RESOURCES
Common Apps and Social Networking
SMS (text messaging) – allows instant messaging,
photos and videos to be shared instantly on
mobile devices
Facebook – allows use of private messaging,
status update, videos, photos and instant
messaging
Twitter - allows use of private messaging, status
update, videos, photos and instant messaging
Instagram – filters photos, allows commenting on
photos
SnapChat – allows a picture to be seen for up to
10 seconds before deleting it (photos can be
saved using a screen shot so the picture never
really disappears)
Vine – allows a video to be seen for up to 10
seconds before deleting it
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Woodbridge
High
School
Parent Resource
Kik – instant messaging, allows photo shares and
video
YouTube – video streaming and comments
MySpace - allows use of private messaging,
status update, videos, photos and instant
messaging
Common Abbreviations/Lingo Teens Use
LMAO – Laughing my ass off
LOL – laughing out loud
ROTFL – rolling on the floor laughing
OMG – oh my God
BRB – be right back
UR - your
TTYL – talk to you later
YOLO – you only live once
Dueces - a synonym for “see you later”
Epic Fail - complete disaster
Hater - a jealous person
Cyber Bullying Prevention
How to Promote Healthy
Digital Citizenship for Teens
T IPS F OR PARENT S
Empower yourself

Get to know what social media sites your
teen is using and what the potential dangers
are of each. Look for a list of common apps
and websites on the back

Know your school district and regional
policies for cyber bullying
Information for Parents about
Teens and the Digital World
What is Cyberbullying?
Google Key Words:
Irvine Unified School District Definition:
"Cyberbullying" includes the transmission
of harassing communications, direct threats,
or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on
the Internet, social media, or other
technologies using a telephone, computer,
or any wireless communication device.
Cyberbullying also includes breaking into
another person's electronic account and
assuming that person's identity in order to
damage that person's reputation.
As parents we would never let
our teens drive without prior
instructions so why would we
give them keys to the Internet
without instruction? Our teens need instruction, rules and regulation as well as
help and support when using technology.
- Irvine School District Policies
- Orange County Department of
Education Cyberbullying Policies

Know how to get help if your teen is a bully
or is being bullied – start by contacting your
school counselor or assistant principal

Contact law enforcement if harassing
messages include:
- Threats of violence
- Teen pornography or “sexting”
- Harassment, stalking and/or hate
crimes
- Obscene phone calls and/or text
messages
Talk to your Teen

Work to build a trusting rapport with your
teen so they feel free and open to come to
you with problems

Teach them not to engage in cyber bullying
but to report it to an adult as soon as it
happens

Remind your teen not to delete items of
cyber bullying until they have been
documented. (Take a screen shot of your
computer or phone or print out all
information before deleting harassing
material) This material will be necessary if
further investigation is needed
What is Digital Citizenship?
“Digital citizenship can be defined as the
norms of appropriate, responsible behavior
with regard to technology use.”
– Mike Ribble, Ed.D,
Author of Digital Citizenship in Schools
*http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/Nine_Elements.html (Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship)

Encourage your teen to come to you for help
without fear of being blamed or facing
unreasonable repercussions
Set clear family boundaries for technology
use
 Keep your computers in open or centrally
located areas
 Family Internet Use Contract http://
www.cyberbullying.us/
cyberbullying_internet_use_contract.pdf
 Family Phone Use Contract http://
www.cyberbullying.us/
cyberbullying_cell_phone_contract.pdf
Empower your teen

Teach your teen to fight for their rights

Encourage them to take a stand by helping
promote an anti-bullying campaign,
encourage them to follow through with
school policy, encourage them to report
bullying in any form, listen and be
supportive

Talk to your teen about what it means to be
a responsible digital citizen

Explain the importance of being a good
friend and a good person
Watch for warning signs:

Unexpectedly stops using technology

Becomes obsessed with using technology

Becomes anxious when receiving text
messages, emails or updates on social
media

Anxious, angry, depressed, frustrated, or
sad after using technology

Worries about going to school

Refuses to talk about or display what they
are doing on technological devices
Cassidy, W., Brown, K., & Jackson, M. (2012). "Making Kind Cool": Parents' Suggestions for Preventing Cyber
Bullying and Fostering Cyber Kindness. Journal Of Educational Computing Research, 46(4), 415-436.
Collier, A. (2009). A Better Safety Net: It's Time to Get Smart about Online Safety. School Library Journal, 55(11),
36-38.
Madden, M., Cortesi, S., Gasser, U., Lenhart, A., Duggan, M., & Pew Internet & American Life, P. (2012). Parents,
Teens, and Online Privacy. Pew Internet & American Life Project.
Wang, R., Bianchi, S. M., & Raley, S. B. (2005). Teenagers' Internet Use and Family Rules: A Research Note. Journal
Of Marriage And Family, 67(5), 1249-1258.