The idea of social media has been around for longer than all of our current students have been alive: it has only been over the past several years that society has really embraced it, turning to the collective pages of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Vine and so many more to express their opinions about everything. While these venues can be a cathartic way to express thoughts, share ideas, and reach out to friends, a disturbing trend of “cyberbullying” is becoming more and more prevalent.
Formally cyberbullying is defined as bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.
Cyberbullying is different than conventional bullying because students cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach a kid even when he or she is alone. It can happen any time of the day or night. Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source. Finally, deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent.
DeSales is dedicated to maintaining the safety of all of our students at all times, but we need your help. Please be diligent in learning about your child’s digital footprint now and understand the rules and age restrictions of the various social media outlets, but, most importantly, monitor their social media pages. Rest assured that if we are made aware of any issues, we will immediately bring them to your attention so we can all work together to protect our children.
Thank you for your help in this and all that we do at DeSales. Your support is greatly appreciated.
God Bless,
Scott
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