WebWiseKids Blog : cyberbullying prevention

Is Your Child Being Cyberbullied?

Kimberly Howard — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:59:00 GMT

While the Internet has allowed us greater delivery of information, improved communication networks between people, and provided faster and smoother access to products and services, it has also created another way in which our personal security can be put in jeopardy. Our personal information is available in electronic form to an unknown range of people and often lack of awareness and poor security management can result in your personal details being accessed by people you don’t know.

A Closer Look at Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can involve malicious personal attacks such as spreading lies and rumors about others, forwarding private text messages or emails, posting pictures of victims without their knowledge or consent, or pretending to be other people in order to gain information.

In October, President Obama launched National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) – a series of events and initiatives that are designed to increase education and awareness of cybersecurity within businesses and the average private home. Americans are encouraged to participate in the fight against cybercrime by following simple steps that will keep their information safe from potential harm. NCSAM suggests Internet users set strong passwords, install updates on all computers, limit the amount of personal information posted online and be cautious about what websites are accessed. Personal information is even more sensitive today. With the dependency on social media, theft protection services, like Lifelock.com, are more imperative than ever before.

Daily Use

Information security is not the only issue that has risen in the past few years with the rise in the use of the Internet – cyberbullying has become a large problem for many young people both within the United States and across the globe. A 2011 Pew Research Center study reported that 93 percent of American teenagers (12-17 years) were using the Internet. At the same time, the increased social networks that have developed through sites such as Facebook and Twitter have meant that young people have more opportunity to be bullied, teased or embarrassed by others. Delaware Online says that more than 140,000 students stay away from school daily due to cyberbullying.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Cyberbullying?

Teenagers can refuse to participate in the bullying of other young people, encourage their friends to stop, or report cyberbullying to a trusted adult. Young people who are being bullied can report the problem to teachers, parents or trusted adults. Schools should discuss the issues associated with cyberbullying, be proactive in explaining the dangers of social media and discourage all students from participating in cyberbullying.

Parents should have open conversations with their teenagers about the responsible use of the Internet and the impact their words can have on others in social media situations. Parents should also be aware of what sites their teenagers are using, and if they notice any emotional changes in their children, speak to them about issues they may be experiencing.

While the size and accessibility of the Internet and social media make it very difficult for parents to control what websites their children are using, it is important for parents and schools to educate young people on the best ways to use the web, when it is safe to provide personal information, and how to protect themselves against cyberbullying.

Cyberbully Hotline Announces Partnership With Web Wise Kids

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:49:00 GMT

Leaders In Digital Citizenship Teaching And Anonymous Bullying-Reporting Solution Join Forces To Promote Cyber Safety And Bullying Prevention; Program Satisfies Child Internet Protection Act Certification Requirement For E-Rate Schools

Today, SchoolReach, developers of the CyberBully Hotline, announced that it has entered into a partnership with Web Wise Kids, a leader in providing unique and effective game-based resources to help young people safely use and enjoy the latest mobile and social media technologies. This affiliation provides the most sought after and comprehensive offering of anti-bullying anonymous reporting tools and the latest education materials to help schools reduce and prevent both bullying and cyber bullying episodes.

The collaboration includes the cross promotion of WWK’s successful interactive digital citizenship role-playing games to CyberBully Hotline users and the promotion of the CyberBully Hotline to WWK’s user base. WWK’s most popular games: “It’s Your Call,” and “Be Seen,” teaches students responsible online behavior and how to use social media technology safely. The program gives schools or districts grade-level Internet safety training to meet Child Internet Protection Act certification requirements. In addition, Web Wise Kids founder, Judi Westberg Warren, an internationally-recognized expert in the field of bully and cyber bully prevention and school safety, will be joining the CyberBully Hotline program as a regular contributor to its professional development and education resource center.

“I am thrilled to be part of this outstanding organization and its program,” said Westberg Warren. “I have watched the CyberBully Hotline take shape in the last year and it’s the best answer for schools and districts looking to have all their bases covered when it comes to giving students a way to anonymously report these damaging incidents while arming schools with the tools they need for documenting and reporting the incidents. What we offer is the educational piece with our popular online games so students can confidently and safely manage face-to-face bullying and online cyber bully hazards, too.” The CyberBully Hotline provides a two-way communications tool that allows students to instantly and directly send text messages -- or leave a voicemail -- anonymously with school officials. In response, those officials can immediately reply, also anonymously, and provide students the support they need to effectively address the offensive bullying act, whether they are witnessing it, or are on the receiving end of it. A national nonprofit organization, Web Wise Kids' offers a comprehensive approach to Internet safety through award-winning interactive games which are both “hands-on, mind-on” programs, that offer a positive, preventive, and proactive way to collaboratively engage youth, emotionally and cognitively to the issue of digital citizenship. These games are based on real life situations, are distributed primarily through training sessions for local school personnel facilitated by WWK trainers.

“With the CyberBully Hotline and Web Wise Kids joining forces, schools can know they are taking all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their students,” said Paul Langhorst, chief marketing officer for SchoolReach. “Students will have a way to anonymously report cyber bullying and other forms of bullying and harassment, as well as learn through realistic and challenging simulations the importance and affect of demonstrating good digital citizenship skills.”

