Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 79 Cyberlife by the numbers—a new world for many parents Cyberbullying • 22% of students know someone who has been bullied online.* • 19% of students admit to saying something hurtful to others online.* • 12% of students have personally become upset by strangers online.* * Based on a 2005–06 survey of 13,000 students in grades 512. Kids Online • 58% of students admit to using the Internet unsafely, inappropriately, or illegally. • 55% of students report having given out personal information (e.g. name, age, gender, home address) to someone they have only met online.*** • 31% of students have a personal Web page. *** ** Based on a 2005–06 survey of 11,900 students in grades 512. *** Based on a 2005–06 survey of 12,000 students in grades 5 12. Digital Divide • 93% of parents say they have established rules for their child’s Internet activity.* • 37% of students report being given no rules from their parents on using the Internet.** • 95% of parents say they know “some” or “a lot” about where their children go or what their children do on the Internet.* • 41% of students do not share where they go or what they do on the Internet with their parents.** • 26% of students believe their parents would be concerned if they knew what they did on the Internet.** * Based on a 2004–05 preassessment survey of 1,350 parents. ** Based on a 2005–06 preassessment survey of 12,650 students in grades 512. Statistics from the Internet safety organization isafe and its sister group, Teenangels. Learn more at www.isafe.org and www.teenangels.org. predator or a bully. With that in mind, two good guidelines are, “Don’t do or say anything online that you wouldn’t do or say in person. Don’t reveal anything that you wouldn’t tell a stranger. Specific advice for your children might include: • Never give out your e-mail password, a photo, or any personal data, such as a physical description, phone number, or address. A bully could use that information to harass you in many ways. • Never share too many personal details. For example, if you keep an online diary, someone could use that information to bully or ridicule you. • Never share your IM account password with anyone, even your best friend. That friend may share it with other people, or the friendship may end—and your private messages could suddenly become very public. Also, a cyberbully with your password can sign on, pretend to be you, and behave inappropriately with others to embarrass and humiliate you. 3. Know what your children are doing online. Privacy is important, but safety is more important. As a parent, you have a responsibility to know what your children are doing online. Keep your children’s computer in an open spot, such as the family room, where you can supervise Web activity. If your children have an account on a social networking site such as MySpace or Facebook, for example, know how to access it so you can monitor the communications. If you do discover that your children are subjected to cyberbullying, document it by printing the e-mails or Web pages, saving electronic copies, and contacting your children’s school or the police. Technology offers your children many advantages and benefits—and, occasionally, some risks. The solution is not to remove their access to technology but rather to manage the risks. You can do that by being aware of your children’s cyber activities, learning about new technologies, and adding “cyber parenting” to your list of talents. Is Your Child Being Bullied In Cyberspace? www.PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org ...continued from page 77
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