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Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

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Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

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Digital ethics and the future of humans in a connected world | Gerd Leonhard | TEDxBrussels

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Why do you think these violations occur?

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Why do you think these violations occur?

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The easy answer is that computers are insanely powerful, and provide unparalleled access to tools that can provide just about any piece of information about anyone or anything the user wants. This information can be used unethically by fellow users, big tech companies, and even friends on social media in a myriad of different ways. The chief among them is monetization, whether its legally through targeted ads on social media, or illegally through scams like phishing.

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Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.

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Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.

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The Social Dilemma | Official Trailer | Netflix

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Which of the Ten Ethical Computing Guidelines do you think students violate most often?

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Which of the Ten Ethical Computing Guidelines do you think students violate most often?

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I think the biggest one is still "not appropriating other people's intellectual output" and "not use resources without authorization or compensation" which broadly means not to plagiarize or steal other people's intellectual property. Whether its from a news article or essay downloaded online, or even bigger implications like stealing the design of something like software or a poster to call their own. Since the internet is such a generous provider of information, as a student I can imagine it's easy to cherry-pick the stuff you need or like without proper citation or attribution.

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Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.

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Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.

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What do you think could be done to reduce or eliminate such unethical behavior?

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What do you think could be done to reduce or eliminate such unethical behavior?

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I always try to remind people that there's a real live person on the other end of a Twitter or Facebook post, and therefor it's important to be empathetic and consider how your actions affect others and how you would feel if someone maliciously targeted you. No one ever wants to be cursed via tweet, or have there countless hours of research stolen with a quick copy and paste. Before you decide to do anything unethical online or using technology, consider the outcome, and the very real people that are affected by such simple actions.

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Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

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Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

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Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.

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Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.

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Software piracy is the illegal copying, distribution, or use of software. It is such a profitable "business" that it has caught the attention of organized crime groups in a number of countries. According to the Business Software Alliance (BSA), about 36% of all software in current use is stolen.

What is Software Piracy:

Software piracy has become a worldwide issue with China, the United States and India being the top three offenders. The commercial value of pirated software is $19 billion in North America and Western Europe and has reached $27.3 billion in the rest of the world. According to the 2018 Global Software Survey, 37% of software installed on personal computers is unlicensed software.

Software piracy doesn't require a hacker or skilled coder. Any normal person with a computer can become a software pirate if they don't know about the software laws. With such a widespread impact, it's important to understand what software piracy is and the dangers it presents.

When you purchase a commercial software package, an end user license agreement ( EULA ) is included to protect that software program from copyright infringement. Typically, the license states that you can install the original copy of software you bought on one computer and that you can make a backup copy in case the original is lost or damaged. You agree to the licensing agreement when you open the software package (this is called a shrink wrap license), when you open the envelope that contains the software disks, or when you install the software.

Software piracy applies mainly to full-function commercial software. The time-limited or function-restricted versions of commercial software called shareware are less likely to be pirated since they are freely available. Similarly, freeware , a type of software that is copyrighted but freely distributed at no charge, also offers little incentive for piracy.

Types of Software Piracy:

It seems that illegal software is available anywhere, to anyone, at any time. The following are some of the methods by which illegal copies of software circulate among computer users.

Softlifting - The most common type of piracy, softlifting, (also called softloading), means sharing a program with someone who is not authorized by the license agreement to use it. A common form of softlifting involves purchasing a single licensed copy of software and then loading the software onto several computers, in violation of licensing terms. On college campuses, it is rare to find a software program that has not been softloaded. People regularly lend programs to their roommates and friends, either not realizing it's wrong, or not thinking that it's a big deal. Softlifting is common in both businesses and homes.

Hard disk loading - Often committed by hardware dealers, this form of piracy involves loading an unauthorized copy of software onto a computer being sold to the end user. This makes the deal more attractive to the buyer, at virtually no cost to the dealer. The dealer usually does not provide the buyer with manuals or the original CDs of the software. This is how operating systems, like Windows 95, are often pirated.

Renting - Renting involves someone renting out a copy of software for temporary use, without the permission of the copyright holder. The practice, similar to that of renting a video from Blockbuster, violates the license agreement of software.

OEM un-bundling - Often just called "un-bundling," this form of piracy means selling stand-alone software originally meant to be included with a specific accompanying product. An example of this form of piracy is someone providing drivers to a specific printer without authorization.

Counterfeiting - Counterfeiting means producing fake copies of a software, making it look authentic. This involves providing the box, CDs, and manuals, all designed to look as much like the original product as possible. Microsoft products are the ones most commonly counterfeited, because of their widespread use. Most commonly, a copy of a CD is made with a CD-burner, and a photocopy of the manual is made. Counterfeit software is sold on street corners, and sometimes unknowingly sold even in retail stores. Counterfeit software is sold at prices far below the actual retail price.

Online piracy - The fastest-growing form of piracy is Internet piracy. With the growing number of users online, and with the rapidly increasing connection speeds, the exchange of software on the Internet has attracted an extensive following. In the past, bulletin board systems (BBS) were the only place where one could download pirated software. Currently, there are hundreds of thousands of "warez" sites providing unlimited downloads to any user. Often, the software provided through these "warez" sites is cracked to eliminate any copy protection schemes.

The Dangers:

Software piracy may have a cheaper price point, but there are many dangers that software pirates should be aware of.

Consequences of software piracy are:

Increased chances that the software will malfunction or fail

Forfeited access to support for the program such as training, upgrades, customer support and bug fixes

No warranty and the software can't be updated

Increased risk of infecting your PC with malware, viruses or adware

Slowed down PC

Legal repercussions due to copyright infringement

"Using pirated software carries high penalties under copyright law for users caught in the act.
In the United States, copyright infringement can lead to up to five years in jail and a $250,000 fine.
The owner of the software's copyright can also sue for damages, which can run as high as $150,000 per copy." Techwalla.com

Keep your PC secure by only purchasing software from authorized dealers. Be aware of any software's terms and conditions - make sure you agree and adhere to their guidelines.

Software piracy is a major issue affecting organizations and developers alike. Consequently, companies need to implement anti-piracy protection systems on their software-based products.

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Software Piracy Facts← All Topics Software piracy is the illegal copying, distribution, or use of software. It is such a profitable "business" that it has caught the attention of organized crime groups in a number of countries. According to the Business Software Alliance...

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Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.

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Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.

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If asked you to list the most valuable things you own, how would you answer? I guess this would be another way of asking the infamous "What would you grab if your house was on fire?" question.

