New Jersey – A recent survey by HostingAdvice reveals that New Jersey parents are more lenient in monitoring their children’s social media use compared to the national average. The survey, which included 3,000 parents, highlights the varying practices and concerns regarding children’s online safety.
According to the survey, only 36% of New Jersey parents monitor their children’s online habits daily. This is contrasted with a national average where 52% of parents actively control the websites and social media platforms their children visit. Most parents surveyed believe that children should start using social media at age 13 or older.
The survey also found diverse methods among parents for monitoring their children’s internet usage. Thirty-three percent of parents routinely check browser history, while 25% use parental control software to limit access to inappropriate content. Additionally, 22% engage in discussions with their children about online behavior, and 18% occasionally restrict online access to ensure safe digital boundaries.
Geographic disparities in parental control practices were also noted. In South Dakota, 80% of parents surveyed actively control their children’s online access, compared to only 30% in Nebraska.
The increasing concerns about social media’s impact on children have prompted calls for more stringent measures. Recently, the Surgeon General urged Congress to mandate warning labels on social media apps, similar to those on cigarettes and alcohol. This growing awareness has driven parents to become more involved in their children’s online activities, although the approaches and levels of vigilance vary significantly.
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Argument Between Two Men Ends with Stabbing
Manassas, VA – Police responded to an attempted malicious wounding incident on Monday morning at a residence in the 6200 block of Sierra Ct., Manassas. The call came in at approximately 10:45 a.m.
The investigation revealed that a verbal altercation between a 51-year-old man and an acquaintance, Maurice Howell, 64, escalated into violence. Howell attempted to stab the victim with a knife. Fortunately, the victim was able to leave the room and contact the police. Howell remained inside the residence and initially refused to comply with officers’ commands. Only minor injuries were reported.
Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for Howell, who later surrendered to the authorities that afternoon. He has been charged with attempted malicious wounding. A court date is pending, and bond details are currently unavailable.
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Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash on Route 40 in Sussex County
Sussex County, VA – Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early this morning on Route 40. The incident took place at approximately 4:15 a.m. near Lobb Shop Road.
A 2005 Cadillac Escalade, heading eastbound, veered off the left side of the road, overturned multiple times, and struck a tree. The driver, identified as Jarrell R. Thomas, 34, of Waverly, VA, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
A female passenger was also ejected and sustained life-threatening injuries. She was transported to VCU Medical Center for treatment. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
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Two Sentenced in Connection to Atlantic City Shooting
Atlantic City, NJ – Tawanne Williams, 42, of Philadelphia, PA, and Jessica Bryant, 33, of Atlantic City, NJ, were sentenced on Monday to New Jersey State Prison for their roles in a 2022 shooting in Atlantic City.
Bryant received a sentence of five years for second-degree aggravated assault and fourth-degree pointing a firearm. Her sentence includes an 85% period of parole ineligibility under the No Early Release Act, followed by three years of parole supervision.
Williams was sentenced to five years for second-degree certain persons not to possess a handgun and fourth-degree obstructing the administration of law. He will serve the entire five years without parole eligibility.
The incident occurred on August 31, 2022, when Atlantic City Police responded to a shooting near the Carolina Villages apartment complex. They found a man with non-life-threatening injuries to his hand and hip. Surveillance video identified Bryant as the shooter, fleeing in a rental car driven by Williams.
In early September 2022, Williams was stopped in the rental car in Atlantic City but was uncooperative with police. A handgun found under the driver’s seat was later confirmed to have been used in the shooting. Bryant was apprehended months later in Galloway Township.
The investigation was conducted by the Atlantic City Police Department, including its Violent Crimes Unit, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Unit, with assistance from the Galloway Township Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Unit.