What is Cyber-Bullying?

“Using the Internet or other mobile devices to send or post harmful or cruel text

  or images to bully others.”

 (Nancy Willard, Director, Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use)

Examples of Cyber-Bullying

● Sending cruel or threatening messages
● Creating websites that have stories, cartoons, pictures, and jokes ridiculing others
● Posting pictures of classmates online and asking students to rate them
● Breaking into an e-mail account and sending vicious or embarrassing materials to others
●Engaging someone in IM and tricking that person into revealing sensitive info, and forwarding it to others
● Taking a picture of a person in the locker room using a camera phone and then    sending that picture to others.

Cyber-Bullying Tips for Parents

■ Become computer savvy.  Kids are more technologically advanced than most    adults.  Take a computer class to educate yourself on terminology and how to navigate a computer.
■  DO NOT ALLOW your child to have a computer in their room or other isolated area.  If they utilize laptop computers, set guidelines for where they can use it and length of time they may be on the computer.  Always keep home computers in family rooms, kitchens, or other rooms where everyone spends time.
■ Be aware of the online activities that your child participates in.  The Internet has many
positive purposes, however, it also makes access to inappropriate sites very easy.
■ Hang out with your child while on the computer and talk specifically about cyber-bullying.  Ask your child if they have ever been cyber-bullied or would they tell you if they had, and if they had cyber-bullied someone else.  Remember them off completely.
■ Educate yourself and your child on cyber-stalking, or other illegal or troublesome on-line behavior.  Ask your child if they know of anyone who has been the victims of such behavior.
■ Define for your child the effects of cyber-bullying and that it is unacceptable. Talk with
your child to come up with a family plan for responsible choices and consequences for responsible internet use.
■ Inform you child that you will respect their privacy while on the computer,however their
safety is most important and that you will intervene if you feel it isnecessary.
■ Inquire about filtering and parental control programs to install on your computer.
 There are great programs, but do not rely on them to be your only protectionagainst cyber
bullying or other predators.