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Archive for Cyberbullying

Force Bullies To Leave Schools

December 1st, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Is it legal for a school to force a student found to be bullying – to change schools within the district?  Seem harsh – or an idea who’s time has come?  Consider the alternative, if your child is being bullied to the point of not going to school, should you as their parent need to make arrangements to keep your kid in school while the bully keeps it up?

The move of the student to another school within the district would only happen in the most severe of cases of bullying.  If the school is responsible for minimizing the future possibilities of bullying, the option of removing part of the problem seems like a logical solution.  I think it would need to be very clearly shown that all other options to stop the bullying had been attempted before a school could be pushed to force a student to change schools.

Tom Vaughan a board member cited state law pertaining to change of school or assignment (RSA 193:3), which causes the new guidelines to be called into question.  This law states that one of the criteria for moving a student to an equal school, is with the permission of the student’s parent or guardian; that might not be such an easy task.  Playing devil’s advocate – what if you’re naive to the idea your child could be a bully and moving your kid to a different school makes your life more difficult; would you be willing to grant permission – probably not.

Headlines appear daily, stories of our kids being bullied whether in person or over the Internet – schools are feeling the pressure to deal with the bullies.  This is one state’s apparent way of attempting to deal with it – what do you think, should a school district have the authority after other steps – to move a student to another school within the district?  Tell us what you think about this topic.

Full Article: http://bit.ly/NashuaTelegraph

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying, Our Youth
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Teachers okay to confiscate cellphones, read texts

November 29th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

If you’re like me, just reading that headline garners some sort of a feeling.  My immediate reaction is – “Heck No”!  But, if I pause and consider what it must be like in today’s schools trying to combat this technological distraction; I have to think it might be a good idea to give that authority to teachers.  Okay, so once the teacher or school official has taken the phone – what should they do with them.  Do the teachers and school administrators have the right to look through the student’s cell phones?  If the phones are on school property do they by default become property of the district?  These are real issues being handled in the state of Virginia.

With all of the talk of cyberbullying and sexting the natural question is what should the teachers do with the information found on the phone; according to this article the school officials are to turn the information over to law enforcement.  Here’s a bit which could come under additional review:  “Sharing the photos with other teachers or with the school principal — even if for purposes of disciplining the students involved — could get the teacher in trouble for distributing child pornography” according to the Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R).  I have to believe that statement has the potential to come under some further scrutiny.

Do you think that if students knew that teachers had the right to not only confiscate their cell phones but also to read their texts and look at pictures – would that be enough to cause students to be more careful?  Nope – I don’t think so either.  On the first day of school, if the teens and tweens are warned, they might be a “little” more careful but I bet by the afternoon they forgot the consequences.  How long before a student in Virginia has their phone taken away, messages read by a school official – and the whole thing ends up in a courtroom – I don’t think it will be too long?

As a parent, what would you do if your child’s phone was taken and the information was reviewed?  Would you be upset with the school for “over-stepping their bounds” or would you be more disappointed in your child for using their phone during school hours?  Have you ever tried to reach your student during school hours by their cell phone?  I know I am guilty of it and when I asked some friends on Facebook, they admitted the same behavior.  I think we all agree that during school hours, our kids should be focused on school, but it’s hard to resist the temptation as a parent to reach out them, simply because we can.

Tell us how you feel about the law(s) in Virginia which allow teachers not only to confiscate cell phones but also to read texts and review pictures.  Whether you agree with this or not – at least it’s being talked about, do you know what your school or state’s policies are regarding cell phones?

The Washington Post article written by: Rosalind S. Helderman

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying, Our Youth, Sexting
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Internet Safety & Cyberbullying Resources

November 23rd, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Download an easy to read resource full of information regarding how teens use the Internet and Cyberbullying tips for parents

Internet Safety & Cyberbullying Resources

Copyright © 2010, Freehold Regional High School District. All rights reserved.
Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying, Parenting
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Does Cyberbullying Really Exist?

October 16th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Another recent tragedy is being attributed, at least in part to cyberbullying, the suicide of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi; and if you’re reading this I’m willing to bet you also recognize the names Megan Meier, Phoebe Prince and countless others like them.  Call it whatever you want but the end result is still the tragedy of their deaths.  I saw the title to this article and just had to read more,  “Does cyberbullying exist, and is technology to blame?“ – I had to find out what it was about – agree or disagree – it had my attention.

The author who originated this thought provoking chain, Anil Dash is quoted as saying “The truth of it is, calling the cruelty that kids show to one another, based on race or gender identity or class or any other imaginary difference, by a name like “cyberbullying” is a cop-out. It’s a group of parents, school administrators and lazy reporters working together to shirk their own responsibility for the meanspirited, hateful, incomprehensible things their own kids do.”

