Have a very happy Christmas and to get you in the mood please listen to this Christmas Carol with a difference

http://schooltube.com/video/17063/internet-safety-carol

Check out this cool poster on Internet Safety with lots of tips and advice ! Click on it to view full size.

Characteristics of Digital Media

Dont get caught out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Always be aware of the characteristics of Digital Media, that is the nature of the communication tools that we use daily on the Internet, for example emails, IMs, profiles and so on.. They are as follows

When I publish or post;
Its searchable, Anyone, anytime, anywhere can find it.

It's forever: Anyone can find it today, tomorrow, 30 years from now.

Once someone has found a copy of it, they can copy it, share it, change it

It has a global invisible audience; You can't tell who is sharing your pages. Even if your page is private you have no control over what 'friends' will do with it.

Check out the following sites for more information
www.safekids.com
www.safeteens.com
www.safesurfingkids.com
www.2smrt4u.com
wwww.webwisekids.com

What are the effects of Cyberbulling ?

Victims of cyberbulling may experience many of the same effects as those who are bullied in person, such as a drop in marks or grades, low self esteem, a change in interests or even depression. However cyberbulling can seem more extreme to its victims because of several factors..........read on..........................
1. It happens at home usually and so invades your personal space.

2. The language used can be very harsh

3. The extent of the bullying done to someone is very extensive as the web is an infinite place and a few clicks can have far reaching consequences.

4. Bullies can hide their identity online

5. The victim may feel that this type of bullying is inescapable as some teenages socialise alot online and going offline would take away thier time with friends.

REMEMBER IF IN DOUBT CLICK CLEAR OR DELETE

YouTube - Cyberbullying - Talent Show

YouTube - Cyberbullying - Talent Show

Check out this short Video on Cyberbulling and internet privacy, it really brings the message home

Safe Social Networking and Youth work

In recent years social networking sites have become the biggest single vehicle for young people accessing the internet. We all share a resposibility to ensure that young people are enjoying safe internet use. The following are two recent publications aim at providing an overview of the main social netwoking sites, safety measures and tips in their use, as well as supporting documentation and templates to assist with the provision of Internet access by youth organisations.

Guidlines for those working with Young People

by Youth Work Ireland, 2009.

Guidelines for safe Internet use for young people and those who work with them.

Drafted and edited by Fran Bissett, 2009.

Both of these resources are available to download free from the Irish Youthwork Centre website at http://www.iywc.com/

Lesson Plans on Internet Safety for Young People

REMEMBER

THINK

BEFORE

YOU CLICK

http://www.thinkb4uclick.ie/

This is a great resource for all CSPE teachers,lesson plans available free on Internet Security for young people

Dear Parents, teachers and students,

I am sending out an appeal to you. Please if you have any queries about making the internet a more secure and safe place to be, can you post them to me on this blog as comments. More and more of us are enjoying the benefits of using the internet and are participating in online social networking like Bebo and Facebook . Mobile phones allow our kids to keep in touch through texting in a cheap, easy and fun way. The downside to these developments are the increase in bullying, Cyberbullying is now a real threat. I hope in answering any questions you may have on this topic to help young people to use the Internet more safely.

Of course dont forget to keep all the other questions coming in as well, these may include your queries about college fees, Higher Education grants, questions about subject choices after Junior Cert, in fact anything at all that relates to the future and wellbeing of your little darling sons and daughters. I will endeavour to answer any questions and provide advice and further information where I can. In the meanwhile I will be posting some information about Cyberbullying for you to read and reflect on. Remember this motto THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK

Thanks a mill,
Ms Kenny