With crowds expected all across Florida’s beaches Friday through the weekend and lots of people getting into the water, safety is a big talking point.

America is turning 250, and if you want to know what the next generation thinks about freedom, fireworks, and the Fourth of July, just hand them a microphone.

Florida’s summer heat is more than uncomfortable — it can be deadly, especially for young children left in hot cars. Medical experts are renewing calls for families to take simple, potentially life-saving precautions this season.

Kids and teens now average up to seven hours a day on entertainment screen time, not including schoolwork. And for families, that time adds up. Is it time to hit pause on constant connection?

Consumer Reports tests hundreds of car seats, bassinets, strollers, and more. Here are CR’s 2026 Top Picks for Baby.

Father’s Day is Sunday, and this year, we are celebrating a new kind of dad. For years, the image of dad was pretty simple: the provider, the rule-maker, maybe even the punchline. But today’s father? He’s doing a lot more.

Ian Marlow, the founder and CEO of tech leader FITECH, joined us on The Morning Show to discuss what’s likely to work and what’s not when it comes to online safety laws.

According to Feeding Northeast Florida, 1 in 5 children in Northeast Florida goes to bed hungry. And the struggle only grows in the summer months when children who rely on eating breakfast and lunch at school must find those meals elsewhere. But one Jacksonville business wants to make things easier.

With school out for summer, Florida parents might think hosting a teen party at home is the safer choice. But Millicent Daniels, a criminal defense attorney, told News4JAX that the decision could carry serious criminal and civil consequences.

From taking out the trash to cleaning up toys, chores are part of growing up. But many kids today are doing fewer of them than generations before.

More than 500 people of all ages die from unintentional drownings each year in Florida. In 2025, there was a record high of 112 “child drowning deaths,” according to the autism society of Florida.

A new easy-to-use ultrasound system, powered by AI, is designed to bring basic sonograms closer to home so expectant mothers don’t have to travel hours just to check on their babies.

Some students may be academically ready, but emotionally behind. One option is taking a gap year, a year off between high school and college. But is it a smart move or a risky one?

Research shows that only 1 in 10 children with high-risk symptoms and conditions are being tested for celiac disease. Now, for Celiac Awareness Month, experts say that recognizing the signs early can make a difference.

Especially on holidays, when a lot more people will be out and about, parents are urged to keep an eye on their kids and remember that water safety is always a priority, like always swimming near a lifeguard.

The U.S. has about 10,000 births per day, and about 32% of those births are via cesarean section, or C-section. But the World Health Organization says the acceptable rate is only 10-15%.

For families with children at home, one of the hardest parts can be explaining a cancer diagnosis in a way kids can understand. Now, a new website is giving parents personalized guidance for that conversation.

A recent survey found 75% of women with children at home say it’s hard to make their own health a priority. And 24% are skipping routine screenings because they didn’t know they were necessary or important.

A recent survey found that just 38% of Americans learn about money from their families, and only 15% learn it in school. So, what should your grad know before that first paycheck?

Campus counselors say academics aren’t the main reason freshmen struggle. It’s the things no one taught them, how to advocate for themselves, manage freedom and handle adult responsibilities.

As the county shifts into recovery mode amid devastating wildfires, Brantley County Schools will remain closed through Friday for students, and meals will be passed out again on Wednesday.

When you’re the first in your family to earn a college degree, it’s a major milestone, not just for you, but for generations to come. While the achievement is historic, the transition can be tough, and success comes with pressure.

Postpartum depression affects about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. within the first year after giving birth. It isn’t just the “baby blues.” It’s a serious mental illness that leaves new moms extremely sad, exhausted, and sometimes hopeless. The condition can be debilitating, overwhelming and dangerous for new moms.

Energy drinks are everywhere these days. Many of them look like sports hydration drinks and taste like candy. But a new Consumer Reports investigation finds what’s inside those drinks may be more than you’re bargaining for.

Millions of people earn more than the poverty line but still feel one emergency away from financial disaster. Psychologists call it peniaphobia, a growing fear of running out of money.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports 40% to 50% of youth athletes feel stressed by sports-related expectations. So how can parents help their children enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed?

Smartphones, GPS apps, and air tags have made it easier than ever for parents to know where their kids are and what they’re doing.

Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond is expected to share more information Wednesday about an effort to bring Safe Haven baby boxes to one fire station in each city council district.

Consumer Reports tested dozens of babyproofing products to find the ones that work best and talked with child safety experts to create a babyproofing checklist that covers all areas of your home.

The new analysis looked for heavy metals and other contaminants, and while some results raised concerns, Consumer Reports says there are also many solid options for parents.

Many families are opting for “gramping,” which is when grandparents and grandchildren vacation together and leave the parents at home.

