Page 46 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2018

KIDS anonymous anger
#bullyproof teaches teens dangers of digital communication story by Kimberly Cox
“Y
Bayou View Middle School. That
is what she learned at this year’s #bullyproof project, presented by the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport (JAG). Partnering with the group, Protect Young Eyes, JAG brought #bullyproof to life by providing students with real-time information concerning the realities of a virtual world.
While it’s no secret that today’s digital world has given way to faster communication and near-instant access to all types of information, the risks associated with this communication are often overlooked. In a matter of
a few clicks, you can arrange a date, catch up on the news or even see
what your best friend had for lunch. We have unprecedented access to one another and society is more and more eager to put information out there.
ou can say more with your thumbs than you can with your mouth,” stated one local sixth grader from
With most adolescents and teens having access to a tablet or a smart phone, the need for adequate education concerning the short
and long term dangers of digital technology is more important than ever. That’s what members of JAG hoped to accomplish with their project, #bullyproof.
Over 500 students at Bayou View Middle School and Gulfport Central Middle School listened as Protect Young Eyes explained the risks associated with today’s digital
world. Students were shown real-
life examples of how quickly their personal information can be shared. Many had no idea that the pictures they shared on social media sites are available even after they were deleted, leaving a “digital footprint” forever.
An emphasis was placed on responsible digital behavior and the students were taught that saying something online does not make
it okay and that these negative comments and remarks are just as hurtful. Most importantly, the students learned that it is right to speak up
if they see something happening on social media they do not feel is right.
“It is important for parents to be aware of what their children are doing and saying on social media,” said #bullyproof chair Laura McMahon. “By addressing these important topics with both parents and children, the likelihood of misuse is drastically reduced. This is what makes #bullyproof so valuable.”
Due to the success of this year’s #bullyproof project, JAG looks forward to continuing their efforts to spread the word about cyber-bullying and safe digital practices.
Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport
www.jagulfport.org
Protect Young Eyes
www.protectyoungeyes.com
46 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2018
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