JF&CS’ Safe Surf Program Aims To Provide Cyberbullying Solution Before It Starts
(ST. LOUIS, MO /October XX, 2017) – October is Bullying Prevention and Awareness Month and although traditional face-to-face bullying has been gradually decreasing, a newer and more devastating trend has taken its place in full force: cyberbullying. In 2015, a study found that almost 35 percent of 11 to 15-year-olds in the Midwest experienced cyberbullying in their lifetime, according to Cyberbullying Research Center. Cyberbullying is a growing social problem if not stopped – can have lasting emotional and psychological effects on a victim’s mental health.
The Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS) is taking a proactive step to combat these statistics. Recognizing that technological advances (the Internet, cell phones and social media) have led to the increase and prevalence of cyberbullying, JF&CS created a free program that teaches technology safety to our community.
Safe Surf presentations are offered to schools, daycare facilities, camps, community organizations and others. JF&CS is using their program to open the door for St. Louis organizations to communicate with their youth and educate them on the dangers of cyberworld, making it a safer place for all kids in our community. Doing so will enhance student’s safety at school, improve their ability to learn and focus in the classrooms, and help put a stop to cyberbullying.
The Safe Surf Program uses an interactive and entertaining presentation, fourth to 12 th grade students are taught safe and responsible internet skills, such as:
- How to be a good cyber citizen
- To recognize cyberbullying and help stop it
- To understand the ramifications of inappropriate online behavior
- To utilize social networking in an age-appropriate and respectful manner
“Unfortunately, cyberbullying is a modern trend that continues today. JF&CS is working to educate and put an end to it,” says Lou Albert, Chief Executive Officer at JF&CS. “Our value goes beyond speaking with the children; We offer our lessons and services to parents and teachers as well, to provide them a better grasp on how today’s children use technology, how to read the signs that a child is being bullied or bullying, and how to handle the situation effectively.”
Safe Surf is a branch of JF&CS’ much larger Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAPP), which has served over 300,000 children’s, parents, educators and other professionals throughout Saint Louis County. JF&CS visits schools and education centers and uses CAPP to spark engaging educational discussions on a variety of child safety topics. These discussions equip children with the knowledge necessary to assess dangerous situations and act accordingly.
For more information regarding JF&CS and their CAPP programs, please visit https://jfcs-stl.org/child-abuse-prevention/.
About Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS): The Jewish Family & Children’s Service offers compassionate support and practical solutions to help people in the local community navigate life’s challenges. JF&CS and its licensed professional staff assist the elderly, protect children at risk, provide food and services for the needy, resolve family problems and enhance Jewish connections. JF&CS serves those in need, regardless of age, race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.