Cyberbullying

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is any communication or content posted or sent by a minor online by instant messenger, email, website, profile page, interactive game, handheld device, cell phone, or any other interactive device that is intended to frighten, embarrass, harass or otherwise hurt another minor.

It’s not cyberbullying if…

• It's sent from adults to adults, adults to kids, or kids to adults. If it's not a minor sending the communications and receiving them, it's considered cyberharassment, not cyberbullying.
• It's a one-time message that isn't a threat, or public posting designed to humiliate someone.
• In order for something to be cyberbullying, it has to happen a bunch of times or be a serious threat, or public action or posting. A one-time rude or insulting message sent to a minor by another minor is generally not considered cyberbullying, but a one time threat or posting would be.

Take the Cyberbullying Quiz!

Social Networking

How safe is your profile? Take the Quiz!

The Five Big Mistakes Teens Make on Social Networking Sites

Teens? Making mistakes? No! I don't believe it...But seriously, here are a few common boo-boos on social networking profiles...

1. Not understanding or not using the privacy settings: Read the small print! Take the time to understand what the privacy settings do and even that long boring legal stuff you just clicked to accept. Make sure you choose the right privacy settings for your needs. (Remember that kids from camp need to be able to search for you, but your best friends don’t.) The more private the info, the more strict the settings should be..

2. Posting too much private information: Wherever it’s posted, on your profile page or on wall posts, innocent-sounding stuff like “I’ll meet you at 7pm outside the movie theatre on Main Street” is just as dangerous as “I live at Number 123, Burnfield Avenue.” And posting your work schedule and cell phone number are no-nos!

3. Uploading pictures: Simple pics could get you in trouble with the four P’s (Parents, your Principal, Predators and Police!) Also, be extra careful about uploading pictures that make you easy to track down, like pictures outside your home, school or in your school (or Girl Scout) uniform!

Find Out What the #4 and #5 Big Mistakes Are

Online Sexual Predators

Question: What's the difference between online predators and offline predators?

Answer: Read the answer by expert Parry Aftab

lmk is a Girl Scouts and Windows partnership | © 2009 Girl Scouts of the United States of America. All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Here are a few more links to TechKnow Girl archived content:

Girls Against Girls - Cyberbullying

Being cell phone savvy.