Be a Cyber-Survivor
Talking to your kids about online safety is the first step
Cyber-bullying is something that you hear so much about in today’s world. When I grew up, it was the kids who stole your lunch money and did the wedgie on the playground. 🙂 Nowadays, things are so much different. Myself having a teenager who will soon have his own cell phone, I worry. What is out there, how can I keep him safe, when I’m not around? There are so many people online that are able to make trouble in people’s lives and never get caught!! It’s just not fair. I love that the Boys & Girls Clubs of America & Mom’s Central have stepped up to put a stop to this. Also, seeing the teens that are getting involved, just makes your heart melt. What a difference they are making in people’s lives. For kids to be able to talk to another person like them, instead of parents, etc. will mean so much. My husband and I are honest and open with our son and let him know that he’s welcome to tell us everything, but knowing how I felt when I was little, that is not something you always do. Being able to talk to your peers about things and not have them judge you, etc. is a big deal. I’m so blessed to partner with Mom Central about this campaign and let my readers know that there’s something out there for them, or their children.
For those of you that aren’t familiar with this topic, Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. Cell phones and computers themselves are not to blame for cyberbullying. Social media sites can be used for positive activities, like connecting kids with friends and family, helping students with school, and for entertainment. But these tools can also be used to hurt other people. Whether done in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are similar.
Kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to:
- Use alcohol and drugs
- Skip school
- Experience in-person bullying
- Be unwilling to attend school
- Receive poor grades
- Have lower self-esteem
- Have more health problems
Parents and kids can prevent cyberbullying:
- Together, they can explore safe ways to use technology.
- Be Aware of What Your Kids are Doing Online
- Establish Rules about Technology Use
- Understand School Rules
Be sure to establish rules about appropriate use of computers, cell phones, and other technology. For example, be clear about what sites they can visit and what they are permitted to do when they’re online. Show them how to be safe online.
Help them be smart about what they post or say. Tell them not to share anything that could hurt or embarrass themselves or others. Once something is posted, it is out of their control whether someone else will forward it.
Encourage kids to think about who they want to see the information and pictures they post online. Should complete strangers see it? Real friends only? Friends of friends? Think about how people who are not friends could use it.
Tell kids to keep their passwords safe and not share them with friends. Sharing passwords can compromise their control over their online identities and activities.
#Sponsored #MC #CyberTribe #CyberSafe
Find out more at:
http://www.bgca.org/cybersafe/Pages/default.aspx
If growing up in the digital age is tough, being a #cybersafe parent isn’t easy either. That’s why Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in partnership with Sprint, has assembled our CyberTribe of expert teens — to answer your questions on the issues facing kids online, like cyberbullying, mobile device safety, online privacy and personal data sharing, especially on social networks. Because every teen deserves a #cybersafe future.
Do you have questions about cyber-bullying? There is a great resource on the site that lets you ask a question to the Cyber Tribe and get honest answers to help you either in your own life, or helping your kids in theirs. Find out more here.
Take the Parent Test and see how you rate with your knowledge of this issue. It let’s you know about great things, and helps you to be ready when the time comes for you to discuss this issue. I took the test and got this (sure made me feel better) 🙂 :
There’s also a great website for teens to find out more on their own – and being from the Boys & Girls Club, you can know that they are safe on the site. Check it out here.
More about the Boys & Girls Club: Boys & Girls Clubs of America works hard every day to make a difference in the lives of youth in communities all over the world. Our Clubs serve millions of boys and girls, with thousands of Clubs at locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands — and on domestic and international U.S. military installations. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of young people by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and pride. Find them on Facebook & Twitter.