Cyberbullying Toolkit | Common Sense Media

Cyberbullying Toolkit | Common Sense Media: "Use this kit to stop cyberbullies in their tracks. It has the materials you need to show students how to stand up when they see digital harassment happening and to help you create a positive school culture where kids can thrive – both online and off.
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/cyberbullying-toolkit

 
Help your students stand up to cyberbullying from Common Sense Educators on Vimeo.

Anti-Bullying Laws Get Tough With Schools : NPR

Anti-Bullying Laws Get Tough With Schools : NPR: "New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, considered by many as the toughest legislation against bullying in the nation, went into effect this month. Host Scott Simon talks with Emily Bazelon of Slate Magazine about bullying laws, where they're working and where they're headed (hint: the Supreme Court).

TeachersFirst's Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Resources

TeachersFirst's Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Resources: "This collection of reviewed resources from TeachersFirst is selected to help teachers, parents, and students manage the tough issues of bullying and cyberbullying. Whether you plan a special unit or lesson on this topic for Bullying Prevention Week or select from these resources on an as-needed basis, you will find useful ideas and strategies for students and adults to work together to erase bullying from your class and school culture. Be sure to share these resources with parents and your parent organization via your class or school web page."

'via Blog this'

Why Cyberbullying Rhetoric Misses the Mark - NYTimes.com

Why Cyberbullying Rhetoric Misses the Mark - NYTimes.com: "THE suicide of Jamey Rodemeyer, the 14-year-old boy from western New York who killed himself last Sunday after being tormented by his classmates for being gay, is appalling. His story is a classic case of bullying: he was aggressively and repeatedly victimized. Horrific episodes like this have sparked conversations about cyberbullying and created immense pressure on regulators and educators to do something, anything, to make it stop. Yet in the rush to find a solution, adults are failing to recognize how their conversations about bullying are often misaligned with youth narratives. Adults need to start paying attention to the language of youth if they want antibullying interventions to succeed." Read more ....

OnGuard Online

I hope you’ll check out the new and improved OnGuardOnline.gov – the
U.S. government’s site to help people be safe, secure and responsible
online. OnGuardOnline.gov is a partnership of 16 federal agencies, led
by the Federal Trade Commission. You’ll notice that we’ve linked up
with the Stop.Think.Connect.™ campaign, managed by the Department of
Homeland Security.

The OnGuard Online blog will feature cybersecurity news from around
the government, spotlight how-to articles and videos, and offer
insights from federal officials. Check back regularly for updates, or
sign up to get an email when a new post is up. The blog is two-way
communication: please let us know what topics you’re interested in,
and your thoughts on recent developments related to computer security
and online safety.

So, how can you use OnGuardOnline.gov materials? If you’re updating
your website or blog, link to us. Editing a newsletter? “Drop in” an
article of interest to your readers. Speaking at a community meeting?
Print publications directly from the site or use the FTC’s bulk order
site for free materials to distribute. All the OnGuardOnline.gov
information is in the public domain. That means you’re welcome to copy
it, adapt it, post it, or link to it. I hope you will.

I'm looking for blog posts from other federal officials so please let
feds you work with know about this opportunity to get their message
out!

Nat Wood
Assistant Director, Consumer & Business Education
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Federal Trade Commission

ncwood@ftc.gov
(202) 326-3407

Quiz: A THIN LINE, MTV’s sexting, cyberbullying, digital dating abuse campaign : www.athinline.org

Releases | MTV Press

MTV EXPLORES THE COLLISION OF LIFE, LOVE AND DIGITAL DRAMA WITH PREMIERE OF (DIS)CONNECTED ON OCTOBER 10 AT 9 P.M. ET/PT

09.14.11

Original TV Movie followed by MTV News Special with SuChin Pak Jersey Shore’s Vinny Guadagnino and Dan Savage at 11 p.m. ET/PT as part of MTV’s “A THIN LINE” Campaign

New York, NY, September 14, 2011 – MTV today announced it will premiere its newest original TV movie, (dis)connected, on Monday, October 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. (dis)connectedtells the story of four young people whose lives unexpectedly collide online and illustrates how growing up digital can complicate life and love. Although the characters have never met in-person before, they have an extraordinary impact on one another, culminating in one night none of them could have imagined. To view a trailer for the film, click here. Immediately following the film at 11 p.m. ET/PT, MTV will broadcast a half-hour MTV News special hosted by SuChin Pak and Vinny Guadagnino of Jersey Shore, with panelists including Dan Savage talking with in-studio and online audiences about the key themes in the film, such as sexuality, relationships, trust and over-sharing in a digital world.

