I was compensated for this post as a blogger who is part of the Forward Influence Network<\/a>. As always my words and views are 100% my own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As the month of October is coming to a close, I think it is important to remind ourselves that it is National Bullying Prevention Month<\/strong>. Let’s hope that we carry the message through every month of the year, because bullying, especially on the internet, is prevalent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all did our part to spread some kindness online<\/strong>. There is something about the ability to hide behind a computer screen that brings out the worst in some. Online bullying and hateful behavior is real, and it can cause real hurt and have devastating consequences<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Be Internet Awesome:<\/b><\/p>\n

Be Internet Awesome<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(BIA) is Google\u2019s free multifaceted program designed to teach kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety,<\/strong> so they can explore the online world with confidence. You can find the program in both English and Spanish and consists of an ISTE standards aligned curriculum, ready-made Pear Decks for each lesson, Interland – an adventure-packed online game<\/strong> about digital safety and citizenship – and plenty of resources for educators and parents<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

BIA will help families and students to learn how to make choices that disempower bullying behavior<\/strong> and create healthy, productive spaces to interact.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Some Important Facts About Bullying: <\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
• 28%<\/span><\/a> of students have experienced bullying personally.<\/span><\/li>\n
• 71%<\/span><\/a> of students have witnessed bullying directly.<\/span><\/li>\n
• Only <\/span>20% – 30%<\/span><\/a> of students notify adults about bullying.<\/span><\/li>\n
• Over <\/span>50%<\/span><\/a> of parents are concerned about their child being bullied.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  If you are an educator, you should check out the\u00a0teacher <\/strong><\/span>curriculum<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0online<\/strong>. A family guide is coming soon, in the meantime, the\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Interland games <\/a><\/strong>\u00a0 covers each of the 5 areas for Internet awesomeness shown below<\/strong>. It will give you vocabulary and talking points to help you have family discussions that help build a strong foundation for your kids’ safe, successful use of the Internet. The ability to have honest and open-minded conversations with your kids<\/strong> is the most important tool to keep them safe online.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

  <\/p>\n

  In the curriculum you will find helpful ways to open up family dialog that will help you encourage one another to step up and become “upstanders”<\/strong>. Upstanders are\u00a0people who help the person being hurt when they see something hurtful happening, and help turn negative situations into positive ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

  You can play Interland with your kids and put your kindness skills to the test<\/strong> at\u00a0g.co\/KindKingdom<\/span><\/a>, but don’t stop there. Learn more about how you can Be Internet Awesome at\u00a0g.co\/BeInternetAwesome<\/span><\/a> and tell your kids\u2019 teachers about the online curriculum so they can introduce these activities in the classroom.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

  <\/p>\n

  I implore everyone to help make a positive difference and to start today by spreading kindness online<\/strong>. It is an easy thing to do, and it can make a real difference<\/strong>. Let me know how you are spreading online kindness in the comments. Together we can make the Internet a kinder place. Won’t you join me?<\/strong><\/p>\n

  <\/p>\n

   <\/p>\n