Gosh, time does fly! Let's talk about...Cyberbullying!

Well, folks, time certainly does fly when you're learning how to be an intern! As you can see, I haven't been updating as frequently as I suspected might occur. I promise, I will try an do better.

Today I want to talk about Cyberbullying. We all know about bullying and how harmful its effects can be on the bully, the victim, and the bystander. And I'm sure, by now, you've all heard about cyberbullying-- the 21st century, technological version of run-of-the-mill bullying--whether it's on the internet, through social media networks like Facebook or MySpace, through cell phones, wherever! -- If it uses technology and it's bullying, then it's cyberbullying.

A great resource I want to direct you all to is NetSmartz, created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Basically, the goal of this website is to teach educators, parents, teens, and children alike how to be safer on the web. It has great resources like a downloadable "Back to School" kit for parents as well as things like activity cards for educators. Check it out!

Two other great websites to check out (which I may have mentioned before?) include On Guard Online and CyberBullying411. On Guard Online is from the Federal Government and includes information as well on how to be safe online as well as the document "NetCetera"- How to talk to your kids about being online (See my resources to look at it.)

Then we have Cyberbully411.org. This website is targeted more towards the youths themselves who are being targeted by cyberbullies. It includes topics such as What is cyberbullying, who is targeted, and who cyberbullies as well as a discussion forum where youths can share their story and gain support.

Finally, Russell Sabella, a widely known School Counselor educator has a website- GuardingKids.com, where he shares many of his resources regarding cyberbullying. Check them out here: http://www.guardingkids.com/resources.htm.

Hope these help!