New anti-bullying product for schools, parents and kids delivers, says Mark Reidy.
By Mark Reidy
OVER 200 schools have embraced an innovative DVD and web-based resource that unites students, parents and teachers in their endeavours to navigate the treacherous waters of digital technology.
The Cyber Survivor program, which promotes this three-pronged approach to Internet safety and cyber bullying, is the brainchild of Jonathan and Karen Doyle, founders of Canberra-based firm CHOICEZ Media.
Having already produced programs, seminars and training sessions on issues such as values-based sex education and pornography, the Doyles believe that dealing with the dangers of the rapidly expanding and unprecedented world of cyberspace is essential for today’s youth, and that it is the responsibility of the adults in their lives to help provide the necessary protection.
“While Internet and digital technology provide young people with extraordinary new possibilities in terms of creativity, research and connection”, the Doyles said in their latest production, “it can also generate some real dangers to their emotional, psychological and physical health and safety”.
The strategy behind Cyber Survivor is that each school that purchases the program is provided with a three DVD set (Student, Parent, Teacher) as well as two unique codes, one for staff and one for parents, that allow access to the CHOICEZ Media website. It is suggested that students watch the DVD during class, parents during information evenings and teachers during staff meetings.
The codes are to be distributed to all staff and parents (via email or school newsletter) and this will allow them to download the manuals, question sheets, answers pages, essay topics and other printable content from the website, as well as allowing those who were unable to attend the group presentations to view the program from their own computers.
Each of the DVDs is divided into three sections and is presented by the Doyle’s and a team of teachers and legal experts.
The presenters explore the vast array of digital technology available today and present the dangers and pitfalls associated with each, focusing particularly on the growing phenomenon of bullying which, in the cyber world, has now extended its devastating reach from a limited time in the playground to an infinite access.
One of the goals of the three-pronged attack is to pool the wisdom of adults with the technological savvy of youth, to provide a haven where young people can safely explore this exciting new world without fear of harassment, threat, intimidation or/and emotional and psychological scars that may last a lifetime.
The Student DVD discusses, explains and provides information on what cyber bullying is, how it happens, who it affects and what strategies can be adopted to minimise the chances of it occurring, as well as warning them of the permanent repercussions that can occur by posting personal information and photographs onto a public network.
Adults are also educated on why this new technology is so vital to young people, as well as how devastating such bullying can be and why it can go undetected for so long.
They are also equipped with a list of warning signs to watch out for, strategies that can be implemented to prevent or stop unwanted communication, the legal avenues and technological safety nets available for those who are harassed and the legal ramifications for perpetrators.
Cyber Survivor is a timely and much needed tool that is designed for children of upper primary age and above. It is a program that is designed to educate parents and teachers on the dangers associated with the rapidly expanding marketplace of technology but more importantly, it is designed to protect those who are most vulnerable in this new world.
Cyber Survivor Program $349.95 (GST EXCLUSIVE) + $12.95 P& H
To order or for more information contact CHOICEZ Media on
info@choicez.com.au or phone (02) 6273 4608.
Visit their website on www.choicez.com.au