Tell us what you think – this is a topic that is getting a lot of press time, and time in our legal systems – so do you believe cyberbullying really exists?  In my opinion, no matter what society calls it – if my child is in danger, I want to know about it and it’s that “knowing” part that becomes so much more difficult with the anonymity of the Internet.

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying, Our Youth, Parenting
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The Phoebe Prince ‘bullycide’ trial:

September 16th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Wondering what is happening with the Phoebe Prince cyberbullying case?  I heard that two of the defendants were in court this week so I wanted to know what was happening.  We all remember the sad case of the 15-year old student from Massachusetts who committed suicide after the widely publicized case of “bullycide” – in fact it was this case that brought that term to America’s dinner tables.  This article does an excellent job of summarizing some plans and some educated guesses as to how the trial will continue for those accused in the Phoebe Prince case.

What do you think, what should happen to those classmates who are accused of being allegedly being a part of what led Phoebe Prince to commit suicide?

Please read the full article at http://yhoo.it/PhoebePrinceUpdate

Fox Video: http://bit.ly/PhoebePrinceFoxUpdate

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying, Our Youth, Parenting
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Chicago Public Schools Take On Bullying

August 9th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is set to crack down hard on bullying in the schools.  In the past some students were disciplined under their own policy but now the issue is going system wide.  The new rules will attempt to incorporate bullying in areas like social networking sites, cell phones and the Internet.  The new guidelines will attempt to regulate students’ behaviors while in school and outside of regular school hours.  Officials admit this is a tough stance, but they realize something drastic needs to be done to prevent additional tragedies, like the suicide of 13-year old Megan Meier of Missouri.

Under the new Student Code of Conduct, passed by the Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday, cyber-bullying will be considered as serious an offense as burglary, aggravated assault, gang activity, drug use or more traditional forms of bullying. Students who use computers or phones to “stalk, harass, bully or otherwise intimidate others,” will be suspended for five to 10 days and could be referred for expulsion. The details will automatically be referred to Chicago Police, who could hit students with criminal charges.

If it sounds tough – that’s because it is.  I applaud the Chicago Public School system for their stance.  I hope that more major metropolitan school districts follow their lead.  Schoolyard bullying isn’t what it used to be – the results have proven deadly in too many cases.

Our children today know, and depend upon all types of technology today for simple communication.  The most common is probably one you the parent pay for every month – the cell phone.  If your teens or tweens are like mine, they depend upon their phones for almost everything.  KidPhone Advocate recognizes that there are practical uses for cell phones; it’s when it’s used in a manner in which it wasn’t intended that concerns us.  KidPhone Advocate offers technology written and developed by parents, for parents.  See how we can help you at www.kidphoneadvocate.com

See the whole article at http://bit.ly/ChicagoSunTimes

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying, Parenting
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Cyberbullying Laws – As Of July 1, 2010

July 9th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

As someone who has spent a great deal of time trying to find the latest and most thorough list of Cyberbullying Laws – I am grateful for the work done by the Cyberbullying Research Center.  If you are curious about what laws are or are not on the books in your state click this link and find a very comprehensive list.  This link is for informational purposes only so if you find something lacking, incorrect or new please let us know.

Governor Quinn of IL just approved a bill in that state  that adds cyberbullying to the Illinois School Discipline Code; according to WIFR.com

Another law currently being discussed is the Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act HR 1966; now in committee with the U.S. House of Representatives according to Change.org.  Megan Meier you may recall committed suicide at age 13 after being tormented on MySpace.  In an attempt to be inclusive this Bill defines `electronic means’ means any equipment dependent on electrical power to access an information service, including email, instant messaging, blogs, websites, telephones, and text messages.’

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying
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Characteristics of a Cyberbully

July 8th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

The National Crime Prevention Council‘s definition of cyber-bullying is “when the Internet, cell phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.”  - Wikipedia

What “makes” someone a cyberbully? Not surprisingly some of the same characteristics we used 20+ years ago to describe a schoolyard bully. Being a cyberbully was associated with perceived difficulties in emotions, concentration, behavior, or getting along with other people; hyperactivity; conduct problems; infrequent helping behaviors; frequently smoking or getting drunk; headache and not feeling safe at school; according to a Finish survey of over 2,200 students (age range of 13-16).

