“REAL WORLD CRUSADES AGAINST CYBER BULLING” “This Ain’t No Bull”

Objectives What is cyber bulling? Address how to identify cyber bulling. Provide suggestions on how to become an advocate against cyber bulling.

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How to Identify Cyber Bullying There are a lot of signals that may indicate your child is experiencing cyberbullying. It is important for you to closely monitor their use of technology (computers and cell phones) and note any behavior that seems out of the ordinary. For example, if your child typically enjoys using the computer but suddenly no longer wishes to do so, there may be a problem. Similarly, if your child seems completely consumed with interacting over the Internet all hours of the day and night, you may need to investigate. Use common sense and age‐appropriate consequences when you discover your child engaging in improper behaviors online.

A child may be a victim of cyber bullying if he or she… unexpectedly stops using the computer appears nervous or jumpy when an Instant Message, text message, or appears appears uneasy about going to school or outside in general appears to be angry, depressed, or frustrated after using the computer avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer becomes abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family members

A child may be cyber bullying others if he or she… quickly switches screens or closes programs when you walk by uses the computer at all hours of the night gets unusually upset if he/she cannot use the computer laughs excessively while using the computer avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer uses multiple online accounts or using an account that is not their own

How to Become an Advocate Against Cyber Bullying Prevention Set clear school guidelines for technology use and update policies accordingly Educate youth about ethical standards for online activities Increase awareness of Internet safety strategies among youth and their families Institute supervision and monitoring practices that keep relevant staff informed about how technology is being used at your site Establish safe and confidential reporting mechanisms Designated a cyberbullying “expert” at your institution who is responsible for keeping up with laws, policies, best practice and current trends. Model appropriate technology use Be vigilant and look for warning signs that a young person might be a target or perpetrator of cyberbullying

Intervention Save the or other evidence Investigate, respond, and determine appropriate consequences Involve law enforcement when extremely harmful online speech (including harassment, stalking and threats of violence) is involved Consult with your institution’s legal counsel to ensure that disciplinary measures are in line with your policies and the law Follow up with the perpetrator’s family to establish ongoing communication and consistent expectations Provide support to the target and the target’s family in coping with the impact of cyberbullying Block harassers from continuing to victimize target Help target file complaints with Internet and cell phone service providers Reach out to other schools and organizations to share information about ongoing cyberbullying problems Discuss strategies for responding to cyberbullying and ways to be an ally with all youth

Student Survey