Internet Safety and Cyber-Bullying Presented by: Bartlett Yancey High School Counselors Mrs. L. Lassiter, CTE Coordinator & Department Chair Mrs. J. Sartin, Last Names A-G Ms. H. Freeman, Last Names H-P Mrs. J. Triola. Last Names Q-Z

What is Cyber-Bullying? Being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful, embarrassing or threatening material using technological means. Technology includes but is not limited to: –Facebook –Myspace –Instant Messaging (AIM) – –Cell phone- Text Messaging –Blogs –Bashing sites- Internet polling

Facts about Cyber-Bullying: Quiz Victims of cyber-bullying are at an increased risk for traditional bullying victimization, substance use and school problems.  True  False

Victims of cyber-bullying are at an increased risk for traditional bullying victimization, substance use and school problems. True Facts about Cyber-Bullying: Quiz

Most victims of cyber-bullying tell an adult (teacher, parent, school counselor) about their experience.  True  False Facts about Cyber-Bullying: Quiz

Most victims of cyber-bullying tell an adult (teacher, parent, school counselor) about their experience. False Only 40% told their parents and less than 30% told a teacher or counselor Facts about Cyber-Bullying: Quiz

Statistics

Differences: CYBERBULLYING ANONYMOUS Occurs off and on school property Fear loss of technology privileges Further under the radar than bullying Emotional reactions cannot be determined {McKenna & Bargh, 2004; Ybarra & Mitchell, 2004} BULLYING DIRECT Occurs on school property Fear retribution Physical: Hitting, Punching & Shoving Verbal: Teasing, Name calling & Gossip Nonverbal: Use of gestures & Exclusion

Why do people Cyber-Bully? Anonymity Rapid deployment and dissemination Immediate Easily accessible Can occur at any time Same reasons as other forms of Bullying –Anger, frustration, revenge –Power imbalance

Internet Safety: School Policies Bartlett Yancey High School has a NO TOLERANCE for bullying of any kind. Depending on the nature, students can get parent conferences with the principal and 2 to 10 days of OSS which can lead to a referral to the alternative program. Also, use of cell phones during school hours is prohibited and your phone can be confiscated. Refer to the Student Handbook for more information.

Internet Safety: Laws In North Carolina, GS makes it illegal to intentionally disseminate obscenity, which is defined as any material depicting sexual conduct in a patently offensive way. In some circumstances, sexting could also constitute first degree sexual exploitation of a minor under GS This is a Class D felony, punishable by up to 12 years in prison. Under the state's Sex Offender and Public Protection Registration Program, anyone convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor is obligated to register as a sex offender. Depending on the nature of the crime, someone found guilty of a sexting-related crime could be required to maintain this registration for ten years -- or for the rest of his or her life. Job opportunities, college applications, career choices -- all could be endangered by one irresponsible, teenage act. Press Release- NC

What Can You Do? Don’t respond Don’t retaliate Save the evidence Talk to a trusted adult, such as parents, teachers, counselors or administrators Block the bully Be civil Don’t be a bully Be a friend, not a bystander

Resources

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