GR8 Tips 4 Cyber Safety

Around 1998, I created an AIM screen name: DitCNBlonde.  Of course I knew the rules- I could only chat with my friends and could only logon at certain periods of time (since it would tie up a phone line).  When writing this, I Googled my old screen name.   I was horrified to see that there is still a record of it and it provides details about my life!  This was before the days of Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Kick and Ask.fm.  With the amazing advancements in technology, we are faced with new challenges in keeping students safe in this plugged in world.  IMHO (in my humble opinion), we need to teach students that nothing is private and personal online. Everything is permanent and public, just like my embarrassing screen name from over a decade ago.

Here are some facts and statistics about cyber safety:

• 88% of teens who use social media say they have seen someone be mean or cruel to another person on a social network site.  Twelve percent  of these teens say that they see this type of behavior "frequently." (From Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project, March 19, 2012)
• 21% of social media using teens who have witnessed online cruelty say they have joined in.  (From Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project, November 9, 2011)  
• 22% of teens report that technology makes them more forward and aggressive.
• 39% of teens have sent sexually suggestive text messages or email messages to someone. (From National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and Cosmogirl.com, 2008)
•  Cyberbullying is linked to low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, anger, frustration, and a variety of other emotional problems. (Patchin & Hunduja, 2006, in review, http://cyberbullying.us) 

We have tons of tools to teach students to think before they speak, but how do we teach students to THINK before they post?

1. The most logical way to reach these media savvy kids and teens is to turn to multimedia resources.  Here are some of the best ones I've found:

• OnGuardOnline.gov has great resources and videos to teach children and teens about internet safety.  There are resources for kids, parents, and educators.  You can also order free printed resources that can be used in lessons with kids or given to parents for more information.
• The Cyberbullying Research Center provides resources, up to date research, and presentations that can be used to teach students about cyberbullying.
• I'm With Shea tells the story of a teen with cerebral palsy who was viciously bullied through cruel text messages.  Shea's family worked tirelessly with authorities to find the person behind the screen and wants to share the message that you are not anonymous when you engage in cyberbullying; You can be found! 
• There are TONS of online videos and PSAs on Youtube that can be used to engage students in conversations about bullying and sexting.  I like this video from ThatsNotCool.com, because it provides an access point to have important conversations about sexting.  

2. Teach students the laws around cyberbullying.  The National Conference of State Legislatures website lists  state laws related to Cyberstalking and Cyberharassment.  Sadly, stories of teens who were charged with cyberbullying can be found all over the news. 

3. Educate parents.  Technology is constantly evolving and all stakeholders need to know what's out there and the best practices for keeping children and teens safe in cyberspace.

• Make sure parents know state laws and school policies around cyberbullying and the use of technology.
• Encourage parents to monitor text messages and use of social media.
• Direct parents to websites like NetLingo and Urban Dictionary to decipher messages that kids and teens are sending.  NetLingo has the top 50 acronyms that parents need to know.  Be warned-- this could lead to TMI (too much information).
• Remove technology from the bedroom when kids and teens are going to sleep.  This discourages students from overusing technology for negative purposes and also promotes a healthy night's sleep!

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a great Tip Sheet that can be shared with parents.

I attended a Developmental Resources Seminar called "Mean Girls: What Educators Can do to Address and Prevent Female Bullying, Cyberbullying and Relational Aggression."  This wonderful seminar provided me with a lot of the great information that I have written about above.  It also directed me to new resources and prompted me to do my own research to find resources out there that will work for my population.  This is just the tip of the iceberg.  As technology continues to evolve and children have increased access to it, it will be important to find creative ways to help children and teens use technology for the purposes of good, not evil.  

THX (thanks) 4 reading. B4N (bye for now)

- DitCNblonde  Mrs. Bustard