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Parents' Page

Information Links for Wooster Parents and Families

 

Book Links for Families:

How to Handle Bullies - Schoolyard aggressors have gone online. These sites can help.

What is cyberbullying? How is it different than facing a bully in real life? What can kids do about it? This site provides the answers in a playful format. Users visit Detective Henshaw's office and click on objects to reveal information, such as how different media (chat, text messages) are used to intimidate others. Created by: Chris Webster, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. Detour: Play “Shrink the Cyberbully” at www.mcgruff.org/Games/cyberbully.php.

This brief article will help adults start a dialog with kids about what to do if they are being bullied (also available in Spanish). Created by: The Nemours Foundation, Wilmington, DE. Detour: If a teen is being victimized, read “Dealing With Bullying” at kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/bullies.html (also available in Spanish).

Geared for middle school students, “Bully-Free Zones” on this site offers a book list of related fiction and nonfiction for kids. “Watch It,” a video, has kids discussing bullies. Created by: Public Broadcasting Service, Arlington, VA. Don't Miss: Play the “Beat the Bully” game and win a race between you and your nemesis. Detour: For another fun online game, try “The Bully Roundup” at www.bam.gov/sub_yourlife/yourlife_bullyroundup.html#.

Here, McGruff the Crime Dog teaches elementary youngsters how to cope with bullies. In games such as “Shrink the Cyberbully” and “Stop the Bully,” users learn about aggressors encountered in real life and online. The section “Parents & Educators” provides statistics and advice for adults. Created by: The National Crime Prevention Council, Washington, DC. Detour: Concerned adults can access the NCPC handout “Stop Cyberbullying Before It Starts” at www.ncpc.org/topics/by-audience/parents/bullying/cyberbullying/cyberbullying.pdf.

This must-see site discusses what middle school kids can do if they are victimized by or witness bullying—or if they bully others. Created by: U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD. Don't Miss: All 12 of the animated “webisodes,” each covering a different aspect of bullying. If you're planning workshops on bullying, each would make a great intro, and the accompanying discussion questions will make it easy to get folks talking. Detour: For more helpful teaching ideas, visit “Bullying – Lesson Plans and Strategies” at www.educationworld.com/a_special/bully.shtml.

By Gail Junion-Metz -- School Library Journal, 9/1/2008

Safety at Home and on the Internet:

  • GetNetWise - Archive of "America Links Up" - A national public education campaign to teach parents and children about the Internet and ensure that children have a safe and rewarding online experience. Web site includes resources and safety tips for parents and kids.
  • Children’s Defense Fund. This Washington, D.C.-based organization advocates on behalf of children at risk and children with disabilities.
  • Connect for Kids. This nonprofit site provides news and information on issues affecting kids and families, over 1500 helpful links to national and local resources, and two e-mail newsletters.
  • Dr. Toy’s Guide on the Internet. Information on hundreds of recommended toys and products for children.

  • Facts for Families. Information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

  • Family Education Network. A good site for parents in search of advice about how to help their children learn. Articles and discussion groups cover areas like special education, home schooling, and school-parent relations.
  • Government Food Safety Information. Links to government supplied information dealing with food and health related concerns.

  • NetMom Internet Safe House. For families that would like to explore the Web together.

  • KidsHealth.org. Articles on many aspects of child health—for parents, kids, and health professionals—from the Nemours Foundation.

  • KidsNET. The only national non-profit computerized clearinghouse and information center devoted to children’s television, radio, audio, video, and multimedia. Provides resources, including monthly media guides, to help families make smart choices about their children’s media use.

  • KidSource Online. Information for parents on child health, education, and more.

  • Media Awareness for Parents. Sometimes, the sheer volume of media and pop culture influences in our kids' lives can seem overwhelming. Get pro-active! Use the resources in this section to learn how to talk to your kids about media, gain control of the home entertainment playground, and speak out as a consumer.

  • NetSmartz Workshop. An interactive, educational safety resource that teaches kids and teens how to stay safer on the Internet.

  • ReadyWeb. An electronic collection of resources on school readiness sponsored by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education.

  • SafeKids.com. Here you'll find links, tips, advice, and suggestions to make your family's online experience fun and productive
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Nancy Woodward - Head Librarian & Library Web Weaver Last | Updated 21 November 2011