Cyber Bullying and General Information - Volume 1, March 2014 | Page 9

What parents can do……
a) Cell phones: with or without data (Internet capability) have and,
are adding to social disengagement on a global scale. A cell
phone with data capability (data plan as well as WIFI access) is as
useful and almost as capable as any computer (desktop, laptop,
tablet/IPad).
b) Cell Phones are a massive distraction to youth in classrooms.
c) Cell phones, while a useful technology do not need to be present
in school systems to “enhance” learning.
d) Most school systems are impacted by parental pressures to
maintain cell phone use in schools.
e) Most parents have no idea of the myriad of applications; social
networking sites and technology available to their children. Most
parents have no idea about internet safety, the potential risk to
their children on-line and exposure of personal information.
f) Most youths, despite being tech savvy do little to protect
themselves while on line; many continue to communicate,
download, upload, and vent with a belief they are somehow not
exposed all the while creating a permanent record of evidence of
their actions, views/opinions or intentions.
g) Youth will have conversations over texts that they will not have in
real time face to face situations.
h) Cell Phone technology is NOT a key to “socializing” your children;
they are not “missing out” on imperative social interaction should
they find themselves without one.
i) Contrary to some professionals’ views that social networking
sites, despite being a mainstream activity, again, are not
imperative to socializing your child in this day and age.

a) Educate your child and yourselves on Internet safety – the
information regarding this topic is myriad and readily available.
b) Your child can be a victim, a bully and a bystander in the wide
world of
Cyberspace and will be held accountable for their actions.
c) Remind them that all information placed on line and via text will
not disappear and may in all likelihood be tracked or accessed for
years to come.
d) Establish rules of usage based on these concerns; you are within
your rights to monitor your child’s engagement in these activities
whether you are paying for their phones or not while living in your
home – a