For me, I'd grab an old keepsake box filled with things from my childhood, my engagement ring, my phone and computer (for pictures and writings!), and an old Iowa sweatshirt of my dad's.

But I'd also have to say that my identity, social security number, credit cards, and bank accounts are valuable to me.

While these things can't exactly burn down in a fire, they can be stolen ... and if I were to ask a computer hacker what they thought my most valuable possessions were, they'd probably quote the intangible.

That's why we've compiled this guide on cybersecurity. Below, we'll talk about why you should care about cybersecurity, how to secure your and your customer's digital data, and what resources to follow to stay up-to-date with emerging tech.

Personal data is incredibly valuable. Hackers know it, and businesses know it. That's why both go to great lengths to collect it - albeit one following a much more legal and moral avenue to do so.

Unfortunately, as technology and data collection practices progress, so do the methods that hackers follow to steal data. As business owners, we have a special responsibility to protect our customers' data and be transparent with our practices.

Why You Should Care About Cybersecurity

In the first half of 2019, data breaches exposed over 4 billion records. Moreover, a recent study found that hackers attack every 39 seconds - that adds up to, on average, 2,244 attacks per day.

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are especially at risk. You might see corporations like Target and Sears topping the headlines as top data breach victims, but it's actually SMBs that hackers prefer to target.

Why? They have more - and more valuable - digital assets than your average consumer but less security than a larger enterprise-level company ... placing them right in a " hackers' cybersecurity sweet spot."

Security breaches are frustrating and frightening for both businesses and consumers. Studies show that, after a company data breach, many consumers take a break from shopping at that business - and some consumers quit altogether.

But cybersecurity is about more than just avoiding a PR nightmare. Investing in cybersecurity builds trust with your customers. It encourages transparency and reduces friction as customers become advocates for your brand.

"Everyone has a role in helping to protect customers' data. Here at HubSpot, every employee is empowered to solve for customer needs in a safe and secure way. We want to harness everyone's energy to provide a platform that customers trust to correctly and safely store their data." - Chris McLellan, HubSpot Chief Security Officer

Keep your business ahead of the tech curve with the tips, systems & recommended resources in our guide to staying current on emerging tech.
Cybersecurity Terms to Know

Cybersecurity is a very intimidating topic, not unlike cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. It can be hard to understand, and, frankly, it sounds kind of ominous and complicated.

But fear not. We're here to break this topic down into digestible pieces that you can rebuild into your own cybersecurity strategy. Bookmark this post to keep this handy glossary at your fingertips.

Here's a comprehensive list of general cybersecurity terms you should know.

Authentication

Authentication is the process of verifying who you are. Your passwords authenticate that you really are the person who should have the corresponding username. When you show your ID (e.g., driver's license, etc), the fact that your picture generally looks like you is a way of authenticating that the name, age, and address on the ID belong to you. Many organizations use two-factor authentication, which we cover later.

Backup

A backup refers to the process of transferring important data to a secure location like a cloud storage system or an external hard drive. Backups let you recover your systems to a healthy state in case of a cyber attack or system crash.

Data Breach

A data breach refers to the moment a hacker gains unauthorized entry or access to a company's or an individual's data.

Digital Certificate

A digital certificate, also known as an identity certificate or public key certificate, is a type of passcode used to securely exchange data over the internet. It's essentially a digital file embedded in a device or piece of hardware that provides authentication when it sends and receives data to and from another device or server.

Encryption

Encryption is the practice of using codes and ciphers to encrypt data. When data is encrypted, a computer uses a key to turn the data into unintelligible gibberish. Only a recipient with the correct key is able to decrypt the data. If an attacker gets access to strongly encrypted data but doesn't have the key, they aren't able to see the unencrypted version.

HTTP and HTTPS

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is how web browsers communicate. You'll probably see an http:// or https:// in front of the websites you visit. HTTP and HTTPS are the same, except HTTPS encrypts all data sent between you and the web server - hence the "S" for security. Today, nearly all websites use HTTPS to improve the privacy of your data.

Vulnerability

A vulnerability is a place of weakness that a hacker might exploit when launching a cyber attack. Vulnerabilities might be software bugs that need to be patched, or a password reset process that can be triggered by unauthorized people. Defensive cybersecurity measures (like the ones we talk about later) help ensure data is protected by putting layers of protections between attackers and the things they're trying to do or access.

A cyber attack is a deliberate and typically malicious intent to capture, modify, or erase private data. Cyber attacks are committed by external security hackers and, sometimes, unintentionally by compromised users or employees. These cyber attacks are committed for a variety of reasons. The majority are looking for ransom, while some are simply launched for fun.

Here are the four most common cyber threats.

1. Password Guessing (Brute Force) Attack

A password guessing (or "credential stuffing") attack is when an attacker continually attempts to guess usernames and passwords. This attack will often use known username and password combinations from past data breaches. An attacker is successful when people use weak passwords or use the password between different systems (e.g., when your Facebook and Twitter password are the same, etc). Your best defense against this kind of attack is using strong passwords and avoiding using the same password in multiple places as well as using two factor authentication, as we talk about later.)

2. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack

A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack is when a hacker floods a network or system with a ton of activity (such as messages, requests, or web traffic) in order to paralyze it. This is typically done using botnets, which are groups of internet-connected devices (e.g., laptops, light bulbs, game consoles, servers, etc) infected by viruses that allow a hacker to harness them into performing many kinds of attacks.

3. Malware Attack

Malware refers to all types of malicious software used by hackers to infiltrate computers and networks and collect susceptible private data. Types of malware include:

Keyloggers, which track everything a person types on their keyboard. Keyloggers are usually used to capture passwords and other private information, such as social security numbers.

Ransomware, which encrypts data and holds it hostage, forcing users to pay a ransom in order to unlock and regain access to their data.

Spyware, which monitors and "spies" on user activity on behalf of a hacker.

Furthermore, malware can be delivered via:

Trojan horses, which infect computers through a seemingly benign entry point, often disguised as a legitimate application or other piece of software.

Viruses, which corrupt, erase, modify, or capture data and, at times, physically damage computers. Viruses can spread from computer to computer, including when they are unintentionally installed by compromised users.

Worms, which are designed to self-replicate and autonomously spread through all connected computers that are susceptible to the same vulnerabilities. .

