Harrison WWW Lesson Section 2

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Understanding and Preventing Cyberbullying

My name is Stacy Harrison and I am a media specialist in the Darlington County School District.  I decided to create this web page because it is important that students learn about what they should and should not do on the internet.  In other words, they should know how to behave when they are online.  There is more of a need for lessons about cyberbullying due to the increasing use of technology at all ages.  In fact, more and more students have access to the internet via cellphones, tablets, and other such electronic devices.  Likewise, the use of chatrooms and social media sites is leading to an increase in the number of students who are being bullied online.  Students should know what cyberbullying is and what they should do if they or someone they know is being cyberbullied.  This lesson can be done with students of all ages.  However, I usually adapt it to fit my target audience.

What is bullying?

• When a person says or does hurtful things over and over again
• Can involve threats, rumors, gossip, lies, humiliation, hitting, teasing, etc.

What is cyberbullying?

• The intentional and repeated use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices to tease humiliate, and harrass someone

Examples of cyberbullying:

• Mean text messages or emails
• Messages that involve threats to a person's physical safety
• Rumors sent by email or posted on a website (social networking, chat room, gaming site, etc.)
• Embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles

Why is cyberbullying different?

• An embarrassing rumor, photo, or video posted to a social networking site may be seen around the world.
• Victims may be targeted anywhere, at any time.
• You may not be able to delete what is posted.
• Cyberbullies can try to hide who they are.

The Effects of Cyberbullying:

• It can make you feel sad, mad, scared, and alone.
• Kids who are bullied online may get lower grades and try to skip school.
• It can lower your self-esteem.
• Victims of bullying are more likely to use alcohol and drugs when they get older.
• Victims may get bullied in-person too.

What should you do?

How can you prevent cyberbullying?

• Become a courageous bystander!
• Don't engage in or support mean material, gossip, or rumors posted online, or talk about it at school.
• Support a classmate being targeted online by posting positive messages!
• If you know the person being targeted invite him/her to spend time with you.
• Tell an adult at home and at school.
• Print the evidence to share with an adult.
• Confront the student who is cyberbullying if it is safe, and make it clear that you think their behavior is wrong.
• Remember that we are not invisible online, and anything we post can be traced back to us.  Monitor your online reputation.