PART 2 GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS TO HELP KIDS WITH BULLYING (CYBER BULLYING)

Parents, it is important that our kids are aware of the following by sharing it with them and helping them understand it. In this modern era, the internet, computers, and mobile phones are common ways of networking and having access to each other. But this also comes with a very serious threat. Bullies these days use the computers, internet and phones to:

•  Send threats, taunting or teasing e-mails to you.
•  Spread gossip or rumors.
•  Impersonate (pretending to be someone) online to get you to e-mail things that will embarrass you or put people in trouble.
•  Texting hurtful or rude comments to someone’s phone.

Photo Courtesy (http://www.huffingtonpost.com)

The Internet is virtual (that means it is not something tangible that you can touch). This encourages evildoers and bullies to remain anonymous to hurt others. Anyone at all (including the guy that sits next to you in class) can anonymously use the Internet to send you dirty, embarrassing and dangerous messages, and you will never know. This means we all need to be careful and vigilant.

If you think you are being bullied online, tell an adult immediately. With new cyber-crime laws in Trinidad and Tobago, people can be identified and arrested.

Below are a few things you can also do:

• Avoid unsafe websites. If your dad or mum is watching your activities online, do not stop them. They are doing so to protect you.
• Don’t share personal information (email passwords and others) with someone you don’t know or don’t trust. Change your passwords often.
• Do not post your e-mail address on a public message board or in a chat room. Keep your email away from the public.

Don’t join, comment on funny things that people post online. Stay away from trouble. If you are not sure of something, get someone to read over before you post things online