4. Phishing Attack

A phishing attack is when hackers try to trick people into doing something. Phishing scams can be delivered through a seemingly legitimate download, link, or message. It's a very common type of cyber attack - over 75% of organizations fell victim to phishing in 2018. Phishing is typically done over email or through a fake website; it's also known as spoofing. Additionally, spear phishing refers to when a hacker focuses on attacking a particular person or company, instead of creating more general-purpose spams.

Cybersecurity Best Practices: How to Secure Your Data

Cybersecurity can't be boiled down into a 1-2-3-step process. Securing your data involves a mix of best practices and defensive cybersecurity techniques. Dedicating time and resources to both is the best way to secure your - and your customers' - data.

Defensive Cybersecurity Solutions

All businesses should invest in preventative cybersecurity solutions. Implementing these systems and adopting good cybersecurity habits (which we discuss next) will protect your network and computers from outside threats.

Here's a list of six defensive cybersecurity systems and software options that can prevent cyber attacks - and the inevitable headache that follows. Consider combining these solutions to cover all your digital bases.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is the digital equivalent of taking that vitamin C boost during flu season. It's a preventative measure that monitors for bugs. The job of antivirus software is to detect viruses on your computer and remove them, much like vitamin C does when bad things enter your immune system. (Spoken like a true medical professional ...) Antivirus software also alerts you to potentially unsafe web pages and software.

Firewall

A firewall is a digital wall that keeps malicious users and software out of your computer. It uses a filter that assesses the safety and legitimacy of everything that wants to enter your computer; it's like an invisible judge that sits between you and the internet. Firewalls are both software and hardware-based.

Learn more: McAfee LiveSafe or Kaspersky Internet Security

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Single sign-on (SSO) is a centralized authentication service through which one login is used to access an entire platform of accounts and software. If you've ever used your Google account to sign up or into an account, you've used SSO. Enterprises and corporations use SSO to allow employees access to internal applications that contain proprietary data.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a login process that requires a username or pin number and access to an external device or account, such as an email address, phone number, or security software. 2FA requires users to confirm their identity through both and, because of that, is far more secure than single factor authentication.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN) creates a "tunnel" through which your data travels when entering and exiting a web server. That tunnel encrypts and protects your data so that it can't be read (or spied on) by hackers or malicious software. While a VPN protects against spyware, it can't prevent viruses from entering your computer through seemingly legitimate channels, like phishing or even a fake VPN link. Because of this, VPNs should be combined with other defensive cybersecurity measures in order to protect your data.

Learn more: Cisco's AnyConnect or Palo Alto Networks' GlobalProtect

Cybersecurity Tips for Business

Defensive cybersecurity solutions won't work unless you do. To ensure your business and customer data is protected, adopt these good cybersecurity habits across your organization.

Require strong credentials.

Require both your employees and users (if applicable) to create strong passwords. This can be done by implementing a character minimum as well as requiring a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. More complicated passwords are harder to guess by both individuals and bots. Also, require that passwords be changed regularly.

Control and monitor employee activity.

Within your business, only give access to important data to authorized employees who need it for their job. Prohibit data from sharing outside the organization, require permission for external software downloads, and encourage employees to lock their computers and accounts whenever not in use.

Know your network.

With the rise of the Internet of Things, IoT devices are popping up on company networks like crazy. These devices, which are not under company management, can introduce risk as they're often unsecured and run vulnerable software that can be exploited by hackers and provide a direct pathway into an internal network.

"Make sure you have visibility into all the IoT devices on your network. Everything on your corporate network should be identified, properly categorized, and controlled. By knowing what devices are on your network, controlling how they connect to it, and monitoring them for suspicious activities, you'll drastically reduce the landscape attackers are playing on." - Nick Duda, Principal Security Officer at HubSpot
Read about how HubSpot gains device visibility and automates security management in this case study compiled by security software ForeScout.
Download patches and updates regularly.

Software vendors regularly release updates that address and fix vulnerabilities. Keep your software safe by updating it on a consistent basis. Consider configuring your software to update automatically so you never forget.

Make it easy for employees to escalate issues.

If your employee comes across a phishing email or compromised web page, you want to know immediately. Set up a system for receiving these issues from employees by dedicating an inbox to these notifications or creating a form that people can fill out.

Cybersecurity Tips for Individuals

Cyber threats can affect you as an individual consumer and internet user, too. Adopt these good habits to protect your personal data and avoid cyber attacks.

Mix up your passwords.

Using the same password for all your important accounts is the digital equivalent of leaving a spare key under your front doormat. A recent study found that over 80% of data breaches were a result of weak or stolen passwords. Even if a business or software account doesn't require a strong password, always choose one that has a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols and change it regularly.

Monitor your bank accounts and credit frequently.

Review your statements, credit reports, and other critical data on a regular basis and report any suspicious activity. Additionally, only release your social security number when absolutely necessary.

Be intentional online.

Keep an eye out for phishing emails or illegitimate downloads. If a link or website looks fishy (ha - get it?), it probably is. Look for bad spelling and grammar, suspicious URLs, and mismatched email addresses. Lastly, download antivirus and security software to alert you of potential and known malware sources.

Back up your data regularly.

This habit is good for businesses and individuals to master - data can be compromised for both parties. Consider backups on both cloud and physical locations, such as a hard drive or thumb drive.

Cybersecurity Resources

To learn more about cybersecurity and how to better equip your business and team, tap into the resources below. Check out some of the most popular cybersecurity podcasts and cybersecurity blogs, too.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

NIST is a government agency that promotes excellence in science and industry. It also contains a Cybersecurity department and routinely publishes guides that standards.

Bookmark: The Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC) for security best practices, called NIST Special Publications (SPs).

The Center for Internet Security (CIS)

CIS is a global, non-profit security resource and IT community used and trusted by experts in the field.

Bookmark: The CIS Top 20 Critical Security Controls, which is a prioritized set of best practices created to stop the most pervasive and dangerous threats of today. It was developed by leading security experts from around the world and is refined and validated every year.

Cybrary

Cybrary is an online cybersecurity education resource. It offers mostly free, full-length educational videos, certifications, and more for all kinds of cybersecurity topics and specializations.

Signing Off ... Securely

Cyber attacks may be intimidating, but cybersecurity as a topic doesn't have to be. It's imperative to be prepared and armed, especially if you're handling others' data. Businesses should dedicate time and resources to protecting their computers, servers, networks, and software and should stay up-to-date with emerging tech. Handling data with care only makes your business more trustworthy and transparent - and your customers more loyal.

