Internet+Safety+&+Cyberbullying



=Internet Safety =

**Does this happen at your school?** Cindy spends too much time alone in the afternoons. Her mother and father both work, and she gets out of school at 2:30. Like many latch-key children, Cindy goes online for company. She's become great friends with Tina12, who claims to just love Justin Bieber, anything purple, and hanging at the mall. What Cindy doesn't know is that Tina12 is actually Ralph Smith, a 43-year-old man who preys on lonely, young girls.

**What is Internet Safety?** Both children and adults need to be careful about what they post on the Internet. Internet safety means following certain rules. People should avoid posting their personal identification information (name, address, phone, school, or sports team) on the Internet. They need to be careful not to open files or download information from strangers, because those files may contain viruses or other damaging programs. It is also important to avoid getting involved in scams. For children, the greatest danger comes from adult predators who target lonely children by pretending to be their friends.

Cyberbullying
**Do you see this student every day?** Kevin is new to Green Hollow High School. He's shy, has acne, and is a wiz in chemistry but not on the soccer field. One of the girls in the "in" crowd pretends to be his friend. Once she has his email and cell phone, the cyberbullying begins. He gets texts and emails calling him names, telling how much he is hated. The "in" crowd thinks this is fun. Kevin is miserable. He doesn't want to go to school. He barely leaves his room. Luckily, one of his teachers finds out what is happening, and the offenders are punished. But, for Kevin, the year is lost. His parents finally decide to take him out of Green Hollow and send him to a private school.

**What is Cyberbullying?** Cyberbullying is bullying that happens online. It is harassment that can take place via email, text message, or post to a social networking site. Cyberbullying may include spreading rumors or pictures of someone or making threatening posts or comments. It can also involve creating a page or online group in a deliberate attempt to make someone feel targeted or left out.

Check out Edutopia's [|resource round-up] about cyberbullying, Internet safety, and digital citizenship.