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Mind Oh Cyber Bully

As Internet Safety Coordinator, cyberbullying is an issue that I am more than passionate about. I have, along with the MOST committee, is created an anti-cyber bullying policy for my school district and am still waiting for approval. 

There are several legislative bills that are pending regarding cyberbullying, at a bigger level(please see "Legislation Buzz" page)

Remember when you used to have to worry about the mean kid on the playground?? Stealing your lunch money, or even your lunch?? Beating you up on the way home??

At least you could take some comfort in knowing, once you got inside your house, or inside the classroom, that bully would, for the time being, leave you alone.

Well, that is not the case in cyber bullying.  The bully can be bullying his target, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  And millions of people can see it. The cyber bully is "anonymous" or at least, believes he/she is.

Cyberbullying is increasing rapidly and its becomming a big problem for not only children, but adults as well.

What is cyberbullying?

• Basically, a willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of electronic medium.

Who are the bullies?

• Boys tend to be the more "traditional"  schoolyard bullies, while girls may be more involved with electronic bullying methods.

Who are the victims?

• While many believe cyberbully targets are children, cyberbullying is also targeting teachers, principals and staff.

What are the symptoms or warning signs?

• Change in personality, withdrawn, depression, sadness, anger especially after using the Internet
• Clicking out of a website or screen when you are nearby

What can you do?

• Do NOT respond
• If a minor, please tell a trusted adult right away
• First and foremost, save original evidence(emails, IM's, etc) with dates and times
• If threatening in nature, contact Local Law Enforcement
• Contact your school
• Contact your local Internet Service Provider
• Talk to your children!!!  Many children do NOT tell anyone, much less a trusted adult, if they have been a victim of cyber bullying
• Insist your school has a cyber bullying policy-do they?

(**Online Victimization: A Report on Nations Youth, NCMEC, 2000 & 2006 Online Victimization, NCMEC, June 2000 & 2006)

(***Nancy Willard Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use)

CYBERBULLYING LINKS:

 

Megan Meier Foundation

In loving memory of Megan Meier, Cyberbully target.By Tina Meier, bullying and cyberbullying advocate.

Adinas Deck

A WONDERFUL, unique site that brings much needed awareness to cyberbullying. Highly recommended for children, educators and parents. Check it out!!

Cyberbullying.Us

An excellent cyberbullying resource from Dr. Sameer Hinduja and his partner Dr. Justin Patchin, electronic bullying advocates.

Cyberbullying Puzzle
A Cyberbully puzzle by my friends at cyberbullying.us

Katies Place

Stop Cyberbullying

Another great site by Parry Aftab

Be Web Aware

Be Web Aware-from Canada

Bullying.Co.Uk.

From the UK

NeoIssue

Wired Safety

Resource for all, parents, children and educators, by Attorney and Leader Parry Aftab

Stop TextBully

Stop Text Bullying

WREN

Excellent website- WREN Prevent Cyberbullying

Cyber Bullying Info

Interesting site, from Chris, in Australia!

Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use

Written by a leader in safe and responsible Internet Use, Nancy Willard