Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Cyberbullying is a serious problem for tweens and teens nationwide. Up to 83% of teens will experience cyberbullying, either as a bully, victim, or witness (Source: Bark). It is more important than ever for parents and educators to come together to prevent bullying (online and in-person) to help protect students.

Students have more options than ever before to stay connected with each other and communicate with strangers. Previously, students who were bullied at school could find relief at home or other safe spaces away from their bully. Today, students have smartphones and social media, allowing them to stay connected 24 hours a day—which means a cyberbully can continue the harassment no matter where the student goes.

These cyberbullying prevention techniques and tips from experts can help students protect themselves from cyberbullying and help adults understand how they can provide support.

Educators and parents:Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet. (Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)‍‍

What Is Cyberbullying?

• Cyberbullying involves the use of digital technologies such as the internet, social media, and smartphones to harass, threaten, or purposely embarrass another person
• There is often a power imbalance, which can be physically, socially, or intellectually
• There is an intent to harm with cyberbullying, meaning it is not an accidental offense
• True bullying is ongoing and not a one-time incident

What Is Not Considered Bullying?

• Accidental harm: When someone accidentally bumps into you in the hallway or during sports, it's not always bullying. Bullying involves intentional harm
• Single disagreement: A one-time argument or disagreement (online or in person) with a classmate, even if it's heated, doesn't qualify as bullying. Bullying is repetitive and targeted
• Not being chosen for a team or seeing a photo of an event you weren’t included in: Feeling left out because you weren't picked for a team or a group activity isn't always bullying. Bullying is about repeated and deliberate exclusion
• Joking among friends: Careless jokes among friends (online or offline) that end up being hurtful but weren’t meant that way usually don't constitute bullying. Bullying is about causing harm, distress, or fear
• Not sharing interests: A friend not wanting to hang out with you is not always bullying. Bullying involves deliberate and repeated hostile behavior
• People ignoring you: Sometimes your friends are going through a lot and can’t respond to you online. They may have struggles you don’t know about

What Types of Messages Do Cyberbullies Send?

• Insults or name-calling - Messages that contain derogatory language aimed at belittling or shaming an individual
• Public shaming - Messages that aim to embarrass or humiliate an individual in a public online space such as a social media platform, including sending embarrassing, sensitive, or private messages
• Threats - Messages that include threats of harm or intimidation, attempting to instill fear in the victim
• Manipulation - Messages that try to control or coerce an individual into doing something against their will
• Harassment - A barrage of unwanted messages that may be aggressive, condescending, or offensive
• Identity theft - Sending messages while pretending to be the victim, often to ruin their reputation or relationships

How Can You Avoid Becoming A Cyberbullying Victim?

• Protect your personal information - Don’t make it easy for an online bully to target you. Keep your passwords and contact information private
• Think before posting - Don’t post anything online unless you are comfortable with everyone seeing it
• Choose your friends wisely - Only accept friend/follow requests from people you trust and know in person. Block anyone who is negative towards you
• Establish good online boundaries - Decide how you want to be treated, and speak up when those boundaries are crossed so things don’t escalate
• Focus on self-confidence - Showing confidence can often scare bullies away, but it can also help you recover from situations that would otherwise tear you down

What To Do If You See Cyberbullying (or experience it)

• Don't respond or retaliate - If students are targeted, advise them not to respond or retaliate, as this can often make the situation worse
• Regularly check and clean up profiles - Have students review their online profiles regularly and remove anything that could make them a target
• Be an upstander, not a bystander - Encourage students to support peers who are bullied online and to report it to an adult
• Save the evidence - Encourage students to save messages or take screenshots of any bullying in case they need to report it
• Use reporting features - Teach students how to use the report features on social networks and online platforms to report cyberbullying
• Discuss online interactions with a trusted adult - Foster an environment where students can talk about their online interactions with parents or teachers so they don’t feel alone
• Know when to disconnect - Encourage students to take breaks from social media and to disconnect from devices if they are feeling overwhelmed by online interactions

Dialogue Starters Around Cyberbullying

• Have you ever seen someone being embarrassed or humiliated online, like with private images or personal secrets being shared? How did that make you feel?
• Have you or any of your friends ever received messages with mean words or name-calling? How did you react to those messages?
• Has anyone ever tried to pressure or trick you into doing something you didn't want to do online? How did you handle it?
• Has there ever been a time when you felt scared or intimidated by something someone said to you online? Can you tell me about it?
• Has anyone ever pretended to be you online or sent messages using your name? How did that affect your friendships or reputation?
• Have you ever received repeated messages online that made you uncomfortable or upset? What did those messages say?

