Bullying & Cyber Bullying Presented by… Teresa Errickson, SMS Counselor A-L Stephanie Davis, SMS Counselor M-Z

Bullying Statistics** Bullying Statistics** 30% of US students in grades 6 through 10 are involved in moderate or frequent bullying. 77% of students have experienced some form of bullying. 9 out of 10 students experienced harassment at school and online. As many as 160,000 students stay home on any given day because they're afraid of being bullied. 1 out of 5 kids admits to being a bully, or doing some "Bullying." **According to i-SAFE Foundation

Cyber-Bullying Statistics** 80% of teens use a cell phone. About ½ of teens have been victims of cyber bullying. 10 – 20 % of teens experience it regularly. 21% of teens have received mean or threatening or other messages 58% of teens admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than 4 out of 10 say it has happened more than once. 53% of kids admit having said something mean or hurtful to another person online. More than 1 in 3 have done it more than once. 58% have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online. 1 out of 10 teens have had an embarrassing picture taken without permission. **According to i-SAFE Foundation

What is Bullying? Intent to harm or intimidate To create unequal power / status Repeated instances  Spreading rumors  Nasty notes  Telling false stories  Gossiping  Shutting Out  Deliberately not inviting over time

What is Bullying? Physical threats or injury  Pushing  Hitting / fighting  Inappropriate touching  Violent threats  Out of control horseplay

What is Cyber-Bullying? Cyber-bullying is the use of the internet and related technologies to harm other people, in a deliberate, repeated, and hostile manner. Can be anonymous Reaches larger audience

Examples of Cyber Bullying  Text messages  Chat messages  Chat rooms  Websites  Creating fake profiles  Instant messages   Pictures  Online threats

7 Ways to Help Your Child Cope With Bullying 1. Bolster Self-Esteem Children with strong self-esteem feel good about themselves. They do not tolerate bullying and refuse to let it get them down. You can bolster a child's self-esteem by reinforcing their strengths, giving them a chance to feel proud, and encouraging her potential. Catch them being good.

2. Teach Them How to Be Assertive Passive children can become victims to bullying. A bully stops or moves on when children act assertive. Assertiveness training can help kids feel confident, resist peer pressure and defend against others who are bullied.

3. Help Brush Up Social Skills Having good social skills can help children who are bullied take care of themselves. Teach your child how to share, control his emotions, manage his anger and be a friend to others.

4. Encourage Cooperation Getting along with other children is an important skill for forming friendships and preventing bullying. Bullies and victims of bullying tend to be less cooperative. Create a cooperative social environment with social learning groups and peer tutoring.

5. Help Kids Make Friends A quality friend can provide a cushion to harassment and prevent victimization. Help your children to make friends by joining an organization or recreational sport and discuss how to be a quality friend.

6. Empower Kids to Take Control of the Situation Help a child understand that he doesn't have an unchangeable character flaw that leaves him a perpetual target. Let him know he has the power to seek out ways to change and cope. Give him responsibility, provide opportunities for success and help build up his strengths.

7. Keep the Dialogue Going Telling an adult about bullying can be helpful for children of all ages. Talking about bullying can help children feel that they are not going through it alone. Also notify the school of any bullying incidences.

Quick Review Message to Your Child if they are Being Bullied… Tell the bully to stop. It’s not your fault. Do not retaliate. Remove yourself. Hang out with people who let you be you. Get involved in an activity away from the situation. Tell an adult.

Tips for Parents to Reduce Cyber Bullying Talk to your child  Explain it is wrong & can have serious consequences.  Do not share information you do not want shared  Never share personal information  Never share your password  Block the person sending the message  Keep messages of the cyber bully as proof  Encourage your child to tell/show an adult  Have a “NO” tech time - set a rule  Keep the computer in a shared space  Be a “friend”

Questions???? If you have future questions, please contact… Teresa Errickson (A-L) Stephanie Davis (M-Z)