It seems like there are new cyber bullying stories in the headlines each day. The effects of cyber bullying can be devastating for everyone involved. Cyber bullying statistics have shown that modern technology with its ability to increase our connectivity can also be the perfect platform for bullying.
Students can learn what to do if they are involved in a cyber bullying situation as well as ways of how to stop cyber bullying by exploring the roles people play and how individual actions — both negative and positive — can impact their friends and broader communities. Students are encouraged to take the active role of upstander and build positive, supportive online communities.
What to Know
It’s time to know the cyber bullying facts. Online cruelty, also referred to as cyber bullying, takes place whenever someone uses digital media tools such as the Internet and cell phones to deliberately upset or harass someone else, often repeatedly. While spreading rumors and bullying is nothing new for kids, online tools can magnify the hurt, humiliation, and social drama in a very public way.
Cyber bullying can take a variety rumors, or posting cruel comments or images online. The feeling of being anonymous or “removed” from a target in an online environment can encourage a kid who normally wouldn’t say anything mean face-to-face to act irresponsibly or unethically. With the effects of cyber bullying ranging from low self-esteem to depression to thoughts of violence or suicide, it is important for parents, teachers and students alike to learn how to prevent cyber bullying and stop it in its tracks.
Why Teach It? Students will…
- consider ways to create positive online communities rooted in trust and respect.
- learn to identify, respond to, and limit the negative impact of cyber bullying and other unethical or harmful online behaviors.
- recognize their own role in escalating or de-escalating online cruelty as upstanders, rather than bystanders.
When kids misuse online or mobile technology to harass, embarrass, or bully others, they can do real and lasting harm. Nothing crushes kids’ self-confidence faster than humiliation. And just imagine a public humiliation sent instantly to everyone they know. Sadly, hurtful information posted on the Internet is extremely difficult to prevent or remove, and millions of people can see it. As more and more states take a harsher stand with new cyber bullying laws, it is important to know how to stop cyber bullying in its tracks. Teachers and parents can help kids think about the consequences of their online actions — before they even occur. When guiding students, it’s important for them to understand that they have a choice in all of their online relationships. They can say something positive or say something mean. They can create great community support around activities or interests, or they can misuse the public nature of online communities to tear others down.