Note: Any legal information in this content is not the same as legal advice, where an attorney applies the law to your specific circumstances, so we insist that you consult an attorney if you'd like advice on your interpretation of this information or its accuracy. In a nutshell, you may not rely on this as legal advice or as a recommendation of any particular legal understanding.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in February 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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If asked you to list the most valuable things you own, how would you answer? I guess this would be another way of asking the infamous "What would you grab if your house was on fire?" question.

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Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.

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Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.

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How to Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ on Your Phone (While Still Letting Important Calls Through) (Published 2019)

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The bliss of turning off all notifications on your phone doesn’t have to come with the anxiety of potentially missing an important call or text. Here’s how you can have it all.

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Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.

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Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.

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The online world offers a wealth of resources for education, entertainment, and connection with other people. Unfortunately, the internet also poses new dangers, and those dangers threaten teens especially. The following guide provides the resources necessary for both parents and their teens to safely utilize the Internet.

There are plenty of horror stories: discovered that an entire website had been set up to denigrate him and encourage others to harass him at school. Another young woman was abducted by a man who had posed as a teen online, traced her to her home through the personal information she'd given out, and then stalked her to discover when she'd be home alone.

Even the non-horror stories are troubling: one young woman found that an entire suite of social media accounts had been set up to impersonate her online. She wasn't harmed personally by this crazy scheme, but others are less lucky: half a million teens have had their financial histories blemished from the start due to identity theft. And online scams abound-from prom dresses ordered online that turn out to be cheap knock-offs to software that secretly downloads itself and steers browsers to dangerous corners of the internet.

Online life is as fraught with peril as real life, and it can be much harder for parents to monitor the risks their kids are taking in the virtual world. But as with the other challenges of growing up, getting knowledgeable about internet safety for teens, talking over your concerns with the teens in your life, and arming them against the obvious dangers can build your relationships with them-and prepare them for adulthood.

Start with the Hardware

You should start your child internet protection plan with one of the most vulnerable aspects of your teen's online life, and one that may not be obvious because it's there in plain sight. But if your teen has a laptop of their own (or if they routinely borrow yours) it can lead to a world of trouble. Left unattended in a public place, a laptop-which may offer unfettered access to e-mail accounts, personal information, and even vital passwords and credit card numbers-can be gone in seconds. So if you want to boost your teen's cybersecurity, start by protecting their laptop.

At a bare minimum, insist that they set up password protection on their computer. This may act as a deterrent: a thief having to choose between unattended laptops may not choose one that's locked down with a password. The next step is a physical lock: computer cables are inexpensive, and will allow your teen to leave their seat at the library or a coffee shop without having to decide whether or not to bring their computer into the bathroom.

You can go an extra step by turning on the laptop's locator function, which comes as a native feature in Apple OS and iOS, with PC versions available for installation on other platforms. This will allow you to locate the computer if it's lost, and delete the data on the computer if it falls into the wrong hands.

Finally, you should talk to your teen about the type of information they leave on their laptop. It may be tempting to record all their vital passwords and other useful information, but of course doing so puts them at risk if someone steals it or manages to access it in some other way. At the very least, any files that they use to store this kind of sensitive information should be password protected.

1. Set Up Password
Protection

2. Turn on the Locator

3. Discuss Sensitive Information

Malware, Viruses, and Spyware

Protecting your computer means much more than physical protection, as important as that is. Much of the information on your computer can also be accessed by malicious software that can make its way onto your hard drive any time you connect to the internet, and sometimes when you're connected to any network at all.

Malware

Malware is a generic term for all malicious software.

Virus

Among the types of malware is the Virus, a piece of software that will secretly enter a computer's operating system and manipulate it into actions that damage it or hinder its performance.

Trojan Horse

Trojan horses are apparently innocuous applications or utilities that are used by hackers to insert malware into your operating system.

Spyware

Spyware is malicious software that allows a third party to take information off your computer without your knowledge.

The frightening thing about malware is that you may not even know it's on your computer until you look for it. If your teen complains about their computer's performance, though, or if they claim that their web browsers are "acting weird" (prompting browsers to flood the screen with pop-up windows and erratic results on search engines are two common symptoms of computers infected with spyware), take action immediately.

What's more, if your teen downloads a trojan horse, it's entirely possible that they'll give the harmless-looking software all the permission it needs to damage your computer or steal vital information, including passwords and credit card numbers. So in addition to a robust virus detection program, it's essential that you warn teens-and other users of your household computers-to be aware of the risks of downloading software from the internet, and to be leery of downloading any type of application from a non-reputable vendor.

Fortunately, there are some straightforward ways to protect your teen's computer: anti-virus software will take care of many of the greatest threats to your computer. Some manufacturers, like Apple, will provide anti-virus software for free, as will many internet service providers. Note, though, that anti-virus software needs to be updated to be effective.

Protect Your Mobile Hardware

Many of the same precautions you take with your laptops should be taken with mobile phones, tablets, and other devices that might contain similar types of sensitive information, or might be used to access personal information via the internet. Encourage your teen to use password protection and enable the device locator function on every device they own.

At the same time, it's not a good idea for teens to allow apps in general to use location services, since these may reveal where they live. Many devices will allow you to select what apps can use your location, so it might be worth the time to sit down with your teen and look at their phone or tablet's location settings-to make sure, for example, that when they put a picture of their dog up on Instagram, they won't also post your home address.

Everyone loves the camera function on their phones, but they present another risk that comes with mobile devices. Even with the location function turned off, photos taken and shared online can, by sending landmarks out over social networks, provide almost as much location information as a phone's location services function. Suggest to your teen that they take some care in choosing what shots to share, so they don't reveal too much about where they live.

ID Theft

So why is it so risky for a teen to reveal where they are? Revealing credit card numbers, or passwords to online merchant accounts, presents an obvious risk. But why would an address-or a photograph that gives their address away-cause problems?

Unfortunately, teens are just as susceptible to identity theft as adults, and for teens the consequences of someone using their information to apply for a credit card or access other financial resources can be just as bad, if not worse, than the consequences for an adult. Since teens don't have a credit history already, having an identity thief run down their credit rating can make building a decent credit history an uphill battle from the very start.

Even apparently innocuous information, like an address or a birth date-information that many people, not just teens, will sometimes include in their social media profiles-can be enough for a criminal to apply for a credit card, for example. And while you may stay on top of what they post on social media, teens, like adults, can also give out that information in an act of forgetfulness. Online quizzes or surveys are sometimes really just mechanisms by which scam artists try to get useful intel (a quiz might ask "what's your mother's maiden name?" for example, in order to get the answer to one of the most popular security questions).

