As students begin to communicate and socialize more often through their personal devices, it is important that their conversations remain safe and respectful. Having access to contact friends or colleagues through iphones, ipads and computers during all hours of the day may allow for more aggressive online conversation and behavior without an adult or parent knowing it is taking place. Connect Safely has produced Tips To Help Stop Cyberbullying with the following guidelines to help kids and teens remain safe online:
- Know that it's not your fault
- Don't respond or retaliate
- Save the evidence
- Tell the person to stop
- Reach out for help
- Use available tech tools
- Protect your accounts
- If someone you know is being bullied, take action
- Know that you're lucky if your child asks for help
- Work with your child
- Respond thoughtfully, not fast
- More than one perspective is needed
- What victims say helps most
- The ultimate goal is restored self-respect
- Know that there is always one positive outcome