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Important Cyber Bullying Information

By Webmaster, 01/30/17, 10:30AM CST

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In follow-up to the message last week on the Social Media policy, we are sharing the following resources for parents regarding Social Media and Cyber Bullying. 

We thank you for taking time to review these with your players so as to help us create a safe, positive environment for everyone in our Club.

Social Media and Cyber Bullying

There is increased exposure to bullying with potential long lasting effects through social media.  What is posted online often remains online and can be difficult to remove.

 

Responding to Cyber Bullying

Teens do not frequently report cyber bullying to adults. Teens attempt to handle it on their own which may include remaining silent. These behaviors can be normalized and teens can become desensitized to what they see online.

 

Benefits of Technology

● Rapidly obtain information

● Navigation of environment

● Ability to seek help

● Staying connected to family and friends

● Confronting social injustices and initiating changes

● Connecting those in rural areas to other teens with similar interests

● Making quick purchases

● Working or studying remotely

● Living archive of information

● On-line classes and certifications

● On-line support groups/applications

 

Dangers of Technology

● Decreased ability/desire to connect in-person

● Distracted walking/driving

● Problems with attention and focus

● Poor body image and self-esteem

● Depression and anxiety

● On-line predators

● On-line addictions

● Cyber-bullying

● Desensitization towards harmful behaviors

● Adolescent suicide

 

What Are Teens posting?

● Insults, feelings, compliments, questions

● Relationship status, over-sharing details, opinion seeking

● Finstagram vs. Restagram (fake vs. real accounts)

● Building a self “brand” and “marketing” themselves

 

Advice To Teens Using Social Media

● Keep a password code on phones.

● Change passwords often and keep the password strong.

● “Golden Rule”: Treat others how you would like to be treated.

● 15 minute rule: wait before posting to reduce impulsivity.

● Make a mental pros/cons list before posting.

● Do not ‘re-share’ anything that is hurtful or harmful.

● Post things in line with your values.

Parental Interventions


“Technology Talk”

● Discuss pro’s and cons

● Don’t demonize technology!

● Let them know you will be watching

● Test their knowledge

● Discuss reputations of sites

● Discuss what to share


Become familiar with popular sites

● Facebook for Dummies

● Privacy Settings

● Parent guides

● Reporting misuse

● Monitoring software/devices

 

Family time

● Daily time to unplug

● Meal times

● Turn in phones at bedtime

● Technology free outings

● Family games


General Tips For Parents and Adults

• Establish trust • Set clear rules • Lead by example • Know how to use what they have • Give them your old phone • Set up your own accounts • Google your teen and yourself • Limit your postings on their sites • Be mindful of what you post on your sites • Empower healthy decision making • Show them you care through technology • Obtain passwords • Have consequences • Set expectations at an early age

Resources for Parents and Adults

● www.commonsensemedia.org , Lists most common sites and apps; dangers of each.

 www.facebook.com/SocialMediaParents , Online forum for parents to post and learn more about social media.

● https://safesmartsocial.com/parent-social-media-training/ , This site offers videos to explain different sites and apps.