If these bullying behaviors are the same as we encountered in school, why is so much being discussed, written about, legislated and enforced?  The biggest difference is that today’s children can’t necessarily escape the tormenting because of the access to technology.  The “easy” answer – cut off technology to our kids; I think we can all admit that would not only be literally impossible but also unrealistic.  How well did it work for us when our parents told us not to do something or not to be friends with someone – if you were anything like I was – it didn’t work very well at all.  In fact it made me want to enter into that behavior or friendship even more, just because my parents didn’t want me to.

Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act HR 1966 is now in committee with the U.S. House of Representatives according to Change.org.  Megan Meier you may recall committed suicide at age 13 after being tormented on MySpace.  In an attempt to be inclusive this Bill defines `electronic means’ means any equipment dependent on electrical power to access an information service, including email, instant messaging, blogs, websites, telephones, and text messages.’

You can find out what your state is doing by going to the National Conference of State Legislatures and typing bullying into the Keyword in Title or Summary box.  The Jason Flatt Act was recently passed in Illinois, making it the 5th such state to pass such a law. The Act now allow requires social workers for grades 7 – 12 to undergo suicide prevention training; previously only required of guidance counselors and teachers.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people.

The bullying being experienced today by our youth is dangerous and deadly, you can see that by looking at these headlines:

KidPhone Advocate wants to help protect our children and youth in a digital age by putting tools back into the hands of parents to help their kids set healthy boundaries and protect themselves against things like cyberbullying.

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying
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Jason Flatt Act – Ilinois Joins The Cyberbullying Fight

June 29th, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

June 26, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) — Governor Quinn Saturday signed a new law to help prevent teen suicide by adapting the Jason Flatt Act. This marks another tool to help parents fight back against cyberbullying and sexting; which have both been attributed to teen suicides throughout the U.S.  Illinois is the fifth state to pass a law such as this.

His father, Clark Flatt, said “I can guarantee you because of this act, Governor, there will be a young person alive 12 months from now that would not have been alive without this law – and how important is that?” said Flatt. “If that young person is your son, your daughter, your grandson or your granddaughter, as they say on the commercial, it’s priceless.”

The Act now allow requires social workers for grades 7 – 12 to undergo suicide prevention training; previously only required of guidance counselors and teachers.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people.

There are normally multiple ‘reasons’ behind a teen suicide.  Some recent tragedies have been directly tied to sexting and cyberbullying.

KidPhone Advocate was created and is run by concerned parents committed to helping parents become involved and save their children from the problems and pressures they face as tweens and teens.  The commitment is to stay ahead of technology and provide tools for parents to help oversee their children.

Through June 28th, KidPhone Advocate is running a test for parents to try the produce and provide feedback.  Those accepted will receive all products for 90days, free of charge.  Interested parents should go to http://www.kidphoneadvocate.com/support.aspx and express their interest in the comment box.  To be considered, the child’s age, and the make and model of the phone must be included.

The KidPhone Advocate product line is scheduled to roll out in mid-July:

  • Call Pal and Text Pal: Monitor your kid’s cell phones to keep them safe from online predators but also create responsible young adults. Alerts triggered by key words (sex, drugs, etc.)
  • Stop Pal: Parents will have the ability to oversee their teen driver’s phone while they are in transit. The ability to call or text is disabled on the phone with the exception of 911 and two parent or guardian phone numbers.
  • Locate Pal: A product that works on your child’s cell phone; which allows you to monitor their whereabouts on a map and reports to you the speed at which they’ve been traveling.
  • Block Pal (Coming Soon): Kid Phone Advocate will provide an add-on service that will block phone calls and text messages sent to the phone from unwanted sources.

Once the application has been installed on the child’s phone, it immediately begins communicating with the KidPhone Advocate equipment to report activity such as text messages, calls, GPS and speed of travel.

As the parent or guardian, monitoring is accessed by merely signing in to KidPhone Advocate. Watchwords are defined and customizable. Words appearing such as bullying, death, suicide, sex, pregnancy, etc. will trigger an immediate alert either to the parent cell phone or email (based on preference at set up). As a parent, the website is accessible anytime day or night and monitor the activity.

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying
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Boot camp: KidPhone Advocate Interview With Sharon Hamilton

June 22nd, 2010 by KidPhone Advocate

Listen to Mr. Fishkin’s interview with KidPhone Advocate’s President, Sharon Hamilton

It’s what we’re passionate about. We’re parents, just like you! But we believe when it comes to our new digital age, the focus on the advancement of technology and pressures from share-holders and the market to deliver better gadgets and “toys”, has completely over-shadowed the need to make sure our children are protected as they use and embrace these technologies.

BootCamp — Interview With Fred Fishkin (Twitter @ffishkin)

Categories : Cell Phone Safety, Cyberbullying, Parenting
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