Respectme

Additional Pointers for Parents and Carers
As a parent or carer there are some additional points that you may like to think about.

Discuss your child's internet and mobile phone usage. Take an interest in how they use it, what they do online, what sites they like to visit and why. These general conversations can open up the lines of communication to discuss deeper issues and can provide you with a valuable insight into your child's online or mobile phone activity.

Although it is worthwhile talking about your child's rights when using technology it is also important to discuss the responsibilities that come with these rights. Set up a code of conduct for using mobile phones, the internet and chat rooms at home.

Discuss points such as:

• Sites which are acceptable and those which are unacceptable
• How much money you are willing to pay towards your child's mobile phone each month
• Where the computer will be located in the house
• How long they should spend online
• Agreeing that passwords will be shared
• What will happen if your child approaches you with an issue

It's important to recognise that relationships between children and young people are playing out online in the same way that they always have.  

You can install a filter onto your computer which can help to block and monitor inappropriate materials. High Street electrical stores will be able to advise on this.

Remember, a filter does not offer complete protection and you should still discuss the above points with your child so they understand the bigger picture.

Additional Pointers for Organisations

Cover the above information in as many ways as you can and embed the ethos and message that cyberbullying, or any other form of bullying, is never acceptable.

Use activities such as drama, discussions, art, watch cyberbullying podcasts that you can discuss, or get children and young people to create their own. The important thing is to share knowledge and a sense of rights and responsibilities when using technology.

If appropriate, you might also want to discuss an organisational code of conduct. Get the children and young people involved and discuss and record acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.  Put this code of conduct on the wall as a visual reminder. You can draw up this agreement and get every child to sign it to show that they understand the points and their rights and responsibilities.