Online Safety
A Guide for Parents
What is Cyber Bullying?
Cyber bullying is real, and it exists in every school, in every state, all around the nation. Most parents are unaware of what their children is doing during their free time on social media and their cell phones. As scary as it is, your child could be the victim, or even the bully, and no one may know. It is our job to work together to prevent cyber bullying from continuing in our classrooms and schools today.
Common effects of Cyber bullying:
- Use of drugs and alcohol
- Skipping school
- Poor grades
- Low self esteem
- Depression
- Health problems
Digital Footprints
- Talk about the benefits of having a positive digital footprint (for the future).
- Instances where negative digital footprint effected an individual.
- Appropriate pictures to share on social media.
- Help them realize that what they post online IS THERE FOR GOOD! Just because something is deleted, does not mean it can never be found.
- Teach them about cyber bullying. Use the following links and videos to do so.
- Model for you child what they should and shouldn't do online.
- If you don't want you grandparents or parents to see it- DON'T POST IT!!!
Cyber Bullying Laws
Students as well as teachers can be punished for being involved in any bullying activities that fall under harassment online, in class, sexually, and discrimination. Extensions of the policies are found here:
http://www.pitt.k12.nc.us/cms/lib6/NC01001178/Centricity/Domain/14/.200.pdf
North Carolina:
Anti-Bullying laws include the following groups:
Race, Color, Religion, National origin, Gender, Socioeconomic status, Gender identity, Physical appearance, Sexual Orientation, Mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability and association with a person who has or is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics
http://www.stopbullying.gov/laws/north-carolina.html
Federal:
There are no written federal laws at this time that address bullying and cyber bullying. States, counties, and schools are left to deal with these instances and consequences depending on the situation.
Miss Coyne
Email: coynem11@students.ecu.edu
Website: http://www.weebly.com/weebly/main.php