Created by Mr. Hemmert

 Have you ever received a mean or instant message? Have you ever sent one? This is called cyberbullying. A cyberbully uses the Internet, cell phone, or other device to send or post text or images to try to hurt or embarrass another person. It's a lot like the bullying that happens at recess or on the school bus, and it can hurt just as much.

 Like other kinds of bullying, you can help stop cyberbullying from happening to you.  Keep your password safe! You can tell your parents about it, but not anyone else — not even your best friend!  Don’t share secrets, photos, or anything online that might be embarrassing if someone found out (like your entire school!).  Set up and instant messenger accounts with your parents. Make sure not to put your name, age, address, or phone number in your profile or screen name.  Don't send messages when you're angry. Wait until you cool off so you don't say something you'll regret.  Let bullies know that cyberbullying is not OK. If your friends are cyberbullying, tell them that it’s not funny and that cyberbullying hurts people.  Be as nice online as you are offline.

 Don't respond to s or messages that are mean to you or your friends.  Don’t forward s or messages that are mean or that spread rumors about other people.  Don't open s or messages from someone you know is a bully.  Block anyone who acts like a cyberbully.  Save or print all messages from bullies.  Show the messages to an adult you trust—like a parent or a teacher—and ask for help. If the first adult you tell doesn't help you, keep telling until someone does.

 Shrink the Bully Shrink the Bully

 Just because you are sitting at home on the computer does not mean you are safe. There are some simple steps that you and your parents can take to ensure that your internet time is safe, fun, and appropriate.

 It's easy to be safe online if you know what to do and what not to do.  If you see a website, , or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, talk to your parents or an adult you trust about it right away.  Never give out personal information like your name, telephone number, address, , or school name.  Never meet someone face-to-face that you know only from the Internet. Remember that the people you chat with online may not be who they say they are.  Don't open s from people you don't know - the s may be spam that could give your computer a virus.  Check with your parents before you buy anything online.  Ask your parents before you download music or movies - it's illegal to download some of the things you find online.

 McGruff’s Internet Safety Game McGruff’s Internet Safety Game

 1. Never give out your name, phone number, address, school name, or an adult’s credit card number to anyone online.  2. Never meet a stranger that you have talked to online.  3. Never go into a chat room unless your parents say it’s okay.  4. Never open s from someone you don’t know and never go to links that you don’t recognize.  5. Always tell an adult if you see anything online that makes you feel uncomfortable.