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The Socket Connection |
March 2010 |
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New Bill Proposed to Stop Cyberbullying
Cyberbullies could face harsher punishment at school if passed.
A bill, introduced to the Missouri Senate on Jan. 27, could mean effective punishment for public school students using text messaging, social networks and other technology to harass and intimidate fellow students. Sen. Yvonne Wilson, D-Kansas City, a former schoolteacher and principal, sponsored the bill.
We talked with Sen. Wilson about the bill and why she felt it was important to address cyberbullying problems.
"The whole issue [of cyberbullying] has become important because of all the technology available to our young people," said Wilson.
According to the National Schools Boards Association, more than 13 million children have been the victims of online bullying in their lifetime. Cyberbullying occurs when a minor is harassed, threatened or humiliated by another minor using interactive or digital technologies, according to StopCyberbullying.org.
"This bill asks specifically that schools add cyberbullying to their disciplinary policies," said Wilson. "We need to pay more attention and look for signs of stress among our young people."
The bill is intended to prevent cyberbullying as well as provide more effective means of punishment. However, cyberbullying is not limited to schools, so parents have to be aware of the severity of this problem as well.
"My kids log on after school for homework, e-mail and to keep up with their friends on Facebook and MySpace," said Kurt Bruemmer, director of operations at Socket, and a father of pre-teen and teenage boys. "If they are attacked at home, the bully has infiltrated a safe place."
Victims may be targeted with rumors, lies, threats and altered photos. Identifying a cyberbullying victim is not as easy as instances of in-school bullying. Parents should keep an eye out for reluctance to use a cell phone or the Internet. Other warning signs are depression, mood swings, quickly closing Internet browser windows or an unwillingness to talk about online activities.
It is also important for parents to be alert of any bullying their own children might be instigating. Young people who are not necessarily physically violent may find it easier to initiate conflict online.
"As parents, we communicate with our kids as best we can," said Wilson.
"Let [your children] know that you are there. Create a dialogue, and let them know you are aware of what is out there."
If dealing with a cyberbully:
- Do not respond or retaliate. Many bullies will back down if they do not receive a reaction.
- Save all evidence. Take screen shots of instant messages, save Web sites or download pictures. This will be useful if it is necessary to go to the authorities.
- File a complaint if the bullying persists. Cyberbullying is typically a violation of terms of use for both Internet service and social networking Web sites. The provider can take action or even shut down the violator's account.
Fortunately, by keeping a close eye on teens and the Internet, many instances of cyber-bullying can be prevented or handled properly.
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(c) 2010 Socket. All rights reserved.
Dear Techie: How can I give my computer a spring cleaning?
As the weather turns warmer, you may find yourself doing a little spring cleaning around your home. Don't neglect your computer! A few simple touch-ups to your computer and other hardware can improve speed, performance and efficiency. For starters, try the clean-up tasks below:
- Clean your computer - literally! Wipe your computer tower with a dry cloth and use a can of compressed air to clean your keyboard. Clean your screen with a household glass cleaner (unless the screen has an anti-glare coating, in which case you should follow directions in its instruction manual). For more computer cleaning tips, visit www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm.
- Remove unused files and programs. Go through your desktop and document folders to delete files you no longer need, or transfer them to a disk or external hard drive (find out how in a previous Dear Techie column). If you are using a PC, use the Add/Remove Programs tool in your control panel to delete programs you are certain you no longer need. However, be careful not to delete programs you use! If you do not recognize a program, learn what it does before removing it from your computer.
- Clean up and update. Perform a disk cleanup to safely remove unnecessary files from your PC. Visit Microsoft Help and Support to learn how. Try searching for "disk cleanup" followed by your operating system version. You should also make sure your operating system is current by checking for necessary updates to your PC or Mac.
- Run a virus and spyware scan. Not only can spyware and viruses rob you of your personal information, but they can also cause programs to run on your computer without your knowledge, slowing down your computer and taking up valuable memory and hard drive space. Socket recommends and supports Trend Micro Internet Security for protection against viruses and spyware.
- Consider upgrading. If your computer is not meeting your needs, consider adding more RAM (random access memory) or upgrading to a new computer. Visit your local computer expert to discuss these options. Search for a Socket-recommended local computer store near you.