In Wednesday’s Justice 4 All segment on The Morning Show, local attorney Millicent Daniels joined us to answer your questions as we continue our Keep Them Safe series for parents.

More parents are turning to GPS trackers and kids’ smartwatches to keep tabs on their child’s location, but who else can see that location, and are you putting your child’s data at risk?

The Florida Department of Health lists drowning as the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4, and state lawmakers in Tallahassee are considering two bills aimed at reducing those deaths.

The Morning Show is featuring a series aimed at keeping your children safe.

Many Americans find themselves financially supporting their grown kids long after high school or college. A new survey shows 63 percent of parents say they pay living expenses, phone bills, or debt for their adult kids. And while most do it out of love — experts warn it may not be the best decision for you or your child.

Looking for ways to make a little extra cash without sacrificing time with your family? You’re not alone. Across the country, moms are turning what they already have — their closets, skills, and schedules — into side hustles that are flexible, realistic, and actually work.

Do you get advice about what your baby should be eating on your phone every day? From standard American to vegetarian to vegan, there are many different options. But there’s a new trend that takes the steak.

Parenting today can feel like a full-time balancing act — wanting to protect your kids while still letting them grow. As the new year approaches, it may be the perfect time to re-examine your parenting style.

As the holidays approach, many parents are excited to give their children the latest AI-powered toys. But a new report from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund sounds a cautionary note.

New parents are bombarded with misleading posts and images about what’s safe when it comes to infant sleep. That’s according to a new investigation by Consumer Reports. Information shared by social media influencers, AI chatbots, and even retailers may be confusing parents and putting babies at risk.

It might be flu season, but there are other viruses we need to watch out for this winter -- like RSV.

The cost and availability of child care are a major concern for many Jacksonville residents, and the Mayor’s Office is launching a task force to address the issue.

Consumer Reports has found that some infant products marketed for sleep can increase the risk of injury, suffocation or even sleep-related death. But there are simple ways to keep babies safe and comfortable throughout the night.

Parents, are you running on empty? A new survey shows 57 percent of moms and dads say they’re already burned out, and the holiday season hasn’t even started yet. That stress can take a toll on both you and your kids.

As parents know all too well, teen drivers tend to be riskier on the road, which means they’re more expensive to insure. The experts at Consumer Reports reveal tips to help families choose the right car and make smart insurance choices that could save thousands of dollars each year.

It’s National Bullying Prevention Month. A report shows one in five students say they’ve been bullied. But experts warn there’s another form of bullying, one that’s far harder to recognize.

With guard rails and other safety features designed to prevent falls, toddler towers are marketed as a safer alternative to a chair or stepstool. But reports of kids falling out or tipping over in the towers surfaced.

St. Johns County leaders are holding a town hall Monday night at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library as e-bikes become more popular and concerns about safety continue to grow.

More than 70% of teens say climate change affects their mental health, and nearly half of young people globally report feeling sad, anxious, or powerless about the future.

According to the American Institute of Stress, 75% of high school students say they’re constantly stressed, mostly due to schoolwork. And the signs of that stress might not look like what adults experience.

Nearly 1 in 5 students in the U.S. say they’ve considered suicide in the past year. And experts warn that suicide among kids ages 8 to 12 is rising by 8% annually.

Schoolwork, sports, clubs, social life, kids today are juggling a lot! For many, it’s a recipe for one thing: burnout.

Consumer Reports experts say there are safe, smart ways to save, without cutting corners on your baby’s nutrition.

Health experts say the desire to please a political base may compromise public health and safety.

Identifying a concussion quickly is important for protecting brain health. So, what should parents be watching for?

Consumer Reports has gathered expert tips and products to help support you and make the experience more manageable for you and your baby.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering free, one-day admission to children ages 3–11 throughout September as part of “Future Voyagers Month.”

The city of Jacksonville unveiled a “Safe Parks Wi-Fi Initiative” on Tuesday, which includes adding cameras connected to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s Real-Time Crime Center and the city’s parks department to 12 local parks.

JSO shared a video on social media of the case from a few weeks ago, where a 5-year-old boy named William wandered away from home and made his way to Chick-fil-A on his own.

FBI Jacksonville officials will hold a news conference on Tuesday morning to alert parents, guardians and school leaders about a sharp increase in sextortion cases and online predators targeting children in Northeast Florida.

Susan Albers, a clinical psychologist with Cleveland Clinic, explained some healthy ways to cope with empty nest syndrome.

Back-to-school season is here, and while some students ease right back in, others struggle to keep up. Tutoring can help boost confidence and grades, but it can also be expensive.

