Cyber Bullying – All About Family Magazine

Staying safe online….

For parents one of the most worrying aspects of all this new technology is cyber bullying. It can happen at any time, perpetrated by anyone. I should know, my son was cyber bullied last year by his best friends!

We have put together a list of do’s and dont’s that should help fight cyber bullying.

Sefton Council in partnership with The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) to raise awareness surrounding bullying in all its forms. Here are their top ten tips for staying safe online:

1. “Don’t take everything to heart and know yourself” Even though it might be hard, try not to get upset by other people’s comments.

2. “Don’t ever give out your own or your friends’

personal information” This tip is for any kind of cyber/text/phone/gaming/online communication- make sure you don’t ever make your personal information public- always check privacy settings on the site you are using.

3. “Digital Tattoos” Be careful what you put out into cyber-space. Pictures/comments and any other information you put out into the cyber-sphere might stay there forever. So think before you upload or send.

4. “Make sure you understand the app!” All apps/website/social networking sites/gaming have different settings. Make sure you know the privacy/safety settings and how the app works. If this is an app which automatically posts your pictures into the public eye – not just to your friends then, is it something you really want to use?

5. “Know that you CAN block and report people” If you do have a bad experience online, then know that you are able to block and report people to protect yourself from any more contact with them.

6. “#BeCarefulWhatYouHashtag” When you hastag a comment, this means that ANYONE can search for that hashtag and see your comment/image and look at your profile.

7. “Be a cyber-defender” Everyone, including YOU have the power to be a hero. If you see an unkind comment or image – don’t share it or like it. Something which may look ‘just funny’ to you, might be really hurting another person’s feelings. And if you see something really hurtful/mean/scary/wrong- then screen shot it and report it.

8. “Talk to someone you trust” if you are worried, upset or scared about a cyber or real-world bullying issue then talk to someone you trust to listen and sort out the problem. This might be a parent, teacher or friend. Never forget that you aren’t alone, sharing your problem is the best thing you can do. You can find out more here: http://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/advice/children-young-people.aspx

9. “Save evidence of bullying online” If you are having a problem with someone online then you might think deleting the comments/images will make you feel better. But, if you do want to report the person – the best thing you can do is SAVE the evidence – screen shot the comments and save them somewhere safe.

10. “Policing the internet” If you find yourself in a situation where you feel frightened or upset by repeated bullying and bad behaviour on the internet then you can go to the police. Some kinds of bad behaviour online are seen as harassment and the police can help in some cases. But you must build up evidence – so don’t forget to screen shot!

Monitor your child’s technology use

Regardless of how much your child resents it, you can only protect him or her by monitoring what they do online.

Keep the computer in a busy area of your house so you can easily monitor its use, rather than allowing your child use a laptop or tablet in his or her bedroom, for example.

Limit data access to your child’s smart phone if he or she uses it to surf the web. Some wireless providers allow you to turn off text messaging services during certain hours.

Set up filters on your child’s computer. Tracking software can block inappropriate web content and help you check up on your child’s online activities.

Insist on knowing your child’s passwords and learn the common acronyms kids use online and in text messages.

Know who your child communicates with online. Go over your child’s address book and instant messenger “buddy list” with them. Ask who each person is and how your child knows them.

Encourage your child to tell you or another trusted adult if they receive threatening messages or are otherwise targeted by cyberbullies, while reassuring them that doing so will not result in their loss of computer or mobile phone privileges.

Spot the warning signs of cyberbullying

Your child may be the victim of cyberbullying if he or she:

Becomes sad, angry, or distressed during or after using the internet or mobile phone.

Appears anxious when receiving a text, IM, or email.

Avoids discussions or is secretive about computer or mobile phone activities.

Withdraws from family, friends, and activities they previously enjoyed.

Suffers an unexplained drop in grades.

Refuses to go to school or to specific classes, or avoids group activities.

Shows changes in mood, behavior, sleep, appetite, or shows signs of depression or anxiety.