Spring is right around the corner—enjoy the changing season!
Andy Rehak, Technical Support Supervisor
support@socket.net
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Socket Sponsors Polar Plunge for Special Olympics of Missouri
Socket was proud to sponsor the 2010 Polar Plunge. A total of 360 plungers raised more than $60,000 for the Special Olympics of Missouri. The money raised goes toward funding thousands of Special Olympics athletes to train and compete year-round.
A team of 11 Socketeers braved Stephens Lake in Columbia, where the water temperature was below freezing.
In addition, a green screen gave plungers and spectators the chance to take arctic photos. To see them, along with action shots of all heats in the water, visit our Polar Plunge Photo Gallery.
Socket's team runs into the icy water.
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Plungers included - (front row, L-R): Ramona Bade, Jeff Hummel (back row, L-R): Mitch Wylie, Andrew Mette, Wayne Noonan, Bryan Henderson, Josh Connon, Dustin Dunstedter, Lonnie Schaal, Mark Thrasher and Scott Ciesluk.
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Coming to an Event Near You...
Socket takes part in local home and garden shows and other Missouri events throughout the year.
Upcoming events include:
- Mid-Missouri Home and Lifestyle Expo: Feb. 26-28, Hearnes Center, Columbia, MO
- Sedalia Home & Garden Show: Mar. 12-13, Mathewson Exhibition Center, Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO
- St. Louis Business Expo: Mar. 18, St. Charles Convention Center, St. Charles, MO
- Lake of the Ozarks Products and Services Show: Mar. 20-21, Country Club Hotel, Lake Ozark, MO
- Kirksville Spring Expo: Mar. 27, NEMO Fairgrounds, Kirksville, MO
Hope to see you there!
Tell us about festivals and events in your community! Just send an e-mail to openears@socket.net.
To learn more about Socket's community involvement and to view pictures of Socketeers in action, visit www.socket.net/community.
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Socketeer Spotlight: Tony Lana, Regulatory Analyst
Tony Lana was chosen as Socket's You-Make-the-Difference Award winner for the month of February. He joined Socket in 2005 as a technical support agent. Since then, he has risen in the ranks from a technical support lead to code administrator, and now holds the position of regulatory analyst. He works with other Missouri telephone companies on 911 records and directory listings for Socket's business telecom clients.
Tony, who is originally from Iowa, attended the University of Missouri, where he received degrees in English and history. He lives with his wife, Amy, and their three cats, K'Eleyr, Pandora, and Ronin. The couple recently purchased a house in Columbia and Tony spends a lot of time doing home repairs and renovations.
Tony was nominated by a co-worker who said, "We could not have progressed as far as we have without him."
"It's an honor to be chosen for the YMTD award," said Tony. "I'm pleased that I've been able to make a positive impact on Socket."
Socket's You-Make-the-Difference Award is given monthly to the employee who best exemplifies Socket's Core Values and Beliefs. Recipients of the award are nominated and voted on by their peers. To view other winners, visit www.socket.net/ymtd.
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New Look Coming Soon for the Socket Connection
You may have noticed a few changes to the Socket Connection this month. We're in the process of redesigning it to make it even easier for you to read helpful technology tips and stories.
Tell us what you want to see (or don't want to see) in Socket's monthly newsletter. Do you read it top to bottom or skim only the stories you're interested in? What do you like the most? E-mail us your feedback.
Look for a newly designed newsletter in the next couple of months!
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Sites of the MonthThree great Web sites to check out in March:
- Destination Rx (www.destinationrx.com)
Learn about generic alternatives for your prescription drugs and even compare prices at pharmacies in your area. You can also read more about the drugs you're taking, including important safety information.
- Grocery Wiz (www.grocerywiz.com)
Organize your grocery list and check out the weekly circular advertisements for stores in your area. Family members can log in and add items to the list.
- Wireless AMBER Alerts (www.wirelessamberalerts.org)
Sign up to receive AMBER alerts in your area via text messages on your phone. There is no charge for the updates, but normal text message rates may apply.
Do you have a great Web site to share with others? Send it to editor@socket.net.
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publication, please consult with one of Socket's technical or customer service
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