Hello, my name is Maxence and I am a member of the 2023 Kid Governor's Cabinet! My platform addresses cyberbullying. I've been doing a lot of work on this community issue, and I wanted to provide you with an update on my progress since the last time I wrote on the blog.
First, I had a virtual meeting with Internet safety specialist Scott Driscoll to help me with my 10-step action plan and how to improve it. Thanks to his expertise, I was able to complete my 10-step action plan for what to do if you notice cyberbullying!
The 10 steps are:
- Do not wait for things to get worse! You are not making things up. If you feel upset, then there is something wrong and you should try to solve the problem.
- Communicate with a trusted adult to help you. Don’t be scared to talk with someone else about the problem. They are there to help!
- Shut your computer and walk away from it. Continuing to be online might make you feel worse.
- Take time to control your emotions. Problem-solving is easier when you are in the right headspace.
- Do not respond to the bully. The only thing the bully wants is a response. If you do not answer, the bully may stop.
- Block the cyberbully. This could help prevent future incidents. If you do not know how to block someone, ask an adult for help.
- Save evidence of cyberbullying. This can include methods like screen capture. Having examples will help you talk about the problem with adults.
- Speak out, don’t stay alone! Get help from a trusted adult or an online resource.
- Talk about preventative steps. You and your family should plan ahead in case something like this happens to you.
- Help others. If you see friends or other people getting cyberbullied, talk to them about it and try to help them by speaking with an adult.
Second, I have worked with fellow Cabinet Member Jacob Garay, whose topic is also about bullying, to create a wonderful slideshow called "How to Host an Anti-Bullying Day." This presentation teaches about this community issue and gives kids tips on how to host Anti-Bullying Days at their schools!
From June 2 through June 5, I had the opportunity to present this slideshow to my whole school through our morning announcements. Every day, after our principal greeted our school and gave key messages, I was able to share one of the slides in our presentation! Finally, at the end of the week on June 5, I organized an Anti-Cyberbullying Day at my school. We had a wacky-tacky spirit day and wore mismatched clothes, we changed tables and seats at lunch to make new friends, and I shared my 10-step action plan with the school! I am happy I was able to reach my goals.
I hope you can also make a difference on this community issue! If you have any questions or things you want to tell me, you can email me at Cabinet@CT.KidGovernor.org.
Happy summer everyone!
