Cybersmart blog: Tips for Young People- HURIATA

Cybersmart - Huriata

What it means to be cybersmart and why it is important?

Being cybersmart means using the initiative to do the right thing on the internet; such as
using positive language, being respectful and being appropriate. It’s important that we
follow these values, just like when we’re offline, to prevent hurting somebody's feelings
and to avoid negative conflict. Also, it’s about protecting your image and being aware of
the things you put or say on the media, like nasty comments and your personal
information which only those you trust should know. The Impact of being cybersmart
creates a safe environment for those who use the media and browse the internet.

Two things you learnt about being cybersmart and how you could apply it to your
own life

How to be appropriate and change your settings to private or friends only. The way I’ve
been appropriate online is by posting pictures/ images that won’t affect my reputation
negatively, one’s with family members or my hobby. If there are things that I don’t want
others seeing, I change my settings to private or friends only - I use these skills for apps
like facebook, twitter and instagram.

A personal strategy a young person can do to help themselves if they are being
cyberbullied

To avoid involvement with negativity and ignore it. Whatever someone says about you
online or in real life is trivial, it doesn’t matter as long as you know that
they’re being an ******* and that you are not what they say you are. When you think the
bullying is getting out of control, notify an adult that you trust, like a teacher or parent.  

A interpersonal strategy a young person can do to help their friend who is
being cyberbullied

Ask your friends how you could help them through the bullying or tell
an adult (teachers, parents). You ‘ask’ because they might say yes meaning that they
trust you, but if they say no it could be for multiple reasons for why they rejected you; like pride,
embarrassment or independence. Sometimes they could have it under control, but
always be mindful for the feelings of your friend. 2 The adult will be needed when it
starts to get serious.

 A personal strategy a young person who finds themselves bullying other young people can do to help build their self-esteem and change their behaviour

Was is kind? Why would you say that? Always refer back to those questions. It helps you look back at yourself, and think if this is the person that you are proud of and want to be, being a bully is not the same as being cool.  

Tips for young people:

Be humble: being humble means you know where you are and how you should behave.
(It also helps to keep yourself out of trouble)

Use kind language: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it. Why try to hurt someone purposely when you know what impact it might have on them as young adults.

Don’t gossip: Because what do you know? If you aren’t the actual person then you shouldn’t go telling others about someone else. If it isn’t your business, why should it be anyone else's?