Kewl Timez, Issue #1


	>> Bullies Go Online By Katie, 11th Grade, California When you envision a bully, you often picture a mean kid rather than a screen name or an e-mail address. Cyber bullying, bullying that takes place on the Internet rather than on the playground or in a real-life setting, is becoming a common trend among kids today. According to an i-SAFE survey, four in ten kids grades four through eight have been cyber bullied. Most people are unaware of the effects that cyber bullying can have on the victim or the consequences that the perpetrator can face for cyber bullying. Cyber bullying can take many forms, including instant messaging, e-mail, websites, and slam books, which enable people to target a single person and list hateful remarks. The remarks can range from something as petty as calling someone ugly to something as extreme as threatening someone’s life. Most students today would find these situations extremely distressing and motivationally devastating. In December 2003, a Canadian boy had to drop out of high school and finish the school year in a psychiatric ward due to the emotional damage his cyber bullies had caused him. Because the Internet is so popular, bullies often target their victims online. Rather then letting themselves be known in public, online they can threaten or say remarks to their victims without having to expose their identity. The bully assumes that there is no punishment for cyber bullying since it’s the Internet, and, after all, who is going to catch them? If a victim is harassed enough, cyber bullying could necessitate police involvement and the identity of the bully could easily be discovered. Personally, I think cyber bullying should legally be considered a crime. Victims today can report cyber threats to school administration and to the police. Depending on the severity of the bullying, punishments can range from detention or expulsion issued by a school principal to restraining orders or misdemeanors issued by law enforcement. Victims can also sue cyber bullies for emotional distress. Jail time in addition to compensation would seem fair because, in a sense, cyber bullying could also be considered a form of stalking.		>> Cyber Bullying, a Victim’s Opinion By Kate, 8th Grade, Kansas A cyber bully is a person that bullies online. I think people bully online because it’s probably easier than doing it face-to-face and they think they can get away with it. Obviously they don’t realize that police can get your conversation and read it instantly! I have been bullied online before. It really hurt my feelings because my friend really went crazy on me, and it was like I couldn’t even express my opinion. She was accusing me of stealing her friends because her friends were also becoming my friends and she got jealous. I’ve been bullied plenty of other times too. Bullying affects both the victim and the bully. The person receiving the message could get their feelings hurt and may not know what to do about it. It could continue happening and get worse and worse each time. The person bullying then should get in huge trouble. Hate sites are also a type of cyber bullying. They can make people feel absolutely horrible and can also be dangerous. I know I would feel horrible if there was a hate site about me. People should never even start those kinds of hate sites. Hate sites cross the line the moment they are first created. I think these kinds of sites should be against the law. They prevent people from having the right to feel decent and safe. If anyone hears of someone cyber bullying they should report it to an adult or to the police.

Hot Links

Essay Contest
Enter the i-SAFE "word from the Streets" Esay Contest and tell us in 500 words or less how the Internet has changed your favorite sport or hobby. Entries are due by December 31, 2004. Click here for more info.

Be a Mentor
E-mail us at mentors@isafe.org if you want to become an i-SAFE Student Mentor! It is your chance to raise awareness about online dangers for your classmates.

Assembly
Take your school to cyberspace. The i-safe Assembly Experience shows you and your classmates how to drive safe on the Information Superhighway. Contact us at mentors@isafe.org.

Student Advisory Board
Become a member of the student advisory Board (SAB) and change the future of the Internet. If you are interested in joining the Student Advisory Board or would like to nominate a student leader, click here.

>> Most Valuable Mentor: Celia
Celia, 16, from Idaho has been chosen as the i-SAFE MVM for September 2004. Credited with defeating a plot to take revenge on teachers and students in a Columbine-style attack on Michigan’s Chippewa Valley High School, Celia has become a role model for students and has shown the importance of detecting and reporting Internet threats. i-SAFE Mentors

Celia met Andrew, 17-year-old Michigan teen, online in a music chat room. Although it was obvious that Andrew was an angry teen, Celia never thought he was truly dangerous until he sent his last instant message about his plans. Fortunately, Celia took him seriously and kept copies of her conversations with Andrew. She gave those to Michigan police. Andrew was arrested at school and Nazi paraphernalia and weapons were found in his home.
As a result of Celia’s conscientious actions, a horrific tragedy was prevented in Clinton Township, Michigan. You too can change the future of the Internet by knowing how to safely and responsibly respond to dangers online. Become an i-SAFE Student Mentor and be a role model to other students as you teach your peers about Internet dangers and how to drive safely on the Information Superhighway.

>> Celebrity Corner: Willy Santos, Pro Street Skater
The Kewl Timez hit the streets to chat with people about life,
and maybe pick up a little advice about the Internet.
During our search, we ran into pro street skater and X-Games
athlete Willy Santos. Let’s hear what Willy has to say…

KT:  When did you start skating?
Willy:  About 15 years ago, when I was like 13, and I’m 28 now.
KT:  What are some of your other hobbies, besides skateboarding?
Willy:  I love to play tennis, soccer, ping pong...you know.
KT:  What is it like to compete in the X-Games?
Willy:  t’s crazy...I did not compete this year but prior years…
it’s pretty wild…it’s exciting, it’s hot… it’s fun…it is definitely a rush!
                KT:  If you could give advice, what would you say to students?
                  Willy:  Just hang out with friends that are positively
                  motivating and…play safe online with i-SAFE.

Mentor Mike Cartoon

Stay tuned for future adventures of Mentor Mike and Mentor Mary. Create a story for Mentor Mike. Write to mentors@isafe.org with future script ideas, and we will write you into the story.

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