Internet Safety for (Elementary) Parents

Al RowellDirector of Technology, Lowndes County Schools

Common Sense Tips for Parents

http://youtu.be/H7CSsKciXDI

Five tips from commonsensemedia.org

CyberbullyingCyber bullying is defined as: threats or other

offensive behavior sent online to a victim or sent or posted online about the victim for others to see. (Wolak, Mitchell, Finkelhor et al., 2006).

Can be in form of email, text message, IM, or posting on a social networking site from someone who is threatening to cause physical harm.

It might be rumors posted on an online profile or on a fake profile, or otherwise spread online for others to see.

LCBOE Bullying Policy -Bullying is defined as follows: An act which occurs on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school related functions or activities, or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology of a local school system, that is:

1. Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so;

2. Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or

LCBOE Bullying Policy3. Any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate, that:

a. Causes another person substantial physical harm within the meaning of Code Section 16-5-23.1 or visible bodily harm as such term is defined in Code Section 16-5-23.1;

b. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education;

c. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or

d. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Cyberbullying ResponsesDon’t post info others could use

against youDon’t retaliateSave any evidenceResponse options

◦Tell the person to stop◦ Ignore or block the user◦Communicate with the parents of the user◦Talk to school officials◦Contact an attorney or law enforcement

Incidence of Cyberbullying Incidence is often exaggerated (claims of 85%) Centers of Disease Control report 16.2%;

National Center for Education Statistics reports 6%.

Three-year survey of more than 440,000 U.S. children (between 3rd and 12th grade), 4.5 percent of kids had been cyberbullied compared to 17.6 percent from who had experienced traditional bullying [Dan Olweus, “Cyberbullying: An Overrated Phenomenon?”].

Larry Magrid Beware of the Internet Safety Industrial Complex http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-magid/beware-of-the-internet-safety_b_4066956.html

What Parents Can DoTalk with and Listen to Your Children Every

Day Ask questions about their school day, including experiences on the way to and from school, lunch, and recess. Ask about their peers. Children who feel comfortable talking to their parents about these matters before they are involved in bullying are more likely to get them involved after.

Be a Good Example When you get angry at waiters, other drivers or others, model effective communication techniques. As Education.com puts it, "Any time you speak to another person in a mean or abusive way, you're teaching your child that bullying is ok."

What Parents Can DoCreate Healthy Anti-Bullying Habits Starting as

young as possible, coach your children on both what not to do (push, tease, and be mean to others) as well as what to do (be kind, empathize, and take turns). Also coach your child on what to do if someone is mean to him or to another (get an adult, tell the bully to stop, walk away and ignore the bully).

Make Sure Your Child Understands Bullying Explicitly explain what it is and that it's not normal or tolerable for them to bully, be bullied, or stand by and watch other kids be bullied.

Concerns about images and cell phonesFlawed studies have claimed 1 in 5

youth involved in explicit texting1% of youth created explicit images of

themselves (3rd Youth Internet Safety Study [2011] Crimes Against Children Research Center)

5.9% reported having received such images

Students should know that possession and transmission of explicit images of minors can result in criminal charges

“One of the best ways to counter negative behavior is to show that it's not the norm.” Larry Magrid Beware of the Internet Safety Industrial Complex http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-magid/beware-of-the-internet-safety_b_4066956.html

SnapchatMommy 2.0 Snapchat videoSnapchat is a messaging application that transmitsimages that are set to self-delete.

Parents and students should discuss how they use this and any messaging app in the context of their family expectations for behavior.

There should be no false sense of security that images sent via snapchat have not been saved by the recipient.

But what about the “next new digital

thing”

?

Suggestions for ParentsAvoid descriptions of Internet risks that

focus on deception and violenceExplain that some adults will take

advantage of young people’s desire for relationships, affection, and more.

Do not suggest that inappropriate behaviors are the norm. Often statistics are exaggerated

Focus prevention more on interactive aspects of Internet use and less on posting personal information

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Suggestions for Parents Still be careful about the information

you post online—your digital footprint Communicate openly with your child,

browse together, and learn from each other

Set rules and reinforce your values. Be the Parent!

Resources

O’Brien, Anne. “Bullying Prevention: 5 Tips for Teachers, Principals, and Parents.” Edutopia. http://www.edutopia.org/blog/bullying-prevention-tips-teachers-parents-anne-obrien

You can find more resources at the Lowndes County Schools website under Parents tab

http://www.lowndes.k12.ga.us