 CELL PHONES SAVVY AND CYBERBULLYING
According to information found on the National Crime Prevention Center website, in a study of approximately 2000 middle school students in grades 6 through 8 found that 42.9% of them had at least one of the following experiences in the last 30 days:
- Received an e-mail or an instant message that made them upset
- Had something posted on a social networking site that made them upset
- Had been made fun of in a chat room
- Had something posted on a Web site that made them upset
- Had something posted online that they did not want others to see
- Were afraid to go on the computer
About the same number of students reported being victims of cyberbullying as being bullies-17%
(source: www.ncpc.com and www.cyberbullying.us )
The instant access and information that cell phones, computers, and the Internet provide a means that children need to use common sense and adults need to be alert in their awareness of their children’s cyber communication. This includes knowing how to handle cyberbullies who use text, e-mail, voice, and instant messages, as well as photos to embarrass, insult and scare kids. If you have a child in your life that has access to a cell phone, computer, or any wireless Internet connection device or social networking websites, please talk to your children about safety when you using their devices. Keep informed on the technology your children are using and stay one step ahead of them. Here are some tips the NCPC provide:
- Remind them that anything you send or post, stays on-line FOREVER and can be sent to ANYONE
- Send appropriate texts, e-mails, or picture messages only
- Do not give out your personal information on a phone call, text or e-mail
- Do not respond to anyone you don’t know
- Set rules of use of cell phones, computers, etc and enforce them
- If your child mentions anything about being harassed, bothered, or upset about something they received. LISTEN and follow up on it. It could save your child’s life.
Bullying is on the rise and is something that can be prevented. Talk to the children in your life and pay attention to what they are sending, saying, texting, e-mailing, doing…well, you get the idea. Yesterday, I read a very tragic story from Georgia regarding an 11 year old’s tragic death which started with bullying (www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/23/bullying.suicide ). Although, it was not connected to cyberspace, bullying led to a child’s decision to take the ultimate way to end his suffering from it.
CAR SEAT EVENTS, Support Children’s Safety!
Would your business be interested in sponsoring a Car Seat Clinic? The Hermiston Police Department now has a certified car seat technician available to help teach citizens the proper use and installation of child car seats. Officer Erica Franz is inviting Hermiston Business Watch partners to sponsor mini-clinics this Spring and Summer. Please contact her if you are interested and thanks for all your wonderful support!!! |