About SchoolReach SchoolReach is the K-12 division of St. Louis-based GroupCast, LLC, a broadcast voice, e-mail and SMS notification provider. More information about SchoolReach can be found at www.schoolreach.com and www.cyberbullyhotline.com or by calling 1-800-420-1479.

About Web Wise Kids Web Wise Kids is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Southern California with satellite offices in the Northwest and Washington, D.C. For more information please go to www.webwisekids.org

Web Wise Kids and BeSeen: An Award Finalist!

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

We are proud to announce that our BeSeen game has been selected as an award finalist by the Pittsburgh Technology Council!

This year’s fourth annual DATA Awards Event is part of the Creative Technology Network, developed with the generous support of the Benedum Foundation. Called Pittsburgh’s biggest creative tech party of the year, the event is a streaming mash-up of networking, interactivity and inspiration.

The 2012 Design, Art and Technology Award will be handed out at the DATA awards ceremony on June 7, 2012

BeSeenwas selected as a finalist in the “Next Generation: Kids & Creative Technology Category” recognizing the hard work and innovation of Web Wise Kids and Carnegie Mellon University.

Cross your fingers for us!

If you are new to Web Wise Kids or BeSeen, here’s more about the game:

BeSeen was created by Carnegie Mellon University and Web Wise Kids to teach youth how to be responsible in social networks by securing their private and personal information, protecting their online reputation and defending their peers.

This online safety mobile application is a single-player game that simulates a social networking website. The player creates a profile and starts earning “friend” characters and interacting with them. They learn about others through their posts and help them through challenges in order to win awards and make new friends.

In BeSeen, the ultimate quest is to make friends. At first, that is a matter of getting involved in school activities, but as more friends join a social circle, they bring their problems with them. To keep friends and make more, it’s important not only to be involved but also to be a good friend.

You can learn more about BeSeen or download the free lesson materials on the Web Wise Kids website.

BeSeen Featured in SecretlyNetwork.com!

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Wed, 30 May 2012 21:17:00 GMT

Our BeSeen app was featured in SecretlyNetwork.com's blog about best mobile applications for kids! Web Wise Kids is honored to be listed by Secretly Networking as a recommendation for Best Apps for Kids, and we are delighted to be included with so many other great apps.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!!

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Mon, 28 May 2012 20:40:00 GMT

With our BeSeen app gaining a lot of attention during the last several weeks-- especially since we launched an ad in USA Today-- we'd like to take a moment to thank our sponsors--CTIA Wireless Foundation, Carnegie Mellon University, Verizon Foundation-- without whom BeSeen would have never been possible.

If you are new to Web Wise Kids or BeSeen, here’s more about the game:

BeSeen was created by Carnegie Mellon University and Web Wise Kids to teach youth how to be responsible in social networks by securing their private and personal information, protecting their online reputation and defending their peers.

This online safety mobile application is a single-player game that simulates a social networking website. The player creates a profile and starts earning “friend” characters and interacting with them. They learn about others through their posts and help them through challenges in order to win awards and make new friends.

In BeSeen, the ultimate quest is to make friends. At first, that is a matter of getting involved in school activities, but as more friends join a social circle, they bring their problems with them. To keep friends and make more, it’s important not only to be involved but also to be a good friend.

You can learn more about BeSeen or download the free lesson materials on the Web Wise Kids website. Watch our video thanking our sponsors here!

BeSeen FAQs

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:18:00 GMT

BeSeen is our mobile phone app we created in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University. The game is designed to be played on a mobile phone and simulates a social network. It was designed to teach kids how to be responsible on social networks like Facebook, by securing their private and personal information, protecting their online reputation, and defending their peers.

BeSeen was made possible by support from Trend Micro, CTIA The Wireless Foundation, and The Verizon Foundation.

Why Was BeSeen Created?

As many as 7.5 million Facebook users in the U.S. are under age 13 - a violation of Facebook's user policies - according to a new study by Consumer Reports, as reported by Ad Age.

BeSeen was created to combat some alarming statistics about kids’ behavior on social networks:

55% of teens have given out personal info to someone they don’t know, including photos and physical descriptions.

29% of teens have posted mean info, embarrassing photos or spread rumors about someone.

29% have been stalked or contacted by someone they don’t know.

24% have had private or embarrassing info made public without their permission

22% have been cyberpranked

56% of teens say they have been the target of some type of online harassment

15% percent of the young people surveyed say they have sent nude photos or videos of themselves

21% say they've received nude photos or videos from others. About half of those involved say they felt pressured to do so BeSeen teaches kids to behave responsibly on social networks, and to guard their personal information and images.

You can find more statistics about kids’ behavior on cell phones and online here.

What is the Game About?

This online safety mobile application is a single-player game that simulates a social networking website. The player creates a profile and starts earning "friend" characters and interacting with them. They learn about others through their posts and help them through challenges in order to win awards and make new friends.

