Facebook Has A New Suicide Prevention Feature. Will It Work?

In February, Facebook announced that it was rolling out a suicide prevention feature. Although the social media platform has given users the option to report suicidal content since 2011, this new feature makes that process easier and provides those struggling with thoughts of self harm with a number of options for taking action.

Here's how it works: Upon seeing any comments from a friend implying self harm, users are given the option to contact their Facebook friend, another friend or a suicide helpline. From there, the person will be notified that a friend is concerned about them and asked if they'd like to call a friend or message a suicide prevention expert.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/facebook-suicide-prevention_n_7082396.html

Setting up a Free Bullying and Cyberbullying Reporting System with Google Voice

Posted by Sameer Hinduja on April 16, 2015

I have written in the past on anonymous reporting systems in schools, and I strongly advocate for them whenever I have the opportunity to speak to educators on how they should prevent cyberbullying. Based on your own observations, I am sure you’d agree with me that youth are way more comfortable texting/typing – especially when it relates to giving emotionally-laden statements or sharing stories of a sensitive or delicate nature to an adult (such as a teacher, counselor, or administrator). Not only do these systems cater to the preferred method of communication for kids, they also offer confidentiality to the person providing the report. Furthermore, they help to empower youth to be agents of change and step up for themselves or for others who are being victimized. Finally, they allow for real-time reporting, can alert you to minor situations before they become major, and can provide a tangible “paper trail” of documentation for each and every issue that is made known.

Read more:
http://cyberbullying.us/setting-up-a-free-bullying-and-cyberbullying-reporting-system-with-google-voice/ 

Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015

Source: http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015/

Online Safety Cards For Kids' Technology Gifts

Are you buying your child a new piece of technology? Here some downloadable cards to include with their gift. All you have to do is click on the download button, print it out, and write your house rules in the spaces provided.

Students investigated for sending racy photos of classmates

NBC-2.com WBBH News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral

Monica Lewinsky: The price of shame

In 1998, says Monica Lewinsky, “I was Patient Zero of losing a personal reputation on a global scale almost instantaneously.” Today, the kind of online public shaming she went through has become a constant. In a brave talk, she takes a look at our “culture of humiliation,” in which online shame equals dollar signs — and demands a different way.

Georgia > Cyberbully Bill Approved by House

ATLANTA — As one of 32 states that does not have laws against the use of computers and social media to bully, state lawmakers have aims on correcting that situation.

The Georgia House approved a bill making threats on computers on other electronic devices part of the state’s existing bullying law.  The vote was 140 to 26 on Friday.  The Senate will now consider action.

The bill was sponsored by Pam Dickinson, a Democrat from Conyers.  She noted in interviews that the bill would also apply to electronic threats directed toward students or schools staff, even if they are sent from outside the school campus.

- See more at: http://valdostatoday.com/2015/03/georgia-cyberbully-bill-approved-by-house/#sthash.OVwqQQLl.dpuf