Teens should be cautioned against putting up too much identifying information online. Birthdates are out; addresses should be, too. Even if the information doesn't seem like it's going to be collected in any permanent way, there's still a chance that it will be, and that it will be used by a scam artist to destroy a teen's financial reputation before they've even had a chance to build it.

"Unfortunately, teens are just as susceptible to identity theft as adults."

Only Make Sales Through Reputable Platforms

Look Out for Hidden or Extra Fees

Review Your App Subscriptions

Limit Your Teen's Online Spending

Scams and Online Shopping

Online scam artists have other schemes besides identity theft, however. Online shopping presents its own dangers. In the notorious case mentioned above, a teenaged girl thought she was buying an expensive prom dress at a bargain price only to discover that the dress she received in the mail didn't match the online photo at all. It was cheaply made, poorly fitted, and impossible to return.

Again, these are risks that even adults fail to see in time, but you can help your teen avoid getting taken in by insisting on having a look at any purchase they make online. You can also insist that any sales go through reputable vendors like Amazon, or that, at the very least, they go through reputable sales platforms like eBay, where it's possible to get purchase protection and the site's management provides tools and assistance in resolving customer complaints.

Some scams involve more than just a single purchase. Teens should, for example, be aware of one scam that promises "free" ringtones, but charges a high monthly fee that the teen might not be aware of until it shows up on your credit card statement.

Both these online scams involve disreputable businesses. But some online shopping risks are harder to spot. The teen years are probably too late for the "I didn't know" excuse for in-app purchases, the $800 iTunes bills that are the stuff of legend. But some smartphone apps involve "subscriptions" that it's easy to forget about, and that can ding your credit card for three, four, or five dollars on a weekly basis.

So it makes sense to review your accounts on iTunes or other app marketplaces to make sure such subscriptions aren't adding up. If they are, the best recourse is just to mention them to your teen and ask them to be more careful in the future.

Finally, there are ways to limit your teen's online spending. iTunes offers an "allowance" feature that will deposit a set amount in an iTunes account on a regular basis rather than simply giving the account unlimited access to a credit card. Many online marketplaces, from Amazon to Google Play, offer gift cards that can be redeemed online (this approach also keeps teens using more reputable retailers). Many online retailers will also accept cash cards-that is, what are essentially prepaid credit cards-as payment. And if you're interested in high-tech solutions, you might want to look into VeeLoop, an app that allows your teen to seek your approval for items in their virtual shopping carts before an online vendor processes their purchase.

Social Media: Online & In Public

As bad as they are, scams and malware aren't the only online dangers. Social media has dramatically expanded the amount of their lives that teens can live online. And while social media allows teens to keep up with friends and family, even across vast distances, a lot of life's dangers have followed them online as well.

Remember: social media is designed to convince users that they're a part of a community. And while they do function as virtual communities, it's easy to forget how many people can be privy to online conversations between friends. That's why many teens may, without thinking, reveal vital information of the kind that's most useful for ID theft and other criminal acts. Beyond that, wherever kids congregate, there's a possibility for hurtful or inappropriate behavior, and the virtual world is no different.

There are many social networks, but here's a look at some of the most popular.

FACEBOOK

Many teens will have a profile on Facebook without using it much. Even so, Facebook's platform allows for interactions with strangers, and its various levels of privacy and multiple means of sharing can make what seem like private interactions more public than a user may realize.

TWITTER

Like Facebook, Twitter isn't the most popular teen social media platform, and while teens should continue to take care with it-and parents should be aware that there's no way to prevent teens from coming across adult material, and no particularly effective means of stopping harassment-it's tamer than some online outlets.

INSTAGRAM

Instagram is much more popular among teens, and it's based primarily on sharing images which people in a user's network can then comment on. Because it's based on images, Instagram can tempt teens to post embarrassing or inappropriate images online, but it has similar privacy settings to Facebook, which means that the user can exercise some control over who can see their content.

SNAPCHAT

Snapchat takes Instagram a step further: it's also based on sharing images presented as an occasion for comments. These images disappear after a few seconds, however, so things that appear on Snapchat may seem to be gone forever. As it happens, however, most devices can capture any images that appears on its screen. And while Snapchat now notifies users that when someone takes a screen grab of an image they've put up, some apps allow users to circumvent this feature. As a result, Snapchat is even more likely to lure teens into thinking an inappropriate or embarrassing picture will never be seen again.

This may seem like an unmanageable array of platforms-and this list leaves out some other, less-used sites as well. But if you're concerned about your teen's online life, there are some easy ways to keep tabs on what they're up to. You can ask what platforms they use most frequently and check their profile pages.

You can also use a search engine to search for your teen's name and see what results you get: if their social media profiles appear in search results, they may not be using their privacy settings appropriately. If that's the case-and even if it isn't-sit down with your teen and look at each social network site's privacy settings to make sure that no sensitive information or embarrassing material can come in reach of people they don't know. And if you're active on social media, one simple way to keep up with your teen's online life is to follow or friend them yourself.

Given the various ways social media platforms make it easy to share photos, you may also want to talk to your teen about what constitutes "embarrassing" or "inappropriate." It's possible that they may have a different perspective than you, of course, but it's also possible that they're defining those terms without taking into consideration how far an image can spread, and how permanent it may be. Knowing that a future love interest, or an elderly relative, might someday see a comment or image they post online may change the teen's perspective.

Meeting People Online: Stalkers and Predators

All parents fear the possibility of their child coming in contact with strangers who who mean to do them harm. The risk of that happening through online interactions, and through social media in particular, is very real. That's because sensitive information isn't only a boon to scammers hoping to profit off of identity theft: carelessly spread information, and thoughtless interactions with unknown people, can also put teens at risk of encountering stalkers, predators, and others who could harm them physically or emotionally.

750,000

Predators are online looking to foster inappropriate relationships with teens at any given time.

One threat that's easier to avoid is that of the stalker, a person who gradually gathers information about a person in order to harass them or violate their privacy. You should remind your teen that even the blandest photo can reveal information about their age, what school they go to, where they live, and even times that they're most likely (or least likely) to be alone. Privacy settings may help prevent the wrong people from getting that information, but teens should also use that awareness to restrict what they'll give away in their profiles, pictures, or in an ordinary exchange of comments or messages.

