Cyber Etiquette and Bullying

What Should You Know……………….

You will be able to discuss the FBUSD acceptable use policy.You will be able to discuss cell phone safety.You will have an increase awareness about the issue of cyberbullying.You will develop a greater empathy for the targets of online social cruelty.You will develop a greater knowledge base about what you can do to stop bullying.

Use the computers and other technology with respect and responsibilityViolations can be unethical and may even be a criminal offenseSocial networking sites are prohibitedStudents should have no expectation of privacy while using District property, including email

Any communication to obtain personal info about othersAny communication that is undesirable, inappropriate or offensiveAny accidental access to inappropriate material

Do anything with material that is obscene, pornographic or harmful to minorsDo anything with threatening or harassing material Share confidential informationDo any kind of hackingViolate copyright laws

Sometimes referred to as online social cruelty or electronic bullying and can involve:

Sending mean, vulgar or threatening messages or imagesPosting sensitive, private info about another personPretending to be someone else in order to make that person look badIntentionally excluding someone from an online group

Emails Instant messagingText or digital imaging messages sent on cell phones

Web pagesBlogsChat rooms or discussion groups

Don’t respond to bullying or inappropriate messages, but save them as evidenceDiscuss any online incidents that make you feel uncomfortable with a trusted adult (family member, teacher or school counselor)Block e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers of people who are sending unwanted messagesFile complaints with email services, ISP’s, phone companies

You could be the victim, the bully or observer Cyber use is highly unsupervisedApproximately 40% of teens have experience some sort of cyberbullying in the last yearIt is happening all around you!

Please do what you can to stop it!

You never know who is lookingIt’s hard to retrieve and delete something once it is on the InternetColleges and employers look at profiles on the Internet. Will a provocative photo or a blog about binge drinking affect admission or a job?

Having a cell phone is a privilege - not a rightOnly give out your number to people you know and trustDo not take any cell phone pictures or video that are sexual in natureDo not send texts or capture pictures or video on your cell phone that you wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing with your parentsAsk yourself if you want your text/video/pic all over school?

Everything is digital evidenceKeep your cell phone keypad lockedNever text or talk while drivingSchools can take your phone with

reasonable suspicionDon’t respond to text messages

from numbers you don’t know

If you get online messages that seem threatening or vicious, print them out so you will have a record.If you know who is leaving the message, block that person.If the messages are upsetting or make you feel fearful, get help from a trusted adult.Don’t retaliate or reply.

Watch your words online. Before sending or posting, reread them to see if they can be misinterpreted.Use acronyms like JK (“just kidding”) to make sure others understand your intent.If you get angry, take the time to cool down and consider how to react before you click the Send button.

Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional, hurtful and repeated.

No students should ever have to worry about dealing with a bully at school, after school or online.

If you are a target of a bully, it’s important for you to know that it’s not your fault. No one deserves to be bullied, harassed or intimidated!

Watch Your Body Language!o Bullies often target those who are quiet or seem passive, doing the following will

reduce your chance of being singled out by a bully.

o As you walk through the halls at school, hold your head up, make eye contact with others and give a friendly smile.

o Stand tall, walk confidently and use body language that shows you’re self confident. (when you act confident, you just may find you feel more confident.)

o When someone speaks to you, stand up straight, smile and speak clearly in a friendly tone of voice.

Control your environmento Avoid situations and places where bullying is likely to

happen; however, don’t let a bully stop you from doing the things you need or want to do (going to school, to a game, etc.)

o Bullies are less likely to target students in a group. Sit with friends at lunch and make sure that other students are around when a bully is near.

You don’t have control over another’s actions, but you do have the choice as to how you respond. If you are dealing with a bully, try doing the following:o Speak up and speak out – look the bully in the eye,

remain calm and speak in a confident, respectful voice. Be assertive and tell the bully to stop.

o Walk away – calmly walk away and ignore the bully. Don’t show fear. Fear, anger and other reactions give bullies what they’re looking for.

o Use humor – Say something funny to show that you’re not upset. For example, smile and say, “That’s a good one.” or “Wow, you got me.”

o Keep a record – include the people involved, dates, times, places and the specific things that were said, done, sent or posted online.

o Tell an adult – talk to a teacher, counselor, coach, parent or adult you trust. Explain what’s happening and ask for their advice.

o Get involved – Find one or two school activities you might enjoy and get involved. This is a good way to make new friends. (Having friends around is more important when dealing with a bully.)

If you are in doubt, at all

DON’T

send it!