Introduction

With the internet becoming readily accessible to children at home, school and on the numerous electronic devices they possess; there is a new threat that is rising, “cyber bullying .”  The "traditional bully" on campus picking fights and stealing lunch money from other students is no longer the main threat to children; the schoolyard bully has been replaced by child predators, scams, and mischievous peers that will not use their fists to hurt someone but will use written words.

This blog is geared for parents that want to learn how to keep their children safe and prevent cyber-
bullying. The blog is presented in the simplest of form and with out any technical jargon; from the computer literate to the most novice of computer users, a person will be able to navigate and comment with ease.

With the help of the links posted below, parents will have the resources and information to find answers to the cyber-bullying problem. The blog is also the beginning of a support group and we recommend all users to post new topics and add their input.

There is websites like http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html calling individuals to join together to stop cyber-bullying. Actions must be taken to stop cyber-bullying. Educating our young about the subject is very important. They must fully understand what cyber-bulling is and what the consequences to it are. One way of doing this is through a campaign. This campaign can teach kids and teens how to react to cyber-bulling. Most teens and kids witness cyber-bullying take place and simply ignore it. This behavior must be changed and the only way to change is for individuals to join, and that’s the whole purpose of this website bringing different individuals of the same cause together as one.

Other websites like http://www.isafe.org/about are owned by a non-profit organization and their goal is to make teens and kids experience on the internet a safe one. It teaches them ways of avoiding inappropriate online behavior. The website also offers community outreach. There are many programs mentioned on the website which are targeted toward kids and parents to make sure knowledge and awareness is spread.

www.wiredsafety.org

Wiredsafety is a website that is run by volunteers with the goal of helping educate people about internet safety. The website is a U.S. charity that is operated through volunteers from around the world.  Some of the things the website offers include cyber news stories, safety tips, videos and tutorials. The website even has a section where people can directly message a volunteer about a problem they may be facing, such as cyber-bullying.

www.brainpop.com/technology/computersandinternet/cyberbullying/

Brainpop is a website intended to educate a younger group of audience through animated videos. The website has a section that focuses strictly on cyber-bullying. The cyber-bullying section has a cartoon video explaining what cyber-bullying is. The section also offer tips to kids about online safety and digital etiquette. In addition to information about cyber-bullying, the site also offers educational quizzes and activities about cyber-bullying.

For further information, explanation, and prevention of cyber-bullying; ABC News aired a special report about about the "digital threat" that faces our children. The video will show examples of cyber-bullying and will help a parent determine if their child is at risk or if their child is a cyber-bully.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4EjrFPAbbY