In BeSeen, the ultimate quest is to make friends. At first, that is a matter of getting involved in school activities, but as more friends join a social circle, they bring their problems with them. To keep friends and make more, it’s important not only to be involved but also to be a good friend.

Where Can I Find BeSeen?

BeSeen is a free mobile app, available for download in both the Apple App Store and Google Play (formerly the Android Marketplace). You can find more information about the game, including support documents and instructional materials here.

How much Does the App Cost?

BeSeen is available for free. It's easily downloaded in both the Apple App Store and Google Play (formerly the Android Marketplace). We also offer free handouts, instructional videos and companion materials to be used in classrooms or at home.

What Platforms Can I Play BeSeen On?

BeSeen is available for both the iPhone, and Android smartphones. It is not yet available for laptops or tablets.

I'm a Teacher; Can I Use the App in my Classroom?

Absolutely! BeSeen is a fun and engaging learning tool to teach your students about social networking. We have created an entire set of classroom resources around the BeSeen App, to help you use it effectively in your classroom. You can download the materials for free here.

Also, if you are interested in having a Web Wise Kids staff member facilitate the BeSeen Program in your classroom, we can make arrangements for the program to be led either in person, or over Skype. For information on facilitation, please email Rommel Anacan at [email protected]

I'm a Parent; Can I Use the App at Home?

Sometimes, parents are unsure about whether to allow their kids on social networks. BeSeen can be a great way to teach your kids how to navigate social networks safely, and to achieve peace of mind as a parent. Our free BeSeen classroom materials can easily be adapted for use at home, or, simply download the free app and let your kids play.

Are There Any Instructional Videos That Might Help Me Understand the App?

We have several videos available that will walk you through the BeSeen game. There are also printed materials that can help you understand what players are learning as they navigate the game. You can find all of these resources here.

Where Can I Go For More Information?

For more information on BeSeen, visit our website. You can also download our free Program Resources to learn more about the BeSeen App. If you would like to learn more about the other educational video games that we offer, you can do that here.

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on all our news, and the latest educational programs we’re rolling out.

And, to contact us, please email [email protected].

What If I have a Question That Isn’t Addressed Here?

You can always reach us by email at [email protected].

Or, call us at (866) WEB-WISE or 714-435-2885. We would love to hear from you!

Teen Bullying Suicide Pushes Newspaper to Take a Stand

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:32:00 GMT

A teen in Iowa, 14 year old Kenneth Weishuhn Jr., committed suicide because of bullying, and a newspaper is now taking a stand. Shaken by Weishuhn’s death, The Sioux City Journal dedicated its entire front page of its Sunday edition paper to an editorial rallying the city against bullying. Full front page editorials are rare, but the Sioux City Journal felt that it was the only way to address the enormity of the situation in order to garner the attention of its readers.

I certainly commend the Sioux City Journal for devoting their front page to discourage bullying. It is hard to believe that yet another young person has taken their life due to bullying. When are we going to realize as a society that bullying another person physically or emotionally causes irreparable damage? We must continue to educate the public, parents and children that bullying is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Thank you Sioux City Journal for taking this public stand.

One of the ways WWK combats bullying is through our educational games, like our free mobile app, BeSeen. Learn more about BeSeen--and how it can teach our children to combat cyberbullying--here .

BeSeen to Launch in USA Today

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 03:16:00 GMT

Watch our president, Judi Westberg Warren, talk about our upcoming BeSeen app launch in USA Today.

Click here to watch

Web Wise Kids' New Official Speaker Discusses Organization Mission

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:30:00 GMT

Watch Web Wise Kids' newest trainer and official speaker, Rommel Anacan, speak more about our organization's missions and goals here

Web Wise Kids And The Fight Against Bullying

Judi Westberg-Warren, President — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:04:00 GMT

A new documentary from The Weinstein Company called Bully is about to hit theaters and aims to raise awareness about America’s bullying epidemic. Unfortunately, the MPAA recently announced that the film will receive a “R” rating and restrict minors from attending the movie without an adult present. If bullying is a problem that primarily affects children and teens, shouldn’t they be allowed to see it most? Web Wise Kids, a leader in the fight against cyber-bullying and for online safety believes so. Katy Butler knows what it means to be bullied. She was harassed, picked on, and even physically abused by bullies in her school. In fact, Katy was once shoved into a wall and had a locker slammed on her hand that actually broke her finger. When Katy heard that this movie would receive an “R” rating, she decided to start a petition on Change.org and get people involved. In response, The Weinstein Company appealed the MPAA’s decision and asked for the movie to be reconsidered for a “PG-13” rating. Unfortunately the appeal failed but Katy doesn’t see this as a reason to give up. Web Wise Kids, a national non-profit organization and recognized leader in Internet safety education, supports the motion for the MPAA to reduce this movie’s rating. Katy’s perseverance’s deserve to be amended and with your help the petition can continue to make progress toward making Bully available for all teens to see. To sign Katy’s petition, please visit: http://www.change.org/petitions/mpaa-dont-let-the-bullies-win-give-bully-a-pg-13-instead-of-an-r-rating?utm_medium=email&utm_source=action_alert To learn more about Web Wise Kids, please visit. http://www.webwisekids.org