Predators-people who work to gain a youth's confidence either in order to build an inappropriate relationship or in order to lure them into inappropriate behavior-are a bigger online safety concern. Many of the most popular social media sites or apps, including Instagram and Snapchat, are effectively electronic messaging services, and beyond the world of social media, teens can often get drawn into online forums, chat rooms, or other venues where they can have extended exchanges with people they don't know.

These virtual interactions have been a boon for online predators: according to statistics put out by the FBI and United Nations, at any given time there are 750,000 predators online looking to foster inappropriate, and sometimes illegal, relationships with teens. And there have been bad outcomes: teens have been lured into abductions and into sexual situations, and have been subject to sexual assault as a result of relationships begun online. And there's a chance that none of the exchanges leading up to such an outcome will be easily visible to parents.

One way to prevent such horror stories is simply to educate the teen. The website onlinesense.org, for example, offers a list of ways to recognize someone who's trying to lead you into a potentially dangerous situation. For example, predators will:

Many of these behaviors would, of course, be easily spotted as obnoxious or creepy if they were done by a stranger the teen met in person, and that's probably the best way to communicate the warning signs here: ask the teen to imagine themselves alone in a strange place with a stranger pestering them with questions or telling them to keep their meeting a secret. Remind them, too, that in the online world, it's easy for someone to assume an identity: the 12 year old girl mentioned at the beginning of this article had been convinced by her abductor that he was also a teen, even though he was in his mid thirties. So don't just encourage your teen to imagine a stranger asking them questions: have them imagine a stranger wearing a mask.

If you suspect your teen may already be in contact with someone who doesn't have their best interests at heart, it may be daunting to bring up the subject. Again, though, linking the issue to real life may be your best bet. You can, as you would with real acquaintances, ask to be (virtually) introduced. If a teen seems to be spending an inordinate amount of time in chat rooms, you can set limits as you would on any other social activity-and insist on being able to view browser histories in order to keep track. You can approach one of the teen's trusted peers, older relatives, or mentors and ask them to do a reality check or inquire what's going on. Teens often rebel against control, but they're also often swayed by genuine and respectful concern.

When the Predators Aren't Strangers: Online Bullying

Unfortunately your teen's emotional well-being may not be threatened by strangers only. Online bullying is a real possibility as well, and can have devastating effects, leading to long-term problems with self-esteem. Bullying can also lead to depression and (in some tragic instances) suicide.

As with real-life bullying, the shame associated with the experience can make it difficult for a teen to seek help or advice. Because the online world provides harassers with potentially unassailable anonymity, this, too, can make the teen unwilling to speak out. So it's important to look for signs . If your teen:

* Is avoiding online activities (such as gaming or social media) that they used to enjoy, and yet don't seem to have traded these activities for something else they like to do

* Seems to be relieved when coming away from their computer or device, as if they've just had an unpleasant experience

* Seems to be routinely dismayed by messages they receive or by other interactions with people on their mobile device or computer

* Are suddenly becoming much more secretive about their online experiences

* Are showing signs of depression

They may be subject to bullying online.

If that's the case, though, what can you do? You should, first of all, try to talk to your teen. According to Sameer Hinduja and Justin Patchin of the Cyberbullying Research Center, your first step should always be to sit down, ask what's going on, provide unconditional support without "freaking out," and very much take a problem-solving approach to the situation. Document the abuse, be ready to report it to the authorities, and keep lines of communication open between you.

Understand, too, that even if your teen isn't being bullied, they may very well know of someone who is. If you can, encourage your teen to report bullying, if only to you. And just in case, remind them that in many jurisdictions the online harassment that we call cyberbullying is actually a crime, and can have serious repercussions for them if they're involved. Even if they never become a cyber bully themselves, the fact that bullying is illegal may be enough for them to convince friends or acquaintances not to join in when others do it.

How to Handle Gaming

One online community in which bullying is especially prevalent is online gaming. Not that bullying is an unavoidable feature of such games: many teens may find a valuable social outlet in the community that springs up around their favorite role-playing game, or around the online component of their favorite console games. What's more, many games themselves teach valuable lessons about teamwork, problem-solving, and other important developmental skills.

At the same time, however, online games, just like neighborhood sports, can be an occasion for trash talk which then escalates to harassment or bullying. Especially for a teen whose social life revolves around an online community, the effect can be traumatic. As with other types of bullying, keep tabs on your teen's mood and behavior, and try to look for signs that you might have a problem. Nor is bullying the only risk that online games present. Often games will include forums for online communication, and these can serve as tools for predators in the same way as social media.

Finally, like other online activities, online gaming can gradually take over more and more of a teen's life until it becomes an addiction.

If you're concerned about this prospect, here are some tell-tale warning signs of internet gaming addiction:

Obsessively thinking about gaming, even when the teen isn't playing.

Lying about gaming activities-to family and friends.

Deep distress when gaming activities are curtailed for any reason.

Lack of interest in other activities, and neglect of hygiene, schoolwork, or other responsibilities, whether in the household or outside of it.

If you suspect that your teen may be addicted to gaming, the first approach, as always, is to talk to them. Try to set limits and seek to tie the privilege of gaming to responsibilities they may be neglecting. If these approaches don't work, you might want to try counseling or other professional help. A video game addiction is unlikely to be as damaging or difficult to overcome as an addiction to alcohol or drugs, but soldiering on against it without help is just as likely to damage your relationship with your teen.

Should My Teen Have a Blog?

Absolutely! Blogging-and webcasting videos via YouTube-can be a great creative outlet, and may inspire your teen to acquire the skills and dedication of a successful blogger, or the technical savvy (and even greater dedication) that a successful video channel requires. What's more, bloggers, Youtubers, and podcasters (people who disseminate audio content via iTunes or other platforms) can in rare instances earn money from their efforts, which adds a key incentive for teens to persevere.

At the same time, these outlets present some of the same dangers as other online activities. They can be a way for stalkers and predators to learn personal information about your teen, and-even more than social media-they put your teen's actions, attitudes, and behaviors on public display, putting them at risk of later embarrassment or shaming, and even possible legal consequences if they say the wrong thing.

If your teen is putting content online, be sure to go over with them the various risks of putting out personal information on the internet. And you may also want to lay down some ground rules, such as requiring all content to get your approval before it's put out for the rest of the world to see.

A survey of more than 600 teens found that nearly all shared their real name and photos of themselves , and most shared their school name, birthdate, and where they lived.

Some Common Sense Guidelines

In a world full of screens, it may seem futile to fight them for your teen's attention. And yet you are your teenager's anchor to the real world, and you may be the only one in their lives seeking to protect them from life's dangers. That being the case, here are some general internet safety tips you can try as you work to keep your teen safe online.

Insist that your teen employ privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. If the teen uses a shared computer for their online life, make sure that computer stays in a common area in the house. This shouldn't be done so you can look over their shoulders, but rather so you can get a glimpse of how their online life affects them (an essential for cyberbully prevention) and keep tabs on the amount of time they're spending. If you're concerned, this will also allow you to check their browser history.

Enforce general norms against screen use and online activity. "No phones at the table" is a good place to start, as is a set time to turn screens and phones off, enforced on school nights, or on any night when the teen needs to show up somewhere the next morning. If these limits turn out to be bigger battles than you expect, that will at least alert you to potential problems.

Resist allowing the teen to use screens or phones in their rooms, even if those devices are properly theirs. Phones may be too much of a battle (and may be impractical to enforce), but try to keep their gaming screens, tablets, or computers out. This will help them get better sleep, and will once again allow you to get a glimpse of how they're conducting themselves online.

If you want to more closely monitor your teen's online activities, consider taking advantage of some of the apps or software designed for that purpose, including Net Nanny, which allows you to control what websites your kids access, and will even warn you if your teen searches for an objectionable term. Secure Teen keeps call logs and allows you to read text messages. Teen Safe does all of this and more-including locking teens out of messaging when they're driving and allowing you to track them via GPS.

In the end, remember that helping your teen through life's challenges-online and offline-is as much about communication as it is about control. Given enough time and the endless resources of the internet, teens can usually circumvent even the best apps and cheat the tightest household restrictions. But they won't be able to hide their emotions if they have a problem, and whatever happens they're still going to want your approval. So take teens' online lives seriously, but don't forget that their online lives are still their lives, and part of the process by which they become adults.

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Empower teens with an online safety guide, equipped with vital knowledge to navigate the digital world responsibly.

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Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

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Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

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Whether it's overtly aggressive or not, bullying is detrimental to students of all ages. The various forms that bullying can take - verbal, social, physical, and cyber - present different challenges, but all are ultimately harmful.

Harassment occurs in-person and on the internet, affecting youths and teens in a variety of situations. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 28% of students aged 12-18 have been bullied, and 9% experienced cyberbullying. The following guide was created to bring awareness to issues surrounding bullying and cyberbullying, and to help students, parents, and teachers prevent instances of bullying in the future.

The Prevalence of Bullying and Cyberbullying

Bullying takes different forms at different ages, growing in complexity and subtlety as students develop. Physical violence is the prevalent form of bullying among children. This abuse typically evolves into verbal or social bullying as students mature, often with one or more bullies excluding or manipulating their victim through several mediums. The popularity of social media has made this form of bullying more prevalent, as technology-based platforms allow perpetrators to share hurtful words and images anonymously.

Common Forms of Bullying

Saying or writing mean things. This is the most common form of bullying, often starting in elementary school and peaking in middle school. Examples:

Teasing

Name calling

Making threats

Intimidating

Demeaning jokes about someone's differences

Spreading rumors

Gossiping

Slandering

Making someone feel excluded or humiliated. This behavior is often carried out by a group and can be especially hard to recognize. Examples:

Exclusion

Social manipulation

Telling someone whom they can and cannot be friends with

Spreading rumors

Hitting, kicking, or threatening to hurt someone. This is the easiest form of bullying to identify and it often starts in preschool. Examples:

Hitting

Kicking

Pushing

Taking or damaging property

Forced or unwelcomed contact

Writing mean or inappropriate things online. Examples:

Sending unwelcome emails or text messages

Threats

Sexual harassment

Hate speech

Ridiculing someone publically

Posting lies, rumors, or gossip and encouraging others to distribute that information

Source: What Parents Should Know About Bullying
Why and Where Do Kids Bully?

Bullies have various motivations. Some of the most cited causes of bullying are linked to social, cultural, and familial factors. These potential sources of aggressive behavior generally manifest themselves in children with underdeveloped problem-solving skills. This may cause them to resort to bullying in an attempt to deal with a distressing situation, embarrassment, or the need to feel in control.

Bullying can happen anywhere, but usually occurs when students have a lack of direct supervision: on the playground, during classroom activities, or on the school bus. As students grow older, bullying flourishes in isolated and unsupervised spaces. Technology in particular may encourage aggressive behavior, as students can bully others anonymously through websites, social media, apps, and instant messaging.

The Rise of Cyberbullying

The National Crime Prevention Council found that nearly 43% of students have experienced or seen someone bullied online. This can be delivered through social media in a variety of formats, including private messages, emails, comments, photographs, and catfishing. Cyberbullying can occur frequently and repeatedly due to constant access to the victim, and can be perpetuated through anonymous, gossip-fueled apps such as Yik Yak and Whisper. Since originating with the rise of technology in the 1990s, cyberbullying methods have multiplied and increased in complexity. Despite legislative efforts to combat cyberbullying, online harassment remains widespread.

The Victims of Bullying

Bullies often target those who are perceived as weak or people with less-developed social skills. According to The Youth Voice Project, students most often reported being bullied for their looks (55%), body shape (37%), and race (16%). Students who identify or are perceived as LGBTQ also have a higher risk of being bullied; the National School Climate Survey reported that 31.8% of LGBTQ students missed at least one entire day of school in the past month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable due to bullying at school. Victims bullied because of their image, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or otherwise are often targeted because they appear different in some way.

At-Risk Students

Of all children who are bullied, more than one third reported bias-based bullying, a form of bullying that targets someone because of who they are or what they look like. Potential victims include LGBTQ youth, students with disabilities, and religious students, especially those who wear symbols of their religion. Students with a higher risk of being bullied are often targeted because of their visible appearance, as physical differences often incite teasing.

LGBT Students: Youth identifying or perceived as LGBTQ are considered at high risk for bullying. Among students who identity as LGBTQ, 81.9% were bullied within the last year, and most reported feeling unsafe because of their sexual orientation.

Students with Disabilities: Children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied than nondisabled children. This form of bullying can be especially dangerous because victims may be defenseless against the perpetrators and may have a harder time communicating about the bullying to others.

Religious Students: Twenty-five percent of children are bullied because of their religion. Bullying students because of their religion may have less to do with one's beliefs and more to do with misinformation or negative perceptions about religion, or how adherents express their beliefs.

Girls and Young Women: Girls and young women are targeted due to body image or sexuality, and are more often harassed over social media. Girls are more likely than boys to be victims of cyberbullying; bullying statistics show that 38% of girls who use social media report being bullied online, compared to 26% of boys.

