Cyber Bullying Among Kids

Posted by admin on May 6, 2010 | No Comments

As a parent in today’s world, we all face many concerns. One of which is receiving alot of current media attention and that is cyber bullying. While bullying among kids has always existed, today’s social networking tools certainly make it much more “vocal” and more quickly shared and collaborated on with a large number of people. Teens, and younger children for that matter, have a hard time grasping the effects their negative statements, comments, pictures and videos have on others, let alone the long-term of effects on all parties involved.

I found a great article on cyber bullying & how to protect your children. It can be found at the Kim Komando Site: http://ow.ly/1HFat

Also, Kim has put together a great contract that should be signed between you and your child regarding use of the Internet. It serves as a great document to begin the dialogue with your child. If you are in education, it may even be a great tool to use as an educational activity in a classroom setting. The contract can be found at Kim Komando – http://ow.ly/1HF4V

Below is a couple of excerpts from her contract.

May you and your children “surf” smart!

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(1) Gadgets, phones and the Internet can be used in unsafe ways. I am making this agreement with my parents to help keep me, my family and my friends safe.

(2) My parents and I will decide when I am allowed to use the computer, cell phone, gaming systems and the Internet. I promise not to ask or fight for more time. I will only do things and visit places that they say I can.

(3) I will never tell anyone in text messages or post online that I am home alone. I won’t give out my last name, my home address or phone number, the name of my school or teachers, where my parents work or their phone numbers without getting my parents’ permission. I will never give out my friends’ screen names, e-mail addresses, names, addresses and phone numbers, and I will remind them to keep mine a secret.

(4) If anyone does anything that bothers me, I will tell my parents. I will never use bad language, say bad things about other people, or send mean messages in an e-mail, text or instant message, chat room, blog, or on a Web site. I will tell my parents if someone does that to me. If I use “secret” or “code” words online, I will tell my parents what they mean.

(5) When I use instant messaging, e-mail, chat rooms, or Web sites where people put information about themselves, I will never send or post a picture of my family or me. If I set up a blog or an online profile, I will tell my parents where it is and how they can read it.

(6) I WILL NEVER, EVER MEET WITH ANYONE I’VE TALKED TO ONLINE WITHOUT FIRST TALKING WITH MY PARENTS.

(7) If my parents ask me for my password, I will give it to them. I will NEVER give out my passwords or any of our family’s passwords to anyone, not even my friends’ or other family members.

(8) If I want to download any apps, games, movies, music, or programs, I will ask for permission. I know I must pay for most of these things. If I take them, that is stealing.

(9) I will not try to win free things or buy things on my phone or on the Internet without my parents’ permission. If I get a message that I won something, I will show it to my parents. If I get an e-mail or text asking for passwords or other secret stuff, I will ask my parents. I will not forward any e-mail or messages that tell me bad stuff will happen to me if I do not.

(10) I will not open any of my parents’ files. I will not change any settings or install any new software without my parents’ permission.

(11) I give my parents’ permission to look on the computer and my phone to see where I have gone on the Internet, the e-mail and text messages I have sent and received, the things I downloaded or what I do. If my parents installed programs that track what I do on the computer or limit where I go online or on my cell phone, I promise not to turn those programs off.

CHILD’S SIGNATURE

I have read the above and agree to follow these rules. If I do not, my parents can take away my privileges.

PARENT’S SIGNATURE

I agree to let my child use electronics so long as these rules are followed.

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BSSI Receives Outstanding Scout Supporter of the Year

Posted by admin on May 4, 2010 | No Comments

Last week, BSSI received the Chief Tarhe Outstanding Scout Supporter of the year award. This award is given to the organization or business not directly connected with Scouting, but who has been most helpful and supportive to our district, and/or packs, troops, or crews. BSSI always looks for opportunities to support our community. Accepting the award on BSSI’s behalf is Greg Cordle, VP. Woohoo!!