Say No to Cyberbullying

Dear Parents/Guardians –
Bullying has sadly always been a big issue in schools. But now, with all of the new
technologies we have been given, bullying has evolved and grown. It is called
Cyberbullying; the use of electronic communication to bully someone. Cyberbullying in a
way is worse than bullying in person. A picture, tweet, video, post, etc. can spread around
the world in a matter of minutes and the “evidence” can never, permanently, go away.
Henley Elementary School’s teachers are putting together these newsletters to help
parents/guardians learn the signs of cyberbullying, digital awareness, and what to do if
your child is being bullied.
In my classroom we have talked about:
1. Rules in the classroom
 Stick up for others
 Be kind
 Tell a trusted adult if you or someone you know is being bullied
 Do not make fun of, or bully others
2. Consequences of bullying
 Talk to the principle
 Contact Parents
 No recess/get detention
Digital Awareness –
1. Limit Online Socializing –
 Avoid open and free chat sites, such as Facebook and Snapchat, and look for
those that offer prescreened chats, such as Webkinz and Club Penguin.
 Look into “parental controls” on their games and communication sites to limit
screen time
2. Do not share Passwords –
 Inform your children not to share passwords with anyone (including friends)
except you; their parents/guardians
Signs you child might be getting cyberbullied –
1. Withdraws from family and friends
2. Is upset, angry, or sad after spending time online
3. Refuses to go to school
4. Unexpected decline in grades
If your child is being bullied online –
1. Don’t Retaliate against the Cyberbully
2. Save the “evidence” of the bullying instead of deleting it
3. Enlist the help of
 Kids School  Other Parents
 Coaches  Law Enforcement (if it
 Community contains threats)
4. Text Message:
 Block the number
 Call mobile phone provider to report the number (of the bully)
 Save messages; do not delete the “evidence”
5. App/website:
 Go to “company guidelines” and see how to block the bully
 Also look and see if you can report the bully
If you want to learn more about cyberbullying, follow the link here:
 Understood.org
 Scholastic – Signs of cyberbullying