actually posted threatening
or mean messages to other kids online
Parents may hear, "Dad, it isn't a big deal! Kids
are just playing around." This may be true in some
cases, but kids need to know that offhand jokes and
taunts online can quickly escalate into an incredibly
hurtful situation. In other cases, there is no question
that the cyberbullying is harmful online assault.
Parent
Checklist - Protecting kids from Internet
bullying
Yes
No
I keep our computer in a family
common space, making it easier for
me to see where my kids are online.
I talk to my kids about proper Internet
etiquette, or "netiquette".
I've talked to my kids about what
to do if they receive mean or threatening
emails, text messages or instant messages.
My kids know that I have zero tolerance
for Internet bullying.
I’ve established Internet house
rules so that my kids know what my
expectations and consequences are.
I have checked into my children's
school's policy on cyberbullying.
I’ve checked into and use the
filtering or tracking software and
parental controls through my Internet
provider.
I limit the amount of time my child
spends on the Internet.
If you answered
YES to all or most of these questions
you already are doing a lot to protect
your kids! Take a closer Look at
those you answered NO to and think
about some changes you might make
to further safeguard your kids.
"Netiquette"
We teach our kids
what is appropriate and inappropriate
behavior in the real world. We need to
teach them how to behave online as well.
Think before you
send a message. Imagine how you
would feel receiving it.
Sharing personal
information should only be done
with with an adult’s permission.
Never forward other
people's emails without their permission.
Never respond to
emails or messages from a cyberbully.
Never use anyone's
password without their permission.
Remember that everyone,
including teachers and parents,
can see things you post on sites
like Facebook or MySpace.
Trust your instincts
- if you see something that makes
you feel uncomfortable, tell an
adult.
Don't send messages
when you are angry.
What should
I do if my child is being bullied online?
The damaging effects of cyberbullying
on children are very real. Kids need to
know that adults will take it seriously
and that they will do everything they can
to protect kids from bullies online and
hold cyberbullies accountable for their
actions.
Many kids do not tell their parents when
they have seen or are the victims of cyberbullying
in fear that their parents will overreact
and take away their Internet privileges,
Make sure that your children know you will
listen to them, assess the risks and act
according to the seriousness of the situation.
Ask the right
questions.
Do I have
all the information I need?
Have I listened
thoroughly to my child?
Has my child
been threatened physically
or sexually?
How is my
child handling the situation
emotionally?
Crossing over the line.
While all cyberbullying is unacceptable
and harmful - some cyberbullying crosses
over the line.
See
local law enforcement if:
The communication threatens your child's
safety.
The communication threatens general
public safety.
Threats are repeated and escalate
over time.
The communication is discriminatory
or hate-based.
What to do if any of the above are true:
Don't reply to the messages.
Print out all examples of cyberbullying.
Contact your local law enforcement
agency immediately.
Work with your local officials to
report, gather evidence and if necessary,
prosecute the case.
Do not erase the electronic evidence
of cyberbullying. Law enforcement officials
will want to see more than a print out
of the evidence.
Talking to kids at home and
at school about cyberbullying is our first line of
defense. Be MediaWise.
Join
the Network today for MediaWise
tools that make it easier to manage the
Internet in your home. Print off "MediaWise
Family Guides for Internet Etiquette"
and use them with your family today!
See
local law enforcement if:
