in the New Year and cheer to new beginnings.

You can see pictures of New Year’s Eve celebrations from all around the world down below, courtesy of The Associated Press and Getty Images: