Check out our 16 page lift out magazine dedicated to the Boarding Schools Expo and the exhibiting schools, out now in The Land.

A survey last year by Consumer Reports magazine found that more than one-third of Facebook’s child users were under 13, so were using it illegally. Even more shocking, more than 5 million were 10 and under. These children lie about their age to set up an account because they think it’s cool and it’s what other kids are doing. But they are simply not old enough to appreciate the risks.

ConsumerReports.org reported last year that one million children were harassed, threatened, or subjected to other forms of cyber bullying on Facebook in 2010-11. Medical Communications Editor at the Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr Claire McCarthy also warns parents that too much time using social media can also affect school grades and even lead to depression. “As with anything that is part of life, it’s our job as parents to teach our children what they need to know about it,” she advises.

Dr McCarthy’s advice includes keeping the computer in a public place, limiting screen time and making sure you child is using all the privacy settings they can. Whether you are a school student or a US Congressman, the best advice is to think before you post and if you wouldn’t be happy to see the photo or comment on the front page of your local paper, then you’re probably best not to post it!

In an article titled Five Steps for Taking the Sting out of the Queen Bee, Mary Beth Sammons shared the results of a community poll on the Circle of Moms website. The top suggestions for helping  daughters cope with bullying behaviour were:

1. Listen Up – Keeping the lines of communication open means you’re in the loop and she won’t feel that she’s alone. Open communication is valuable to a teen dealing with mean girls.
2. Encourage New Friendships – Encourage your daughter to find a new circle of friends.
3. Be a Role Model – Model how caring, respectful people treat each other.
4. Phone Home – Tell her that she can always call or text you if she needs help or a friendly voice.
5. Teach Her to Trust Her Gut – Encourage your daughter to pay attention to her feelings. If someone is being mean or rude or abusive to her, explain how important it is not to discount those gut feelings. It’s better to walk away than be hurt.

Some of the questions we have suggested are aimed at getting people to think about the day-to-day logistics that will impact on their lives and how well their children settle in to the boarding school routine. We suggest questions like:

Is the school close to public transport for sporting activities and other outings?

Is the school easy for us to visit as a family or for family and friends who may take my child out for the weekend?

Are there other facilities close by that the school uses for after school and weekend outings?

We also challenge you to think about the impact of technology and what facilities and access will be available to your child in these quickly changing times. For example:

Will your child have access to a mobile phone; Are there computers in the boarding house; and How is internet usage monitored?

Parents should also think about how each school communicates with parents and how often you will be able to talk to or have contact with your child.

Rising numbers of young children are being sent to boarding schools as recession-hit parents are forced to work longer hours in the downturn, it emerged today.

Prep schools are reporting a rise in the number of boarders. Photo: PA

Figures show almost 14,000 pupils aged seven to 13 are boarding at private preparatory schools in Britain this year – an increase of more than five per cent in just 12 months.

More schools are also building additional boarding facilities to cater for rising demand among parents, it was revealed.

School leaders claim that parents are attracted by “the value of the experience”, insisting it promotes greater independence among children and develops social and organisational skills.

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The Bullying No Way website has been developed by education departments around the nation to help overcome the difficult problem of bullying that only gets worse when it is ignored. According to the site, research has demonstrated that bystanders play a significant role in bullying. With bystanders estimated to be present during 85% of bullying incidents, we need to find ways to teach children what to do to stop it happening.

The solutions offered by Bullying No Way involve not only students but also school staff and parents. It reminds people that by knowing that the bullying is happening and doing nothing they are actually part of the problem.

Motivating bystanders to act is now being promoted as a major positive response, not just for schools, but in communities and workplaces. Visit the website for activities for school and classroom, parents and students.

“Sometimes we take responsibility away from kids by solving their problems for them,” he says. “We do this when we cover for them when they can’t get their homework in on time; or give them extra pocket-money when they spend it too quickly; or do their chores for them.”

We can all cite examples where we resolved kids’ problems for them. But if they are to learn, we need to teach them how to resolve issues for themselves. Michael suggests using these three responses to shift the problem to where it lay when faced with the common request to “Stop him/her being mean to me!” when they are trying to deal with sibling rivalry:

1. “How can you fix this?”
2. “How can you make it up to your sister/brother?”
3.  “Have you asked your sister/brother to forgive you?”

Recently, a US Congressman was forced to resign over a sex scandal when he was found to have lied about a series of online conversations with women in which he sent lewd photos, including one of him in his underwear. Last year Olympic swimmer, Stephanie Rice was forced to publicly apologise in a tearful press conference and lost a key sponsor after she posted a homophobic message about a rugby player on Twitter.

The main message we need to give to our children is that if you don’t think what you are posting in any social media platform should be plastered across page one of the local paper, then don’t post it. If your grandmother or prospective boss might not be impressed about the images, don’t post them.

According to Common Sense Media, everything your kids do online creates an information trail. “Something that happens on the spur of the moment — a funny photo, an angry post — can resurface years later.” They offer great advice on helping your children manage their personal privacy online, including tips for parents.