Create digital citizens. Cyberbullying is impersonal in nature. It is important to teach kids that the same rules apply in and out of the digital world. Clearly teach students how to be cyber safe and savvy. CSRIU (the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet use) provides some free handouts tailored by grade level to teach students how to be safe online. Microsoft even provides a free instructional program to teach digital citizenship and ethical use of technology. Much like rules are taught, digital citizenship can be imparted through explicit teaching.
Raise awareness. Awareness is powerful. It changes social perceptions. Rather than create panic over technology use or spread misunderstandings, awareness allows a positive atmosphere to emerge. Put cyberbullying in the spotlight in your classroom.Teach students about the psychological and legal ramifications. Explore issues like technology risks, cyber safety and positive online communities. Talk about age-appropriate cases of cyberbullying and their resolution. Showcase how technology is being used to help people in your community. Show students how they can use technology for the greater good. For instance, a new trend is creating a managed space for classmates to compliment each other on school achievements or work together on a class project.
Teach students it’s okay to report abuse.
Establish firm policies
Encourage education for teachers, administrators, and counselors. Cyberbullying problems frequently change due to the changing nature of technology. It’s important to stay up to date. A recent study in Childrens & Schoolsfound that half of school social workers felt ill-equipped to handle cases of cyberbullying. Education is essential.Many free webinars and workshops are available to educate teachers. For instance, “Guarding Kids Against High Tech Trouble” provides great multimedia training resources. There are many paid consultants and non-profit organizations that provide free resources specializing in this area. Billy Belsey, the Canadian Educator who coined the term “cyberbullying” is one such activist who provides teacher training.
Get Parents Involved. Parents may often be unaware of cyberbullying, so it is important to report what is happening so that they can intervene at home. Some data suggests that blocking the person may be the best way to stop the abuse. A study by the Center for the Prevention of Violence, said that 70% of teens said that blocking cyber friends stopped the abuse. Educators might suggest parents buy filtering software or special phones for younger children and teenagers.
Establish open communication with students. Students need to know who and where they can go to before a problem occurs. By the time a situation escalates, it may be too late. Students may be so stressed with their situation that they may not be thinking logically. It’s best to make resources clear and available before situations become muddled with stress. You can have an anonymous box to report cases so that students know they can feel safe to report information. Organizations such as Safe2Tell, allow students to report incidents anonymously. You might have your school establish a hotline, or contact a local organization.Knowing there is a way to report cases may also stop students from engaging in the behavior. Research suggests that a parenting style that is emotionally warm with clear limits best creates resiliency in regards to digital aggression. Teachers can follow the same example: Be clear, empathetic, and communicate openly with students.
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