Protecting+your+child+Online

Cyberbullying Facts and Protecting your children

** Cyberbullying refers to bullying through information and communication technologies, mediums such as mobile phone ** ** text messages, emails, phone calls, internet chat rooms, instant messaging – and the latest trend – social networking ** ** websites such as MySpace, Facebook and Bebo. ** ** Nearly all of us can be contacted 24/7 via the internet or our mobile phones. ** ** Victims can be reached anytime and anyplace. For many children, home is no longer a refuge from the bullies. ** ** “Children can escape threats and abuse in the classroom, only to find text messages and emails from the same ** ** tormentors when they arrive home.” ** ** What Parents Can Do ** ** • “Bullying in all forms – including cyberbullying – is unacceptable, and it is vital to develop effective ** ** strategies both for addressing and preventing it.” ** ** • Teachers and parents are only just beginning to understand that phone/ internet is a social lifeline within ** ** peer groups. ** ** o Friendships are made and broken over these mediums. ** ** o The current generation is desensitized by reality TV. ** ** o Keep the computer in a well-travelled part of the home. ** ** o “With the widespread use among children of online diaries and social networking sites such as ** ** MySpace.com, the attacks are becoming more common.” ** ** o If the child engages in unacceptable behaviour online, make certain that there are immediate ** ** consequences. ** ** • Parents should ensure that they and **** their child understand how to use technology safely, including the use ** ** of moderated chat rooms and parental control software, as well as the risks and consequences of misuse ** ** o Importance of not erasing messages/emails. ** ** o Despite anonymity, Internet Service Providers can track computers through a unique digital ** ** signature. Every computer connected to the internet has a unique string of identifying numbers. ** ** • Unacceptable behaviour includes: ** ** o Sending email, instant or text messages to others disguising yourself as another person. ** ** o Spreading rumours or false information about others. ** ** o Sending rude, harassing or threatening messages. ** ** o Creating websites that ridicule, humiliate or intimidate others. ** ** o Posting on websites or disseminating embarrassing or inappropriate pictures or images of others. ** ** o Restriction/confiscation of technology is not the answer. Kids are smart – they will find other ** ** options. ** ** o Advise the child that cyberbullying may be a criminal offence - electronically communicated ** ** threats are crimes. ** ** o Tell the child to never reveal his or her password to anyone, including friends. ** ** • Warning Signs: ** ** o Your child has withdrawn from normal interaction with family and friends to spend an inordinate ** ** amount of time engaged in Internet activity. ** ** o Your child turns the computer off or quickly changes the screen when you enter the room. ** ** o Your child suddenly avoids using the computer or drastically changes internet use habits. ** ** o Your child demonstrates a marked change in behaviour, beliefs, self-esteem or attitudes. ** ** o Your child’s academic performance or school attendance decreases significantly. ** ** If you fear your child is being bullied and would like to talk to someone Phone: ** ** Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 **