The use of technology both in our schools, our homes and society is increasing. It is important that we teach our students to be safe when using it.

What is Cyber Bullying?

Cyber Bullying is the use of information and communication technologies, such as e-mail,
cell phone and pager text messages, instant messaging, personal Web sites and on-line personal polling Web sites, to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behaviour by an individual or group, which is intended or perceived to harm others.

Here are a few examples of Cyber Bullying:

• Exclusion – Excluding someone from an online group or blocking them from a chat group. Students also use gaming sites to purposely exclude or attack other’s characters, so that they can not take part in the game.

• Impersonation – Breaking into someone’s e-mail or MSN account, posing as that person and sending damaging messages.

• Denigration – Sending or posting cruel gossip or rumours about a person to damage their reputation.

• Misusing – Using a cell phone to take embarrassing photos and e-mailing to others, or posting on Facebook, Youtube etc.

• Outing or Trickery – Revealing someone’s secrets or embarrassing information online or tricking someone into revealing secretes while online.

• Polling sites – Setting up web-pages so that peers can vote on who is the “dumbest” or “ugliest” student in the school

• Hate sites – Individuals create web-pages designed to insult others.

• Flaming –Mean or vulgar messages in electronic communications. Typically, messages are sent in upper case letters



Prevention At Home:

• Talk to your children about responsible Internet use. Emphasize that they are not to give out personal information such as phone numbers, on-line name, e-mail address, or passwords

• Explain that Cyber Bullying is harmful and unacceptable behaviour. Outline your expectations for responsible on-line behaviour and make it clear that there will be consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Consider creating an on-line agreement or contract for computer/technology use.

• Keep your home computer(s) in high traffic areas (ie. kitchen, family room, etc.). It is not advisable for children to have computers in their bedrooms.

• Become computer and on-line savvy.

If a Child Reports They Are Being Cyber Bullied:

 Stay calm and thank them for reporting the incident. Try to keep from over-reacting.

 Ask for copies of texts, websites, messages etc. Inform child to save:
 E-mails and E-mail address
 Date and time received
 Nickname of offending person
 Name and URL of chat room

 Does the child feel safe coming to school? Try to determine if there are other targets.

 Does the child know the identity of the perpetrator(s)?

Next Steps:

 If necessary, inform school administration/teacher/police

 Contact Internet Service Provider (ISP) and inform them of abuse

 Implement a safety plan, and ways to stay safe on-line

Other Helpful Tips for On-line Safety

 Don't send a message to someone else when you are angry – (Thinkb4Uclick)

 Don't open a message from someone you don't know

 Learn Webcam safety

 Investigate Facebook, MySpace, MSN etc. and learn how to use them properly