DT ALTER GS 5 =f nae a) 8 i oa , als uaLee ~ rn WAU Mm fe erly a{j = Cyber-Bullying: What Parents Should Know (NAPSA)—One of the most frustrating—and even frightening—experiences a child can face is a schoolyard bully. Today, there is a new high-tech form of bullying that uses computers instead of fists: cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullying is a serious offense that can have harmful, long-lasting effects on kids. It includes such actionsas: Sending someone an e-mail, Cyber-bullies use the Internet instant message (IM) or cell- and instant messagesto be hurtful toward others. fun of them on a Website, chat them—doesn’t work with cyber-bullies, because they are protected (and empowered) by the anonymity of cyberspace. Here are sometips for protecting your children from such people: Neverreply to a cyber-bully’s phone text message that threatens or makes funof that person Posting cruel or vulgar information about people or making room or message board Tricking someoneinto revealing personal or private information, then posting that information online or sending it to other people through e-mails or IMs Taking a picture of someone undressing in a school locker room, then uploading that photo to the Internet Creating Internet or e-mail polls for the purpose of rating/ranking people or voting on whom you don’t like. In rare instances, children have become so distraught by cyber-bullying that they have considered (or attempted) suicide. Parents should be aware of the personal dangers for their children andlook for warning signs of cyber-bullying, such as sudden behavior/mood changes, fear of going to school and withdrawing socially. Unfortunately, the tried-andtrue method of dealing with schoolyard bullies—standing up to messages. Doing so will only make matters worse. If the cyber-bullying comes from a rude or vulgar IM, block the sender. Save and print IMs or emails so you can show them to the police (if the need arises). Don’t be afraid to contact the authorities if the “attacks” escalate. These tips come from the free publication “A Parents’ Guide to Internet Safety” developed by Geeks On Call—a national company providing on-site computer services. The Parents’ Guide is part of an educational program called “Kids Club” created by Geeks On Call to teach children and parents about Internet safety and to donate money to local schools. To download the free Parents’ Guide or to learn more about Kids Club, visit www.geeksoncall.com/kidsclub.
