An Important Safety Message for Parents
March 24, 2010
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We want to alert parents to a dangerous activity that is increasing in frequency among young people. Children are using Axe Body Spray, a popular cologne among young people, to light themselves or their clothing on fire. YouTube videos and news reports show the dangerous activity is being practiced across the world. In Federal Way, a number of students this year have been expelled for lighting themselves or their clothing on fire with Axe at school.
It appears the activity is gaining popularity because of videos on YouTube. Children often don’t have the judgment to understand the dangers in what they view online. The Internet has helped spread the information faster. While we encourage you to monitor Internet use, don’t assume that alone will protect them. Many children still hear about it in person from their friends.
Our first priority is to create a safe and comfortable learning environment for all students. We depend on parents and other adults in our students’ lives to partner with us in that goal. Please model safe behaviors at home and talk with your student about the dangers of playing with fire. Lighting a person on fire can lead to first, second or third degree burns as well as damage to property and criminal prosecution. Students who participate in this activity at school will be expelled.
Middle school boys are among the most at-risk for participating in dangerous experiments with fire, although all children should be warned of the danger. One thing to look out for is lighters. There is no reason for children to carry lighters.
As always, if you hear or see anything that makes you concerned for a student or staff member's safety, please call the Safe Schools Tip-Line at 253-945-SAFE (7233). Please remind your students that they can do the same and remain anonymous if they wish.
It is important to take the early signs of fire setting seriously. South King Fire and Rescue offers a Fire Stoppers educational intervention program designed to educate parents and children about fire safety and the consequences of fire. Fire Department personnel are trained to assess fire setting behaviors, provide fire safety education and to recommend additional assistance if needed. Educational services are free and financial assistance with counseling may be available. For more information, please call 253-946-7337.
Sincerely,
Thomas R. Murphy,
Superintendent
Posted: March 25, 2010