A strict uniform policy at Westside High School is keeping some students out of class just days into the new school year, and parents are frustrated.

As college students prepare to leave the nest, stepping into independence and leaving family behind can be stressful, but parents can help set their children up for success.

A strict uniform policy at Westside High School is keeping some students out of class just days into the new school year.

Is there one right way to raise a child? A recent YouGov poll found that 51% of American parents identify as either authoritative or gentle, but a new way to think about parenting is going viral, and it starts with the A, B, Cs.

New St. Johns County Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen said the district is already making adjustments as it looks to the future. That includes a new communications app for parents and a new school bus tracking app.

Some students may be excited to head back to school, but others might feel a bit anxious. It’s a new year, with new classes and teachers, and, for some students, it can all feel a little overwhelming.

Consumer Reports shares smart strategies to help get everyone organized, motivated, and ready for a fresh start.

“Bella’s Law” is named after a young girl who biked just feet from a busy highway to get to school. But her story — and her community — helped create lasting change.

As students return to classrooms across Georgia, safety is taking center stage — especially in Pierce County, where new technology and statewide laws are reshaping the way schools approach security.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) analyzed data collected from more than 16,000 attempted abductions from January 2005 to December of last year. What it found is eye-opening.

Air quality alerts are common in the summer, and they might be easy to overlook. But at the end of the day, they’re something parents should keep top of mind.

Consumer Reports shares expert tips from seasoned parents and travel pros to help make your journey smoother for you, your baby, and everyone else on board.

Tougher safety rules are on the way for car seats, focusing on dangerous side-impact crashes. The goal: better crash protection for your little one.

Our Morning Show anchors want to help you out by sharing some of the life hacks they’ve learned over the years when it comes to back-to-school time. And we want to hear from you!

In a new investigation, Consumer Reports found bike helmets that don’t meet basic safety standards sold on major websites, and that’s not the only potentially phony safety gear you might find online.

With scorching temperatures in the forecast, we're reminding parents and guardians about the threat of hot car deaths. And there are OTHER things you should never leave in a car on a hot day.

With summer officially here, it’s important to remind parents about the danger hot cars pose to children.

The tropical Atlantic is heating up again and the forecast calls for an active hurricane season. These hurricanes could be more intense than usual. One key reason is the dramatic warming in the Arctic.

Consumer Reports has tips to help you throw a fun, budget-friendly, and safe party for everyone.

If you’re planning to take your kids swimming in a lake or river this summer, it’s important to make sure you’re being careful. There have been multiple water rescues reported recently. And sadly, drownings as well.

For parents of young children, realizing their little one has a speech issue might not always be obvious, and it's something that can end up leading to reading and writing problems later on, if it's not corrected.

School is officially out for the summer, and that means parents are going to be hearing “I’m bored” a lot more often. So, what can they do to keep their little ones active and entertained?

Trauma can leave deep scars on children, impacting them in ways that aren’t always visible. But how children react to trauma varies from child to child.

From spring to fall, as temperatures rise earlier and remain high into the year, the dangers of extreme heat are becoming more than just uncomfortable — especially for children.

With summer break just around the corner, some parents may let their kids stay up later than usual. However, that might not be such a good idea.

Mixed messaging about vaccines is undermining public trust. But people still value their doctor’s opinion when it comes to deciding about vaccinations.

Are you heading to the pool this Memorial Day weekend? If you’re bringing children along, you want to create a plan to keep them safe around the water.

Consumer Reports breaks down which foods moms-to-be should avoid and reveals safer choices to enjoy.

Mosquitoes are thriving earlier and later and are spreading to new areas as rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns create the perfect conditions for these pests to multiply.

Have you ever noticed that your mom always seems to know when something is wrong? Some people call it mother’s intuition, but is that actually a real thing?

Clay County Parks and Recreation is teaming up with partners from across the area to hold a Kids Bike Rodeo on May 30, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Clay County Fairgrounds.

This year, there are three types of camps for your child to choose from, each available at several locations: technology camp, nature camp, and sports camp.

In big cities and small towns, families across the country are facing economic struggles, immigration challenges, and the growing impact of our changing environment. But in many communities, families are not just navigating these challenges — they are leading the charge in solutions.

National Kids and Pets Day on Saturday serves as a reminder of the dangers they face in cars, especially as families prepare to drive for spring or summer vacations.

The Camden County Health Department and Family Connection Camden is hosting a community baby shower April 26 week for any new babies and parents.

The shooting at Florida State University that left two people dead and six others injured on Thursday has reignited concerns and even panic over safety on college campuses across the nation.

News4JAX anchor Jennifer Waugh picked three ideas for Easter egg decorating to see if they are as easy as they seem, without causing a big mess and without costing too much money.