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2 Dr. Rande Matteson Explains How To Fight Bullies With Florida Law! Click for more.
 
 
 
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Dear Child Advocate,

Welcome to our second edition. The response has been great and we appreciate your input, ideas and suggestions!

In this issue, does your school have an anti bullying program?

New to Florida is Jeff’s Law, anti bullying legislation requiring schools to have a real program. See In The News.

We also invite you to explore a few great tips that parents and educators can use to increase cyber use safety. There are a few you may not have seen yet!  See Tips For Cyber Safety below.

Quick - what is NIFOC?  Have no idea?

If you notice this acronym on your child’s computer, alarms should be ringing in your head! NIFOC in computer slang means naked in front of computer.

While many computer acronyms are safe and friendly some are not. Check out SafeWave's Page of Acronyms! Check back often as new ones are added ASAK (as soon as known)

ANTI-BULLYING

Many schools have a sound Anti Bullying programs, like the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program; unfortunately applying the program universally has been difficult. Parents of victims have expressed frustration with roadblocks they confront in solving the situation and the lack of responsibility some school officials respond with.

When Parents have tried everything and schools fail to respond appropriately, parents feel they have no alternative but to file a lawsuit to stop the bullying and receive justice, a costly option for all involved. Many parents and educators have pleaded for programs with "teeth."

There is hope… Jeff’s Law compels Florida schools to create programs to keep kids safe from bullying both in school and online. It is being heralded as a strong law that will protect children, and create a safe learning environment.

“This bill increases transparency and formalizes the ability of schools to protect our children. Our children are the most important members of our society, and this legislation will keep them safer.” says Florida Representative Gary Aubuchon.

“For three years, Debbie Johnston, Jeffrey’s mother has worked to preserve the memory of her son and to protect all Florida’s children from bullying,” says Florida Representative Nick Thompson.

"We salute Debbie Johnston who helped create Jeff’s law, as she continues her effort to bring protection for all our children as she pursues nationwide legislation of Jeff’s Law." Here's how YOU can help!

Use Your NetSmartz


The NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive educational safety resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that creates age-appropriate activities to help teach children how to be safer while online and in the real world. NetSmartz offers free, multimedia Internet safety presentations you can use in your schools or with your children. Our innovative presentations utilize the latest statistics, online resources, videos, and expert tips to educate, engage, and empower children and adults.

http://www.netsmartz.org/educators.htm

TIPS FOR CYBER SAFETY

  • Acknowledge there are cyber safety concerns and that your child could be at risk.

  • Register your child on iLAND5.com today: our no cost safe internet site.

  • Make sure children are comfortable to come to you if they're feeling uneasy by a posted comment.

  • Have conversations about what bullying is. Words can hurt feelings and cause harm.

  • Be specific about what is and is not proper behavior so your child will not bully online.

  • A child’s online name should not be gender specific.

  • Warn children not to share personal information or photos on unsecured networks.

  • Become familiar with cyber speak and acronyms kids use online.

  • Never allow a child to use a webcam unsupervised.
Jan Harp Domene
National President,
Parent Teacher Association
 
Recently, Jan Harp Domene was featured on the Dr. Phil Show which brought national spotlight to the cyberbullying of children! Click for more.
 
"We all need to come together and protect our children nationwide. We need to create a climate at our schools of non-tolerance that this (cyber bullying) is not acceptable."
Jan Harp DomeneJan Harp Domene appeared on the October 28 Dr. Phil Show.
 

It is our job as Parents, Educators and Administrators to do all we can to create a safe environment for learning. Bring Internet safety to your school and join SafeWave™ today... our children deserve it.

Deborah Schechner
Educator, Child Advocate