March 8th, 2019

Dear Parents:

Over the last few weeks, we as administration at the school have seen a disturbing increase in the incidents of negative social activity online involving some of our students. This includes exclusion, sharing of gossip, bullying activities, and interference from other people who do not attend our school in these negative behaviours.

Often our students are “bystanders” in the online community and aren’t sure what to do about what they are seeing/hearing. As a result, they often say nothing, and sometimes engage in the behaviour as well.

What can you do as a parent to support your child and keep them safe online?  Here are a few suggestions: 

  • Monitor your child’s social media accounts. Know that they often have more than one account on each platform, and have many ways to communicate with others.
  • Be proactive. Remind your children that they should only have friends/followers that they know in person and that are positive friends. Your child doesn’t have to accept all follow requests, and blocking someone who is a negative influence is perfectly OK and encouraged!!
  • If you or your child sees something they are concerned about, screenshot the information immediately.
  • Let your child know that their best defence is to NOT ENGAGE an online bully. Do not respond or react online. After taking screenshots, delete and block the bully. They can also change their emails/login information to give them some distance from the negative activity until it can be resolved.
  • Communicate with the appropriate authorities. If it involves other students at the school, inform the principal. If it involves adults or older students from other schools, call the police.
  • Keep computers and other devices used to access the internet in a public space like the living room or kitchen. Remove your child’s device at bedtime (or before). Much negative activity occurs outside of the view of parents, and/or late at night.
  • Talk to your child about how to handle negative behaviour toward others. Removing themselves as an audience to the conversation, and letting the victim know privately they they support them and will help them report the behaviour is a good first start.

Can children face consequences for their behaviour online?

Often, when questioned, students say that they thought their behaviour was innocent, or that they couldn’t have consequences for things they participate in outside of school. This is not correct! Students could face both legal consequences (including criminal charges) and school consequences (including loss of technology privileges and suspension) for online bullying, including social exclusion, spreading of lies and gossip about others, and online threats.

We encourage families over the holidays to have some open and honest communication about the impact of social media on all of our lives. Taking some time to engage in fun activities with friends and family where cell phones and tablets are left behind can be a great way to reflect on the “pull” that social media and technology has on our lives! And it’s great preparation for our Grade 8 camp experience!

There is a free workshop Protecting Youth in a Cyber Smart World taking place at Conestoga College (Waterloo Campus) on Saturday, March 9th from 11:30 – 12:30 that may be helpful for you. Please click this LINK for more information.

Enjoy the holidays and the down time.

Erica Gillespie and Andrew Schmitt

(Principal and Vice Principal – MacGregor School)

Categories: Principal's Message