Dear Parents,

Currently, in Computer Class, we are studying and learning about the Internet, Social Media & the tragic effects of Cyberbullying. Students have been receiving information about current statistics in this horrible occurring trend. We are also discussing how to recognize when someone is being bullied, strategies and ways to prevent Cyberbullying and how to notify Parents & Teachers about it. ABC Family partnered with Seventeen Magazine in the fight against bullying and to Delete Digital Drama. The Delete Digital Drama initiative launched this past summer a movie on ABC and in the August, 2011 issue of Seventeen. I would like to show this movie to the students in class on Thur 3/1/12 and 3/2/12 and to take notes on it for a Quiz to gauge their importance of the topic. In emphasis of yesterdays tragic school shooting in Ohio from a young man reportedly being bullied, I feel it is urgent that students understand that there are ways to stop being bullied. On the back of this sheet, in which you may keep are some the websites that we as a class have been visiting to research and study and understand the problem of cyberbullying. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this topic, please do not hesitate to contact me. Cyberbu//y tells the story of a teenage girl who is harassed online. The movie stars Emily Osment, Kelly Rowan and Kay Panabaker. The storyline follows 17 year-old Taylor who receives a computer on her birthday. She is excited to meet new friends online until she becomes the target of bullies on a popular social website. Her life changes quickly to one of fear, frustration and depression. Upon learning that she is not alone, including a classmate who suffered a similar experience, Taylor rebounds with the help of her mom.

MOVIE PERMISSION SLIP (Please sign and tear off the bottom portion of this)
I have reviewed the Description, Benefits and Possible Problems sections of the attached TeachWithMovies.com Learning Guide to CYBERBU//Y. I am aware that the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has given this film the rating (TV14) set out on the Learning Guide. [Add any additional comments or a description of problems that parents may have with the movie.] I give permission for my child _____________________________________ to watch the film in I DO NOT give permission for my child _______________________________ to watch the film in

[Computer Class WITH Ms. Charles @ Griffin Foundation School].

_________________________________ Date:______________________ Signature of Parent Please return only the signed permission slip.

ATTENTION: (Parents strongly cautioned/May be unsuitable for children under 14 years of age)

Parents are strongly urged to exercise greater care in monitoring programs with this rating and are cautioned against letting children less than 14 years of age watch unattended. This rating may be accompanied by any of the following sub-ratings:

D is for intense suggestive dialogue L is for strong coarse language S is for intense sexual situations V is for intense violence

Here are a few of the websites correlating to this topic that you can visit with your child to continue discussing Cyberbullying, Cyberbullying Prevention and Laws:

1. 2. 3. 4.

http://www.cyberbullying.us/Bullying_and_Cyberbullying_Laws.pdf http://www.cyberbullying.us/Top_Ten_Tips_Teens_Prevention.pdf http://www.cyberbullying.us/Top_Ten_Tips_Teens_Response.pdf http://abcfamily.go.com/movies/cyberbully

(For the Students) CYBERBULLY Conversation Starter

ABC Family created these questions to help you start a conversation with your friends around the issues that come up in the original movie, Cyberbully. There is no right or wrong answerswe just wanted to give you some topics to think about. . .

Privacy
1. What online rules do you make for yourself? These are not the rules that your parents/families have in place. If you dont make rules for yourself, what kind of rules would you like to start? 2. Why do you think people tend to share very private details about their life online? What information should stay private?

Online Identity
1. Do you feel there is pressure to be someone you are not when on a social networking site? Have you ever enhanced your profile (through Photoshop) or lied about something you did just to appear different?

Friendships/Relationships
1. Online you can have a zillion friends, but what qualities do you look for in your offline friendships? What qualities matter most to you? 2. How many times have you started a fight, issued an apology, broken up with someone, or asked someone out online? Why is it SO much easier to do these things online than off?

Rumors/Gossip
1. Have you ever been the victim of cyberbullying? 2. Digital drama can happen because we sometimes thrive on the gossip. It doesnt feel real because you usually never see the person youre talking about face-to-face. Was there ever a time that a rumor has hurt you? What did you do about it?

School/Legal Involvement
1. Do you think schools should get more involved in helping to prevent cyberbullying? What has your school done about this issue?

Taking Action
1. Why do you think it is hard sometimes for someone to speak up when they are being bullied? 2. What is one thing you could today (right now!) to help you and your friends Delete Digital Drama? 3. Sometimes having an Esteem Team can you help you get through being bullied. An Esteem Team is someone you know, trust, and can rely on. Who is on your Esteem Team? Is it your mom, coach, step-dad, best friend?