Internet SafetyRobert Schuetz

Fall, 2013

CyberbullyingWhat is cyberbullying?

● Cyberbullying is when a minor is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed, or otherwise targeted by another minor using the Internet, interactive & digital technologies, or mobile phones.

● Cyberbullying can occur one of two ways; direct attacks, or by proxy (using others to bully the victim, either with or without their knowledge)

Why should you care about cyberbullying?● Students have killed each other and committed suicide after having been

involved in a cyberbullying episode.

● 37% of students report having been bullied online, while 24% of students admit to bullying someone else online. (Cyberbullying Research.US)

“Cyberbullying Charges Weighed After Suicide…” - Washington Post 9/15/13

CyberbullyingWhy do students resort to cyberbullying?● Cyberbullies can be motivated by anger, frustration, & revenge.

Some kids cyberbully for attention, entertainment, or out of boredom.

CyberbullyingWhat can I do about cyberbullying?● Stop, block, & tell

1. Do nothing - take a few minutes to calm down

2. Block the cyberbully, or turn off the device

3. Report the offense to a trusted adult or support agency - call 911 if you feel that you are in eminent danger.

School Support Team: One of your teachers, your administrator, your guidance counselor, the school technology coordinator, the school police consultant. **Any trusted adult

More about Internet Safety● Know, understand, and frequently check social media privacy settings.

● Your digital footprints are permanent - think twice about what you share online, in email, or in text messages.

● Google yourself - check your digital tracks and make sure inappropriate, or false information is not being posted about you online.

● Do not communicate with people that you haven't met "in real life".

Credits & Resources● Schoology Group - "Internet Safety" (online resources, discussion board,

videos, games, and more)

● iSafe.org - Internet safety information for students, parents, and teachers.

● Illinois Attorney General - Lisa Madigan's web site for Internet Safety

● NetSmartz.org - Internet / Cyber safety information for schools and families

● Google Family Safety Center - information and videos for staying safe online

● Common Sense Media - information and resources for educators, parents, and students to make sound decisions about Internet and media use.