Netsmartz Student Project Kit

http://www.netsmartz.org/StudentKit

Occupational Therapists Work to End Bullying

BETHESDA, MD (May 5, 2015) — Bullying is one of the most common forms of violence in schools. Nationally, more than 160,000 kids miss school each day for fear of being bullied. Bullying today can take on several different forms: physical aggression like hitting or pushing; verbal intimidation or taunting; more subtle forms of aggression such as campaigning to exclude others, and cyberbullying.

“Occupational therapy practitioners help strengthen physical and mental health and well-being for children who are both bullied and individuals who bully,” says Susan Cahill, PhD, OTR, assistant professor of occupational therapy at Midwestern University, who recently led a research group on the topic. “An increased focus on participation in education, play and leisure, and social activities, can help support communication and interaction skills so that children can navigate complex social situations.”

Read more >>>

http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia/PressReleases/2015/050515-CMHAD.aspx

Common Sense Kids Action

Common Sense Kids Action is a powerful independent, nonpartisan voice for America's next generation.

By organizing advocates like yourself in all 50 states on issues that affect children on the local, state, and federal levels, we will make kids and education our nation's top priority. Your voice is critical to our work leading to legislative action.

Sign up Now >>> https://www.commonsensemedia.org/kids-action/join

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.