Domestic Violence Prevention Activities!

October has been a busy month of education and awareness for the community. The Center for Family Violence Prevention (C4FVP) and their partners works to make the community a safe place to live and grow.

CyberSecurity Awareness Month

October is National Bullying Prevention & Cyber Security Awareness Month. This post will discuss cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is becoming a major problem for families, schools and communities. The list below discuss the issue and give ways to protect your children and minimize the effects.

“Cyberbullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally harasses, mistreats, or makes fun of another person online or while using cell phones or other electronic devices.”

· Remind children and youth that they never really know who is on the other end of online communication. It could be the person they think it is, but because they cannot see that person they should always proceed with caution in their exchanges. Remind them not to do or say anything online that they wouldn’t do or say in person. Stress that they should not reveal anything that they wouldn’t tell a stranger.

· Advise them to never share their email or social media account passwords with anyone, even their best friend. That friend may share it with other people, or the friendship may end, and then their private messages could suddenly become very public.

· Help them determine what is and is not appropriate to share online. This can include avoiding sharing personal photos or data (such as physical descriptions, phone numbers, or addresses).

What should you tell the child?

1. This is not your fault. Make sure they know they should not blame themselves.

2. You are not alone. Many children feel that no one can help and that nothing will change.

3. It is not up to you to stop the bullying; we will work together. It’s important that youth and adults are both involved in working toward a solution.

4. Bullying is never okay. Even though it happens, that never makes it right.

5. No one deserves to be bullied. All students have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

How to capture evidence of cyberbullying:

· Take screenshots of bullying content on a phone or computer

· Save emails, messages, and photos

· Encourage the child to forward hurtful texts to you or another trusted adult so that someone is keeping track of the evidence but the child can delete it from their own device

· If bullying is also happening in person, make sure to record the date and description of each instance. Talk with law enforcement, school officers and parents.

https://www.pacer.org/

Self-care is Mental Wellness

For the sake of our Mental Health, be kind to ourselves. One way to protect and prioritize our mental and emotional health is through daily affirmations.

Here are 10 positive affirmations for women and girls that they should recite before leaving the house every morning.

I am enough: You don’t need to be more. You’re fine just the way you are. Shine brightly in your light and live your most authentic life.

I’m healthy: You look incredible just the way you are. You’re in control of your body. Don’t feel pressured by today’s silly beauty trends.

You are an asset to our community: You have the profound leadership skills that the community needs. By fulfilling your goals, you inspire others to do the same.

It’s okay not to be okay: It’s okay to feel sad, mad, or frustrated with the current state of the world. Give yourself permission to feel all those things.

I can be whoever you want to be: With hard work, determination, and grit you can be anything you want to be.

I give myself permission to do what is right for me: Putting your needs and wants first is not a bad thing. It’s a form of self-care.

I love my ability to [fill in the blank]: Speak highly of your achievements, whether you’re good at negotiating business deals or happy you studied hard for your college exams. You’re incredible at what you do.

I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents: You can truly live the life you want.

Abundance is my birthright: You deserve happiness, that house, and that well-paying career you have been dreaming of. Never sell your goals or dreams short.

I love the skin I’m in: Your melanin is so unique. Embrace your rich glow and beauty.

Shannon Dawson, August 8, 2022