Staying safe online takes a community effort.  

If you see or hear something that you think could cause harm or danger, report it immediately!

What is School Violence?

School violence is violence that occurs in the school setting (in-person or online). It describes violent acts that disrupt learning and have a negative effect on students, schools, and the broader community. 

Examples of school violence include:

• Bullying and cyberbullying

• Fighting (e.g., punching, slapping, kicking)

• Weapon use

• Gang violence

• Relationship violence

Places school violence occurs:

• On school property

• On the way to or from school

• During a school-sponsored event

• On the way to or from a school-sponsored event

• online chat rooms and social media platforms

• email and messaging on smart devices

source

Reasons to tell

We encourage you to come forward as soon as possible when you learn about something that may cause harm to others or yourself. When you see something, say something. 

By reaching out using our P3 form, you can help someone who is struggling. 

• If your desire is to protect, prevent, or help: send in your report. 

• If you’re unsure whether you should send in a report or not, and you are making a report to protect, prevent, or help: send it in.

How to Detect Potential Threats to School Safety Exhibited Online:

Identifying, reporting, and addressing concerning student behaviors and other suspicious activities can help stop violence before it occurs.  

Many of the warning signs that cyberbullying is occurring happen around a child’s use of their device. Since children spend a lot of time on their devices, increases or decreases in use may be less noticeable. It’s important to pay attention when a child exhibits sudden changes in digital and social behavior. Some of the warning signs that a child may be involved in cyberbullying are:

• Noticeable, rapid increases or decreases in device use, including texting.

• A child exhibits emotional responses (laughter, anger, upset) to what is happening on their device.

• A child hides their screen or device when others are near, and avoids discussion about what they are doing on their device.

• Social media accounts are shut down or new ones appear.

• A child starts to avoid social situations, even those that were enjoyed in the past.

• A child becomes withdrawn or depressed, or loses interest in people and activities.

If you think someone is being cyberbullied - say something to a trusted adult or report it using the P3 Tips form.

Cyber Safety Tips

Internet-enabled crimes and cyber intrusions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and preventing them requires each user of a connected device to be aware and on guard. 

• Don’t click on anything in unsolicited emails or text messages.

• Be cautious about the information you share in online profiles and social media accounts. Sharing things like pet names, schools, and family members can give scammers the hints they need to guess your passwords or the answers to your account security questions.

• Don't send payments to unknown people or organizations that are seeking monetary support and urge immediate action.

What Should I Do?

• Don’t ever post or send any hoax threats online…period.

• If you are a target of an online threat, alert your local law enforcement immediately.

• If you see a threat of violence posted on social media, immediately contact local law enforcement.

• Notify authorities but don’t share or forward the threat until law enforcement has had a chance to investigate—this can spread misinformation and cause panic.

• If you are a parent or family member, know that some young people post these threats online as a cry for attention or as a way to get revenge or exert control. Talk to your child about the proper outlet for their stress or other emotions, and explain the importance of responsible social media use and the consequences of posting hoax threats.

Submit a Tip

source

Do you see  bullying at your school?

There are things you can do to keep yourself and the kids you know safe from bullying.

Treat Everyone with Respect

Nobody should be mean to others.

• Stop and think before you say or do something that could hurt someone.

• If you feel like being mean to someone, find something else to do. Play a game, watch TV, or talk to a friend.

• Talk to an adult you trust. They can help you find ways to be nicer to others.

• Keep in mind that everyone is different. Not better or worse. Just different.  

• If you think you have bullied someone in the past, apologize. Everyone feels better.

Get Involved

You can be a leader in preventing bullying in your community.

• Find out more about where and when bullying happens at your school. Think about what could help. Then, share your ideas. There is a good chance that adults don’t know all of what happens. Your friends can go with you to talk to a teacher, counselor, coach, or parent and can add what they think.

• Talk to the principal about getting involved at school. Schools sometimes give students a voice in programs to stop bullying. Be on a school safety committee. Create posters for your school about bullying. Be a role model for younger kids.

• Write a blog, letter to the editor of your local newspaper, or tweet about

source