Cyber Bullying
"Cyberbullying" is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones.
The methods used are limited only by the child's imagination and access to technology. And the cyberbully one moment may become the victim the next. The kids often change roles, going from victim to bully and back again. Cyberbullying can sometimes end with serious consequences.
Cyberbullying is usually not a one time communication, unless it involves a death threat or a credible threat of serious bodily harm. Kids usually know it when they see it, while parents may be more worried about the lewd language used by the kids than the hurtful effect of rude and embarrassing posts.
Sexsmith Secondary can be a very effective broker in working with parents to stop and remedy cyberbullying situations. We will work to educate students and parents on cyberethics. Although it is important for schools to educate children and parents, the act of cyberbullying has a very negative impact upon student morale, student safety and ultimately, student learning. It is therefore important for our school to address cyberbullying actions that take place off-campus and outside of school hours. Sexsmith Secondary School reserves the right to discipline the student for actions taken off-campus if these actions are intended to have an effect on a student or they adversely affect the safety and well-being of a student(s) while in school.
Helpful Links
www.kidshelpphone.ca
www.bullying.org
http://bullyonline.org
http://cyberbully.org (sponsored by the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use, includes tips for online safety)
www.cyberbullying.ca or www.cyberbullying.org (includes a comprehensive listing of further resources on cyber bullying)
www.stopcyberbullying.org
http://internetsuperheroes.org
www.netbullies.com
www.safekids.com/cellphone.htm
www.safeteens.com
www.media-awareness.ca (Media Awareness Network is a helpful website containing valuable information regarding internet issues but also listings such as the “Top 50” favourite sites for use by kids, which will give you an idea as to what sites your child may be accessing. This site also includes favourite kid-friendly sites and safety tips by age category with a listing of known risks. This site contains recommendations and safety tips for kids by age group, including ages 2 to 4, 5 to 7, 8 to 10, 11 to 13, and 14 to 17.)
Parenting the Net Generation, a presentation for parents and community leaders – contact: [email protected]
http://csriu.org/ (Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use)
www.kidsonline.org
http://bbc.co.uk/schools
www.talk-helps.com
www.isolutions4kids.org (website for web-related health researcher Michele Ybarra, containing facts, figures and tips for parents and kids)
www.wiredsafety.org (includes Marvel comics characters such as Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four, and more)
www.bullyfreealberta.ca (Government of Alberta website)
www.B-Free.ca (for youths 12-17)
www.teamheroes.ca (for children 3-11)