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HELP US HELP YOUR CHILD BE SAFE AT SCHOOL!
School Safety is a Top Priority at Buerkle Middle School. The students at Buerkle have participated in several programs to help prevent school violence and bully incidents since the beginning of the school year. A few of these events include:
- I-Safe - Internet Safety/Security curriculum taught to all 7th graders by Officer Willenbrock
- Bullies to Buddies - Bully prevention program taught to all 6th graders by Mrs. Williams (school counselor) and BJC
- Intersections - Making wise choices for 7th graders. Taught by Counselors from BJC
With the always-connected generation, e-mail, instant messages, message boards, web blogs, web sites, and cell phones, bullies are given a high-tech way to intimidate and threaten. Cyber bullying is no less severe than traditional playground bullying and is, in many instances, more psychologically harmful, with effects of longer duration. There is no escape. Cyber bullies can invade every facet of their victims' existence. It can be a 24/7 operation, permeating even the privacy of a bedroom.
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Cyber harassment, also known as "cyber bullying," includes online threats and insults intended to embarrass, harass, or terrify. The practice is known to cause emotional turmoil, fear, and depression in children. It has, moreover, facilitated teen suicide.
One-quarter (25%) of students in grades 9-12 say they know someone who has been cyber bullied, and 21% of students in grades 5-8 do. In both cases, students used their own personal definitions of cyber bullying.
Students used their own definitions when asked whether they had been "cyber stalked," meaning repeatedly pursued or contacted by another person online and against their wishes. A surprising percentage of high school students (11%) indicated that they had been, and one in twelve (8%) middle school students indicated the same.
Cyber Bullying Tips for Students
- Tell a trusted adult about the bullying, and keep telling until you find someone who takes action.
- Don't open or read messages from cyber bullies.
- Tell a teacher or administrator at your school if it is school related.
- Don't erase the messages?they may be needed to take action.
- Protect yourself: Never agree to meet face to face with anyone you meet online.
- If bullied through chat or instant messaging, the "bully" can often be blocked.
- If you are threatened with harm, inform the local police.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact me at 314-467-6813.
Keeping your kids safe at school,
Officer Willenbrock |