"(dis)connected captures our audience's struggle to manage the digital drama that is an everyday part of their lives," said Chris Linn, Executive Vice President of Programming, MTV. "This film supports the network’s ‘A THIN LINE’ campaign via an authentic, provocative piece of entertainment that explores the issue in unexpected ways."

The film’s interweaving narrative is told through four young people living in different cities, who know each other only through a live streaming site. Isaiah (Jordan Calloway, The Parent Hood) is a charismatic and popular contributor to the video chat site who struggles with his own demons and isolation offline, and has trouble relating to his girlfriend Nikki when they are together. Lisa's (Ana Coto, Trapped in the Closet, Gravity Hill) attraction to her boyfriend Jack – who she met online – heats up as she makes plans to meet up with him. Maria's (Lindsey Morgan, Friday Night Lights, Generation Y) constant texting of her boyfriend John ignites a break-up feud that extends to their friends and profiles. Tom (Justin Preston, Julia) refuses to reveal his identity when he posts his music online, but antagonizes others from the safety of his bedroom laptop. All of them are dealing with digital drama that complicates their lives in ways none of them expected.

(dis)connected is inspired in part by the true, tragic tale of Abraham Biggs, a 19-year-old who battled bipolar disorder and ultimately webcast his suicide after being egged on by a digital mob. The film, which was first announced during the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention, will air during National Bullying Prevention Month and serves as the latest programming connected to MTV’s multi-year “A THIN LINE” campaign.

MTV’s “A THIN LINE” campaign empowers America’s youth to identify, respond to, and stop the spread of digital abuse, which includes all forms of digital bullying, dating abuse and discrimination. Launched in late 2009, the campaign has already inspired more than 1 million young people to take action to stop digital abuse. As part of the campaign, MTV is addressing these issues through thought-provoking PSAs, integration into MTV's top-rated shows, innovative online and mobile tools, and curricula.

Director Leslie Libman has a long history with MTV's pro-social efforts; she helped create the first, and subsequent, Rock The Vote campaigns. Her other credits include HBO's Path to Paradise, the story of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, as well as episodes of The Wire, Entourage and NCIS. The movie is executive produced by Libman and Maggie Malina, the executive producer on many MTV movies, including Pedro, Worst. Prom. Ever.; and the My Super Psycho Sweet 16 franchise. Chris Linn serves as Executive Producer for MTV.(dis)connected will also air internationally on MTV channels around the world starting in January 2012.

For more information on (dis)connected head to http://www.disconnectedthemovie.comor for MTV’s “A THIN LINE” campaign, go to http://www.ATHINLINE.org.

About MTV:
MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy®, Grammy® and Peabody® award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV’s sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is the leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information, go to www.mtvpress.com.

