Anti-Bullying Awareness Apps

Statistics in 2010 reveal that bullying is not going away any time soon. There are about 160,000 children that miss school every day out of fear of being bullied. Cyberbullying activities also rose in 2010. About one in seven students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade is either a bully or has been a victim of bullying.

Bully-Button Free - This application is for helping when the user is in trouble. Record and send an email with audio attachment with text by tapping "Record and Send" button. Children can call to parents, friend or school by selecting appropriate options.

Rindin by CrocPond $.99 - Based on the story and DVD Rindin. Included in the app is an animated short movie, story book and an adventure game. The app encourages children to be creative, while helping them to recognize the value of tolerance and getting along.

Bully-Shield $.99 - For kids being bullied, family members who care about them, teachers, and school administrators. Users build and save an action plan to create a bully-free zone and then email the action plan to friends and family.

Worksite $.99 - An Australian app used with secondary students to teach them about bullying at the workplace. Teaches students about their rights and includes videos to help students see what is appropriate and what is not at work.

Be confident in who you are $2.99 - Based on the Middle School Confidential™ series written by teen expert Annie Fox, illustrated by Matt Kindt, and published by Free Spirit Publishing. The book is geared for kids 8-14 years old. Students are put through six thought-provoking situations, from what you look like to losing your temper. Each topic is a lesson for discussion. It is written in comic book format, making it more enticing for students to read.

Professor Garfield Cyberbullying Free - Through storytelling, Garfield uses his alter ego to understand cyber attacks. In addition to the story that unfolds, an interactive "Try" and "Apply" section are included to help users gain insight to the problem. Try your hand at recognizing cyber threats and Apply your knowledge to prevent becoming a victim of cyberbullying.

Destructive Issues Free - This app is for any person who works with children and young adults. Destructive Issues deals with the top 20 issues facing youth today and offers current information and continually updated resources on subjects ranging from suicide and gangs to dropping out and sexting. Features include tell tale signs, prevention tips, intervention tips, Q&A, scenarios, and more.

Vicki Windman is a special education teacher at Clarkstown High School South.