1. What is cyber bullying? http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/

2.  Direct 1. Instant Messaging/Text Messaging Harassment 2. Stealing Passwords 3. Blogs 4. Web Sites 5. Sending Pictures through E-mail and Cell Phones 6. Internet Polling 7. Interactive Gaming 8. Sending Malicious Code 9. Sending Porn and Other Junk E-Mail and IMs 10. Impersonation

3.  By Proxy ◦ Using “notifications” to get ISP or service providers to remove people’s accounts.  This can also be done to get children in trouble with their parents. ◦ Posing as the victim to get others to do the bully’s dirty work. ◦ Providing the victims contact information to groups (hate or child molester groups) to cause them harm.

4.  Children cyber bully for many reasons. ◦ Anger, revenge, or frustration ◦ Boredom and entertainment ◦ To get attention from peers or adults ◦ Ego ◦ Defending themselves or others (Revenge of the Nerd) ◦ Maintain social standing

5.  Here is an example of how something a child does which is seemingly innocent can spiral out of control.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNumIY9D7uY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNumIY9D7uY

6.  Depression  “social death”  Anxiety  Fear  Bullying back  No longer want to go to school  Loss of friends  Suicide ◦ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDBiqUWRtMo&f eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDBiqUWRtMo&f eature=related

7.  Use internet agreements or contracts signed by children. ◦ Especially effective with younger kids and sets a good precedent.  Never provide personal information or passwords.  Keep an open narrative with you children about internet use.  Provide a good example.

8.  There needs to be a strong support system at school, in the community, and at home where kids can feel safe to go and take about cyber bullying.  Bystanders are the most biggest participants in cyber bullying. ◦ Martin Luther King: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

9. Resources: http://www.stopcyberbullying.org http://www.bewebaware.ca/english/cyberbullying.html

10.  What you r child for signs of cyber bullying, such as a reluctance to use the computer.  Report bullying to internet or cell phone providers to have the bullies service rebuked.  Some forms of cyber bullying are criminal offences and the local police can become involved.  STOP, BLOCK, TALK and SAVE