Contact

Janice Gatti

janice.gatti@mtvstaff.com
212.846.8852
Download Janice's vCard

Kids deserve the truth about cyberbullying

Kids deserve the truth about cyberbullying

Majority of Parents Use Tools, Rules to Protect Their Kids Online

September 14, 2011

Majority of Parents Use Tools, Rules to Protect Their Kids Online Survey shows positive outlook, high awareness of controls on children's Internet use WASHINGTON, D.C. - A survey released today by the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) shows that most parents (87 percent) are aware of parental controls and more than half of parents (53 percent) say they have used parental controls for their children's Internet use. The nationwide telephone survey polled 702 parents of children ages 8-17 who access the Internet and was conducted by Hart Research Associates, an independent research company. Key survey findings include: Parents are aware: Eighty seven percent of parents report awareness of at least one of the five types of parental controls tested in the survey: a tool or program offered by a software company, Internet service provider, a wireless company, a search engine, or video game. Fifty three percent of parents report using some type of parental control for Internet use. The use of parental controls is highest among parents with post-graduate education, parents who use social media and those under the age of 40. Parents are concerned: Although not all use parental controls, most parents express concern about various online activities. The top concern is that children are receiving sexually explicit information or pictures (70 percent). Parents are getting involved: Among parents who have not used parental controls, the most common reason given for not using them (60 percent) is that parents believe they are not necessary because they have their own rules and limits in place regarding Internet use. However, nearly all parents (93 percent) say they have set rules or limits to monitor their children's online usage. These rules include requiring children to only use the computer in a certain area of the house (79 percent), limiting the amount of time a child can spend online (75 percent), setting rules for the times of day a child can be online (74 percent), and establishing time limits for use of a child's cell phone (59 percent). Parents are looking to the future: Recognizing that computers are no longer the only way children access the Internet, 32 percent of parents whose children access the Internet using a smartphone feel very knowledgeable about protecting children's safety and privacy on smartphones, and another 23 percent feel fairly knowledgeable. Meanwhile, 35 percent of parents whose children access the Internet on a gaming console feel very knowledgeable about protecting children's safety and privacy on gaming consoles, and another 27 percent feel fairly knowledgeable. "Access to the Internet and all it offers is crucial for preparing today's youth for the 21st century," said Kim Sanchez, Chairman of the FOSI Board of Directors and Director of Privacy and Online Safety at Microsoft Corporation. "The survey results are encouraging because parents believe they have the tools necessary for their children to safely navigate the digital world." "We're encouraged to see how many parents already have rules and tools in place to keep their kids safe online," said Stephen Balkam, CEO of FOSI. "Of course, more needs to be done and we will continue to work with government, industry and non-profit groups to spread the word and encourage safe and responsible online use." The survey has been made possible with the support of AT&T, Google, Microsoft and Verizon. To view the entire survey, visit www.fosi.org/research.html. About FOSI The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) works to make the online world safer for kids and their families by identifying and promoting best practices, tools and methods that also respect free speech. FOSI is a trusted, international convener, bringing together leaders in government, industry and the nonprofit sectors to collaborate and innovate new solutions in child safety in a Web 2.0 world. FOSI's members include: AOL, AT&T, BT Retail, Comcast, Disney, Entertainment Software Association, Facebook, France Telecom, Google, GSM Association, Microsoft, Motion Picture Association of America, NCTA, Nominum, Optenet, RuleSpace, Sprint, StreamShield, Symantec, Time Warner Cable, Telefónica, TELMEX, USTelecom, The Wireless Foundation, Verizon and Yahoo!. For more information, visit www.fosi.org. About Hart Research Associates Founded in 1971, Hart Research Associates is one of the leading survey research firms in the United States and has been at the cutting edge of change in the field of public opinion for more than three decades. In that time, Hart Research Associates has conducted well over 5,000 public opinion surveys and have administered and analyzed interviews among more than three million individuals. Hart Research Associates has also undertaken more than 5,000 focus group sessions. To learn more, please visit the Hart Research Associates website.

More bullying cases have parents turning to courts – USATODAY.com

More bullying cases have parents turning to courts – USATODAY.com

Gay Students Bullied in Anoka, Minn., Suit Says - NYTimes.com

Gay Students Bullied in Anoka, Minn., Suit Says - NYTimes.com
:

International Bullying Prevention Association 2011 Convention

NEWS RELEASE

New Orleans Will Host Gathering of International Bullying Prevention Experts

Conference Set for November 6-8, 2011

In the city that exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity – New Orleans, Louisiana – the International Bullying Prevention Association will bring together experts from around the world to examine “Bullying and Intolerance: From Risk to Resiliency.” The association’s eighth annual international conference features a stellar line-up of researchers and practitioners who are leaders in bullying prevention in schools.

Dr. Horacio Sanchez, author of A Brain-Based Approach to Closing the Achievement Gap, is a leading authority in emotional disorders and resiliency among children. His approaches have been the foundations of award winning mental health and educational programs. He has been a teacher, school administrator, Mental Health Director and Consultant to the Department of Educations in NC, PA, and other states.

Michael Kimmel is among the leading researchers and writers on men and masculinity in the world today. The author or editor of more than twenty volumes, he wrote the 1996 classic Manhood in America: A Cultural History, which was hailed as “the most wide-ranging, clear-sighted, accessible book available on the mixed fortunes of masculinity in the United States.” His most recent book, Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men, is a best-selling investigation of young people’s lives today, based on interviews with more than 400 young men, ages 16-26. Feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem found Guyland so insightful that she believes it “could save the humanity of many young men – and the sanity of their friends and parents.”

