Cyberbullying

=What is cyberbullying, exactly? = "Cyberbullying" is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. It has to have a minor on both sides, or at least have been instigated by a minor against another minor. Once adults become involved, it is plain and simple cyber-harassment or cyberstalking. Adult cyber-harassment or cyberstalking is NEVER called cyberbullying.

=Bystanders vs Upstanders – BE AN UPSTANDER!!! = Bystanders are kids and teens who witness bullying and cyberbullying in action, who do and say nothing – who standby and observe without getting involved. Very often they don’t know what to do. They’re afraid of retaliation or fear that their own group will exclude them for helping an outsider. When you’re a bystander it’s important to know that by doing nothing you are sending a message to the bully that the bully's behavior is acceptable. And that’s not a message you want to send, nor is it a message you would want someone to send if you were a victim. Upstanders are kids and teens who support and stand up for someone else. There is strength in numbers. Every school and every community has more caring kids than bullies.

=Be Empathetic = If you truly understand what someone else is going through, then you would understand and be willing to walk in their shoes. If someone is being bullied, would you want to walk in their shoes? If not, then be an 'Upstander'.

=Know the Difference Between being ‘Funny’ and Being ‘Cruel’ = Students' online communication is often purposely confusing or accidentally cruel  –  both of which can lead to misunderstandings. If drama starts brewing between you and someone else, ask that person if you should call or speak face to face. Sometimes it is too easy to say things via the Internet and not so easy to say things face-to-face. If you cannot or do not want to say it to their face, it shouldn't be said.

=Let Someone Know = Let someone know if you are being bullied – it is not adult to take matters on yourself – if it bothers you, then it is wrong and it is your responsibility to seek the help of others – others can be a friend, parent, brother/sister, teacher, coach, administrator, employer, law enforcement.

=Stay-Safe Tips =
 * Sign off the computer if someone has sent hurtful messages or threatening messages to you.
 * Don't respond or retaliate. If you're angry and reply, then you might say nasty things and simply lower yourself to their level. Cyberbullies often just want to get a reaction out of you, so don't let them know that their plan has worked.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Block the bully. If you get mean messages through IM or a social networking site, take the person off your buddy or friends list.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Save and print out bullying messages. If the harassment continues, save the evidence. This could be important proof to show parents, teachers, administrators, law enforcement if the bullying doesn't stop. If, however, the message does get deleted, there is no cause for alarm. Any message posted on the internet or with a cell phone can be retrieved by the company that provides that service.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Talk to someone. When someone makes you feel bad, sometimes it can help to talk the situation over with a friend, parent, brother/sister, teacher, coach, administrator, employer, law enforcement. A trusted adult or friend is someone you believe will listen and who has the skills, desire, and authority to help you. Telling someone who fits that description what's going on isn't tattling or ratting someone out -- it's standing up for yourself.

=<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Videos =
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Student Intro Video - Our Connected Culture 2:31
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Privacy Video - Abbas's Story 2:57
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Digital Life Story - Parent/Teacher Intro Video 5:21

=<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cyberbullying Quiz = After reading the information and viewing the videos, all students at Valentine High School are required to complete this CIPA quiz **(Children's Internet Protection Act)** with a 100% score in order to have access to all school technology.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[|2016 VHS CIPA Student Quiz]