College Students

Bullying does not end after high school. In fact, 22% of college students report being cyberbullied and 15% experience traditional bullying. Freshman and students in the Greek system may experience bullying or hazing in college - both in person and through cyberbullying. Students in college who bully use technology in particular, as it is widely used across campuses and can be done anonymously.

Apps like Yik Yak, for example, contribute to the problem. The app allows users to anonymously create, view, and up- or down-vote "yaks" within a 10-mile radius, creating threads of popularity-based gossip. These campus-centered apps, combined with the rampant use of social media and hazing, fuels bullying across college campuses.

The Effects of Bullying

Bullying directly affects the victims, but also impacts entire communities. Victims may feel anger, depression, and anxiety, both short- and long-term. If the bullying continues, victims may in turn lash out. When schools, organizations, and groups do not address bullying, it can make others - not just the direct victims of bullying - feel insecure and unsafe, and they may ultimately have trouble learning.

Depression

Anxiety over and desire to avoid settings in which bullying may occur

Lower grades than non-bullied peers

Suicidal thoughts and feelings

Reduced occupational opportunities

Difficulty trusting people

Interpersonal difficulties, including fear and avoidance of new social situations

Increased incidence of continued bullying and victimization

Source: http://www.aaets.org/article204.htm
As bullies hurt others, they also hurt themselves. Adolescents who bully often do not learn how to express themselves maturely, and as a result they develop higher rates of aggression, violence, and antisocial behavior. Their lack of behavioral skills are detrimental years later, as bullies often perform poorly in school, and have high rates of smoking, depression, violence, and drunk driving.

The Role of the Bystander

Bystanders witness bullying incidents and can choose to ignore or intervene. Bystanders who intervene are typically able to break up the situation. Those who discourage the bully, defend the target, or gather attention from peers stop nearly 60% of bullying incidents. Students who do not intervene often view the incident as a problem, but are unsure how to respond. Watching someone get bullied can instill feelings of fear and powerlessness, which can cause bystanders to ignore the situation or side with the bully.

Preventing Bullying and Cyberbullying

For the health of all children and the community, it is important that schools, families, and organizations address this issue and raise awareness about cyberbullying and bullying. There are several effective methods, such as educating students and staff, implementing anti-bullying policies and laws, reporting and following up on incidents, and helping perpetrators stop their bullying behaviors.

Parent Involvement

The parents of bullied students are advised to report the incident directly to the school. If the bullying occurs away from school grounds, or if the victim has been threatened, contact the police.

As an initial step, parents may set up a meeting with the principal and present every detail of the bullying incident(s), noting whether the bully has violated the school's anti-bullying policy. If the issue continues, parents should file a Notice of Harassment. The final step, if necessary, is to contact the U.S. Department of Education.

Providing Support for Bullies

To prevent aggressors from bullying, parents and administrators are encouraged to help them realize why they chose to bully, why it is a problem, and the ramifications of their actions. The bully should also actively resolve the situation by apologizing and demonstrating a positive change in behavior by helping the victim in some way. Adults should also recognize that boys and girls tend to bully in different ways. Girls often use verbal and emotional bullying instead of physical aggression, and therefore require different types of management and support.

Reporting Cyberbullying

There are multiple channels to report cyberbullying. Many websites allow users to flag incidents directly through their application. For cyberbullying protection across all websites, some technology users use third-party software to stop online harassment. Several programs have been developed to prevent cyberbullying, and most social media sites, including Facebook, have added measures to combat cyberbullying with "report" and "block" functions where users cannot view, reach, or interact with the victim.

"Reporting" and "blocking" actions give victims the power to remove themselves from cyberbullying situations. These functions are not fool-proof, however. Cyberbullies can use their anonymity to harass people from different accounts without consequences. To help combat the issue and prevent future instances of harassment, parents are encouraged to teach their children about online etiquette and to report cyberbullying instead of retaliating.

Anti-bullying Apps

STOPit is a reporting app for three different audiences: primary and secondary schools, colleges, and businesses. The app allows users to report inappropriate behaviors and mitigate unethical or illegal activity that can occur through technology-based programs used by these groups.

ReThink uses filtering technology to flag offensive content. The software is geared toward adolescents who use social media, and it notifies them when their writing is offensive, giving them a second chance to reconsider their decision before posting online. Being forced to rethink their decision has proven effective; users change their minds 93% of the time.

Professor Garfield Cyberbullying is a comic-styled app geared toward younger children to inform them about cyberbullying. The app also teaches users how to identify and resolve cyberbullying situations, and when to enlist help from an adult.

Puresight, a program that filters and monitors content on internet applications, prevents cyberbullying by alerting parents of verbal violence. The software also blocks offensive users and provides details about them for parents to follow-up, if necessary.

Anti-bullying Training and Education

Prevention techniques include school-wide anti-bullying policies, a plan for consistent consequences for bullies, and family education.

Bullying-prevention techniques vary from school-to-school, but often start with an assessment of bullying facts and prevalence. Schools can take their findings and collaborate with the community to create policies and a reporting system to reinforce positive behavior and inclusiveness. In doing so, schools often integrate anti-bullying material into the student curriculum and staff training methods to prevent and reduce bullying at their school.

Anti-bullying Policies and Laws

Anti-bullying policies and laws are crucial to preventing bullying and ensuring consistent consequences. All 50 states have anti-bullying state laws in place. Laws vary by state but each has policies outlining anti-bullying guidelines to school systems state-wide. Although there are currently no anti-bullying federal laws, bias-based bullying that overlaps with harassment is considered a civil rights violation and must be reported to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division.

Prevention on College Campuses

Bullying behavior on college campuses is serious, as such actions are often considered crimes for perpetrators over the age of 18. To prevent and combat these behaviors, students should take advantage of campus policies and laws to report bullying and cyberbullying to the appropriate offices, including law enforcement, Title IX coordinators, or ombudsmen.

Additional Resources
If you or someone you know is being bullied and needs immediate help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline online or at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Cyberbullying

Bullying in College

Help for LGBT Students

General Resources

Stories about Bullying

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A Guide to Bullying and Cyberbullying | OnlineSchools.org

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Whether it's overtly aggressive or not, bullying is detrimental to students of all ages. The various forms that bullying can take - verbal, social, physical, and cyber - present different challenges, but all are ultimately harmful. Harassment occurs in-person and on the internet, affecting youths and teens in a variety of situations.