Cyberbullying: Strategies for Prevention

“While schools teach math, reading, social studies, and science, perhaps the most important thing for students to learn is how to interact effectively and peacefully with each other and the world at large.”from the book Peacemakers by Roger and David Johnson, quoted in The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander by Barbara Coloroso

A Definition: What is Bullying?

Bullying has two key components: repeated harmful acts an imbalance of power

“Verbal abuse is the most common form of bullying used by both boys & girls. It accounts for 70% of reported bullying.”

Source: http://www.theinstituteforchange.com/assets/articles/Bullying.pdf

Who gets bullied?

In what grade do you think bullying peaks? 6 Which grade in high school gets bullied the

most? 9 Which grade in high school does the most

bullying? 9

Source: Orpinas, P., & Horne, A. (2006). Bullies and victims: A challenge for schools. Preventing violence: Research and evidence-based intervention strategies (pp. 147-165). American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/11385-006.

What responses to bullying do you think are effective?

Ineffective Responses to Bullying

Conflict Resolution Training – This is not effective because of the imbalance of power between a bully and his/her target.

“Zero Tolerance” Policies – This type of response does not address the root of the bullying, or provide support for the target, or the bystanders. The school climate will diminish and the bullying will continue.

Encouraging victims to stand up to their bullies – Due to the imbalance of power between the bully and victim, this is often impossible or will result in further attacks.

Effective Responses to Bullying Need to Address All Parties Involved

Schools with lower levels of bullying report higher scores on statewide tests.

Source: http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/interven.html

Cyberbullying: Why is it so detrimental?

Cyberbullying – not just computers

For elementary school children the cell phone is the electronic tool of choice for bullying.

Source: Coloroso.B. (2009). The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander

Possible School Responses to Cyberbullying:

Assemblies to educate teachers, students, and parents

School Bullying Response Plans that include cyberbullying.

Create and implement an Acceptable Use Policy.

GSAs, mentoring programs, Friends of Rachel club, etc.

Adults need to be aware of the types of technology kids are using and how to navigate it effectively.

Prohibit cell phone use in school?

Possible Peer Responses to Cyberbullying:

What advice would you give the person being bullied?

Under what circumstances should you tell an authority figure about cyberbullying of which you are aware?

Would you make contact with the bully, and if so, what would you say?

Assignment:

You become aware that your 12-year-old cousin is being brutally cyber bullied. Write at least 12 sentences about how you would respond: What suggestions would you make to your cousin? Would you tell your parents, your cousin’s

parents, school, police department, etc.?