Cyberbullying

Fifth graders have been learning what to do when they encounter communications online that make them feel uncomfortable or badly. Students discussed what cyberbullying might look or sound like at the start, then brainstormed ways to handle the situation. Here are some of their solutions:

Tell a teacher or parent. 

Put on safety chat.

Don’t respond back.

Report them to the administrator.

Ask them not to do it again.

Come back later.

Tell the principal.

Turn off chat.

Print it.

Finally, the class talked about the positive results that could occur if the situation were dealt with quickly and effectively.

As a way to represent a hypothetical situation-action-result, students used a free online educational comics generator to make a three or four frame comic. Here's one student's work.

Cyberbullying

In the last weeks of school in ICT class, fourth and fifth grade students were involved in activities and discussions about online behaviors and cyberbullying. Here's the link to the information sent home with students.

Spend some time this summer with your child learning about the ways he or she uses (or wants to use!) technology. Ask questions and encourage demonstrations of knowledge and skills. Kids love to show what they know!

Social Networking and More

Thanks to the parents and students who attended last night's meeting on Facebook privacy, online safety, and cyberbullying. We had brief presentation and then lots of good discussion about the importance of (and the frustrations with) keeping our students safe online. If you missed the meeting, two of the handouts are available, here and here.

We all agreed that the internet is much different now for our children than it was even five short years ago. It takes all of us to be sure online experiences for your student are safe - and fun!

Special thank-yous to Mrs. Cook, our Guidance Councilor and to NHCS's DARE Officer Jeff Cagle for contributing their expertise to this evening. Stay tuned! More to come next year!!