Many people recognize Parry Aftab, our founder and Executive Director, from TV or magazines. But she thought it was time you met some of the other volunteers at WiredSafety. Some have been volunteering since 1995. Meet the real Internet Super Heroes, our family of volunteers!
It's Time for the US Supreme Court to Weigh in on Cyberbullying in Schools
The U.S. Supreme Court today agreed to review the legal authority of schools to address cyberbullying among students, whether it is on premises or off, or likely to cause a substantial disruption to the school. The cases have been all over the place, and those of us who care about finding solutions and legal certainty have been calling for consistency and clarity in the law. We applaud this move and look forward to both sharing our thoughts and finding ways to address this complicated issue from a multi-stakeholder approach. To learn more about the law in this area, read our "
Cyberbullying and the US Law
" article. Note that the cases may have been updated since this was written, but the issues remain unchanged. by Dr. Parry Aftab on January 16th, 2012
Additional Resources:
Free Speech and Public School Students
US Schools and Constitution Legal Guide
Looking for Love
Cyberstalking - Using Sext as WeaponIn 1998 the first cyberh
Facebook Basics - Reporting Abuse
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Take Five!Whe This works as well for adults as it does for young people. When something online or offline upsets you, do something unplugged for a while. Dance, talk to a friend, eat a cookie, bake a few, listen to music, do yoga, run, play basketball, sew, paint, draw or read. Find what makes you feel better. Find what empowers you and brings you balance. Then use that to help you avoid acting out unwisely. What Are Your Legal Rights?Before you can look for legal help, you need to understand the elements of the abuse or possible cybercrime. Ask yourself some questions:
1. Is this just annoying or serious? Ongoing or a one-time incident?
2. If it's serious, is it an offline risk? A death threat, threat of serious bodily harm or threat to property?
3. Are they impersonating you? For what purpose? To destroy your reputation, embarrass you, scare you or for commercial gain?
4. Do you have a court order, order of protection or are you in court on another matter?
5. Does this involve a minor or other vulnerable class of victims?
Cyberbullying and AdultsCyberbullying isn't just for kids. It never was. But when adults are involved, it's called "cyberharassment" not "cyberbullying." WiredSafety's award-winning website dedicated to the issue of cyberbullying and young people is StopCyberbullying.org . It's the most popular cyberbullying website in the world. Adult cyberharssment is handled here at WiredSafety.org's cyberbullying section. |
Looking for Love in All the Cyberplaces
arassment/cyberstalking law in the US was enacted in California. The law was enacted in reaction to a cyberstalking case, where a woman who didn't even use the Internet, was targeted by someone with a grudge by posting sex-wanted ads including her name, address and telephone number. The ads pretended to be from her and invited groups of men for rough personal encounters. When they showed up at her front door, thinking they were invited, she was very lucky that they left. In some similar cases, they didn't leave when asked.
With more than 650 million users worldwide, Facebook is the world's favorite online activity. The more you know about how it works, the safer you will be while you connect with friends, interesting people and family. (WiredSafety is one of five charities worldwide comprising Facebook's International Safety Advisory Board.) This week, we'll show you how to report abuse to Facebook when things go wrong.
n someone attacks you, or something upsets you online or offline, it's not a good time to use the Internet, your digital devices or shoot pics. We tend to react badly, emotionally and without thinking about consequences. Parry Aftab teaches kids and teens to "Take 5!" - Drop the mouse (or device) and do something they love to do for five minutes. It helps them regain perspective. It helps them avoid doing something they may regret.WiredSafety's Got a Minute video series launched. In 1 minute chunks, learn what you need to know about the Internet.
Nina Montgomery, a member of Teenangels, selected as one of Seventeen Magazine's amazing teens. To vote for Nina on the cover of Seventeen for her work to stop cyberbullying, visit her Facebook campaign, Don't Stand By, Stand Up! and click on the Seventeen link .
Don't Stand By, Stand Up! take the pledge by posting on the wall, liking, posting a pic or video or commenting at Facebook.com/dontstandbystandup
Follow: #DntStndByStndUp on Twitter, take a pledge to stand up against cyberbullying