Hello Henry Families,
October is Bullying Awareness Month. I wanted to share information about cyberbullying this week since our students are spending more time on the computer lately.
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
- Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok
- Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices
- Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
- Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit
- Email
- Online gaming communities
Cyberbullying has some special concerns:
With the prevalence of social media and digital forums, comments, photos, posts, and content shared by individuals can often be viewed by strangers as well as acquaintances. The content an individual shares online – both their personal content as well as any negative, mean, or hurtful content – creates a kind of permanent public record of their views, activities, and behavior. This public record can be thought of as an online reputation, which may be accessible to schools, employers, colleges, clubs, and others who may be researching an individual now or in the future. Cyberbullying can harm the online reputations of everyone involved – not just the person being bullied, but those doing the bullying or participating in it. Cyberbullying has unique concerns in that it can be:
Persistent – Digital devices offer an ability to immediately and continuously communicate 24 hours a day, so it can be difficult for children experiencing cyberbullying to find relief.
Permanent – Most information communicated electronically is permanent and public, if not reported and removed. A negative online reputation, including for those who bully, can impact college admissions, employment, and other areas of life.
Hard to Notice – Because teachers and parents may not overhear or see cyberbullying taking place, it is harder to recognize.
Adapted from https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it
Ways to help prevent cyberbullying:
· Talk with your child about what cyberbullying is.
· Discuss with her what to do if she experiences cyberbullying.
· Practice real-world social skills with your child, which can help her online.
· Keep lines of communication open with your child.
· Teach your child respect and empathy for others online.
· Understand what devices, apps and technology your child is using.
· Keep technology out of your child’s bedroom where it can be used without supervision.
· Use a cell phone contract to help manage your child’s technology use.
If you suspect your child is being bullied at school, whether in-person or virtually, please report incidents to the school.
Adapted from https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/child-social-situations/online-activities-social-media/cyberbullying-what-you-need-to-know
As a reminder, I want to make sure this information is meeting your needs, so please complete this survey as soon as you can:
https://forms.gle/prcQxhWfVn8Kojqi6
If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. The best way to reach me is by email: mgarfinkel@cps.edu
Have a great week,
Mrs. Garfinkel
Maggie Garfinkel, LPC, NCC
School Counselor
Henry Elementary School