Anne Collier is a nationally known authority on youth and the Internet. As co-chair of the Obama administration's Online Safety & Technology Working Group, she helped direct and develop the 2010 report to Congress, "Youth Safety on a Living Internet." She is founder and executive director of Net Family News, Inc.; co-director of ConnectSafely.org; and co-author of A Parents' Guide to Facebook and MySpace Unraveled: A Parent's Guide to Teen Social Networking.

All three keynote speakers will address this year’s conference theme: “Bullying and Intolerance: From Risk to Resiliency,” with Ms. Collier facilitating a panel presentation on Digital Citizenship.

The conference will also include nearly forty workshop sessions, featuring leading authorities on bullying prevention such as Alice Cahn, Richard Chatham, Anne Collier, Stan Davis, Mia Docies, James Krause, Dr. Sue Limber, Larry Magid, Dr. Clarisse Nixon, Dr. Marlene Snyder, Lee Mun Wah, Nancy Willard, and Dr. Patti Agatston. Dr. Dan Olweus, a well-known and respected researcher considered by many to be the pioneer of modern bullying research, will also lead workshops and discussions.

In addition, the event will include “Bullying Prevention 101,” a day-long workshop where participants will learn specific techniques and strategies that will help them develop a great understanding of offline and online bullying behavior and learn practical ways to ensure that their schools have peaceful learning environments where positive and respectful behaviors are practiced.

The conference will take place at the Marriott New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 6-8, 2011. For more information about the conference, please visit the conference website at http://stopbullyingworld.org/index.php/conference/2011-conference-information.

Sneak peek: Bullying - Words Can Kill - 48 Hours - CBS News

Sneak peek: Bullying - Words Can Kill - 48 Hours - CBS News: "Bullying is everyone's problem. Fighting back, the stakes couldn't be higher. A "48 Hours" special Friday, Sept. 16 at 8/7c.

Resources for Youth in Crisis | SafeKids.com

Resources for Youth in Crisis

http://www.safekids.com/resources-for-youth-in-crisis/

Source:

In case of an immediate threat or danger, call 911 from the U.S. or theemergency number for your country.

Suicidal thoughts

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800 273-TALK (8255) – Call anytime if you’re feeling desperate, alone or hopeless. This number will route you to the crisis center nearest you.

Mental health support (which can include bullying, cyberbullying, suicidal thoughts and everything below)

Boys Town National Hotline 800 448-3000 (serves girls too) – The Boys Town National Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and staffed by specially trained counselors. Parents, teens and families can find help with a range of issues including abuse, anger, depression, school issues, bullying etc.

Covenant House — Nineline 800 999-9999 – A support service and 24-hour helpline for homeless youth. Deals with a wide range of issues, including bullying, suicide, basic needs, health, sex, drugs & alcohol and sex.

ReachOut 800 448-3000 – Site where teens and young adults can find the information they need, reach out, tell their stories, and voice their opinions “without fear of being judged or being different.”

Dating abuse & domestic violence

Love is Respect National Dating Abuse Helpline 866 331-9474 – 24-hour helpline for teens, parents, friends and family, peer advocates. All communication is confidential and anonymous.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800 799-SAFE (7233) – Text TELLNOW to 85944 – A 24-hour hotline for any type of domestic abuse, including dating abuse

Drug and alcohol issues

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator (SAMHSA) – Searchable directory of drug and alcohol treatment programs shows the location of facilities around the country that treat alcoholism, alcohol abuse and drug abuse problems.

LGBT & questioning youth

The Trevor Project 866 488-7386 – Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

Self-harm

Any mental health resource center can help in urgent cases.

HelpGuide.org – More of a resource center than an emergency response service but good information on all sorts of self-harm issue.s

Sexual exploitation (offline or online), abuse or missing teens/kids

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) – 800 843-5678 24-hour response line for children who are missing or victims of sexual exploitation

Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) – 800 656-HOPE More than 1,100 trained volunteers are on duty and available to help victims at RAINN-affiliated crisis centers across the country.

National Runaway Switchboard (800 RUNAWAY) – The mission of the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) is to help keep America’s runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.

National Child Abuse Hotline 800 4-A-Child (800 422-4453 or text CHILDHELP to 847411 – Operates a 24/7 hotline with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, can provide assistance in 170 languages.

Click here to suggest additional resources for this directory.