Signs Your Student is Being Bullied Online

If you notice a change in your student's habits then that might be a sign your child is being bullied online.

• Change in diet
• Sleeping more than normal or less than normal
• Academic changes
• Shows signs of aggression or increased agitation
• Change in habits
• Loses interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Increase or decrease in device usage
• Withdrawn, doesn’t want to talk

Dialogue Starters to Determine if Your Child is Being Bullied

• How do you feel after spending time online?
• Have you ever seen someone being treated unkindly online? How did that make you feel?
• How do you think someone feels when they are being bullied online?
• Who are the adults or friends you trust enough to talk to if a situation online makes you feel uncomfortable?
• What are some safe ways to respond if you see someone being bullied online?
• Have there been any times when you have felt bullied or uncomfortable by something that was said to you online?

Steps for Parental Intervention

• Talk to your child - Have an open and supportive conversation about what’s happening and what your child feels the best solution would be
• Document the bullying - Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions
• Contact the school - Work with teachers and administrators to address the issue
• Professional support - Consider seeking help from a counselor or psychologist if your child is struggling emotionally
• Legal advice - In severe cases, if the bullying includes illegal activity, such as physical assault or sharing nude photos, legal advice might be necessary
• Empower your child - Work with your child to develop strategies to handle bullying and to boost their confidence and resilience

Support Services for Students Dealing with Cyberbullying

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• No Bully Help Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• What is Swatting? What Parents and Educators Need to Know
• Cyberbullying Prevention Tips: What Students & Parents Need to Know
• Identifying Bullying Tactics: 5 Experts Weigh In
• How to Handle Cyberbullying (15 Experts Share Tips for Your Family)

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that is impacting the lives of many students today. Recognizing the tactics used by cyberbullies and having a clear understanding of how to support students who are being bullied online is crucial. Parents and educators need to keep the lines of communication open with students to support them and help them respond to bullies in a healthy way. Cyberbullying is an ongoing problem. It will require vigilance, empathy, and a collective effort to create safer spaces online.

‍

Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Student Discussion Topics

• What types of cyberbullying have you witnessed or heard about?
• What might be the long-term impact of cyberbullying on someone who is victimized over a period of time? 
• Where would you draw the line between incidents that are hurtful but might not raise serious alarms and harassment so serious that a teacher or parent probably ought to be informed? 

Conclusion

‍For victims of cyberbullying, the damages can be devastating. They may internalize the cruel words and harassment targeted at them and believe there is something truly wrong with them. This can lead to anxiety, insecurity, and depression, which can become serious. And cyberbullying isn’t just at school—it follows its victims home on social media, so kids can’t escape it. 

Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Student Discussion Topics

• How could you help a friend understand that they shouldn't feel defined by the hurtful words or actions of a bully?
• What would you do if you saw that a student was being cyberbullied, but you didn’t really know them? Would you still feel responsible for trying to help?
• What is some other common-sense advice you might give a friend who is being cyberbullied to deal with the situation?

Conclusion

For victims of cyberbullying, the damages can be devastating. They may internalize the cruel words and harassment targeted at them and believe there is something truly wrong with them. This can lead to anxiety, insecurity, and depression, which can become serious. And cyberbullying isn’t just at school—it follows its victims home on social media, so kids can’t escape it.

Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Student Discussion Topics

• Name an example of bullying in a movie or pop culture, and explain why it does or doesn’t ring true from what you’ve seen
• What age group do you think is most prone to mocking or cyberbullying someone who seems different from them? 
• What are some things students might consider that would make them less likely to engage in cyberbullying?

Conclusion

‍For victims of cyberbullying, the damages can be devastating. They may internalize the cruel words and harassment targeted at them and believe there is something truly wrong with them. This can lead to anxiety, insecurity, and depression, which can become serious. And cyberbullying isn’t just at school—it follows its victims home on social media, so kids can’t escape it.

Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Student Discussion Topics

• How is cyberbullying different from other types of bullying?
• What advice would you give a friend who has become the target of persistent taunting and cruelty online?
• What are some ways students can cope with feelings of rejection when they feel left out but aren’t actually being bullied? 

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is when someone deliberately and repeatedly harasses someone online through social media, texts, gaming, or other online platforms. These actions can cause real emotional harm to the person being targeted and should be taken seriously. However, cyberbullying shouldn’t be confused with other things that might hurt a student’s feelings but don’t constitute cyberbullying, such as not being invited to a party or jokes that weren’t intended to be hurtful but are. While it’s always a good idea to reach out to a good friend or trusted adult when you’re experiencing feelings of rejection and need to talk, it’s important to know the difference between hurt feelings and cyberbullying. 

Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Questions to Start Conversations with Students

• How are things going at school—not just your classes, but how do you like the social life, and who are your favorite people to have lunch or hang out with? 
• Do you communicate with the same kids on social media?
• If you were ever in a difficult situation with the kids you hang out with in person or online and didn’t want to come to me, is there someone else you feel like you could talk to?

Conclusion

Keeping an open dialogue with your kids about their lives—how they’re feeling, what they’re enjoying (or not), and friends who are important to them—is important even if your kids seem annoyed. That’s normal! The important thing is for them to know you care and for them to feel more comfortable coming to you with a problem they’re struggling to handle on their own.

Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Questions to Start Conversations with Students

• How would you define cyberbullying? 
• Why do you think it might be smart in some cases to report cyberbullying to a teacher, counselor, or administrator anonymously? 
• What hurtful things have you seen students do to other students, even if it might not be “bullying”? 

Conclusion

For victims of cyberbullying, the damages can be devastating. They may internalize the cruel words and harassment targeted at them and believe there is something truly wrong with them. This can lead to anxiety, insecurity, and depression, which can become serious. And cyberbullying isn’t just at school—it follows its victims home on social media, so kids can’t escape it.

Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Questions to Start Conversations with Students

• I’ve noticed that you don’t really seem like yourself lately. Can you think of anything that might be bothering you at school or somewhere else? 
• When I was growing up, I hated when kids bullied other kids, but now they can do it online, too. What kinds of things have you seen online where people are treating another student badly?
• Why do you think students engage in cyberbullying? 

Conclusion

For victims of cyberbullying, the damages can be devastating. They may internalize the cruel words and harassment targeted at them and believe there is something truly wrong with them. This can lead to anxiety, insecurity, and depression, which can become serious. And cyberbullying isn’t just at school—it follows its victims home on social media, so kids can’t escape it.

Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Questions to Start Conversations with Students

• If one of your friends was being cyberbullied, what advice would you give them? 
• When students are being cyberbullied, what can they do to try and get away from it? 
• Who do you think would be the best person at your school to go to if you were worried about someone being cyberbullied? 

Conclusion

For victims of cyberbullying, the damages can be devastating. They may internalize the cruel words and harassment targeted at them and believe there is something truly wrong with them. This can lead to anxiety, insecurity, and depression, which can become serious. And cyberbullying isn’t just at school—it follows its victims home on social media, so kids can’t escape it.

Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Questions to Start Conversations with Students

• How many apps do you think you use to communicate with or follow people on social media, and which do you use most often? Why?
• What do you like about social media in general? 
• How good do you think your friends are at trying to keep things light and upbeat in their posts? Do you think that matters?

Conclusion

Social media is full of pros and cons, especially for kids. The sooner you initiate an open dialogue with your kids about their choices and experiences on social media, the more likely they are to be open in discussing some of the downsides they might encounter. 

Questions to prompt discussion with students:

‍Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Elementary School Students (dialogue starters):

Stepping into a Victim’s Shoes

• Imagine you're scrolling through your phone and see your friend is being bullied online. How do you think your friend would be feeling?

Friend vs. Fixer

• Why is it important to talk with a friend who’s experiencing unkind treatment online before immediately reporting what you’ve seen to a third party? 

Showing Support

• What are some things you can do or say to let your friend know you’re there for them? 

Sharing Suggestions

• What advice would you give your friend about how to handle cyberbullying? ‍
  

Middle School Students (dialogue starters):‍

‍Taking Action

• If you saw a friend being cyberbullied, how could you help them create a plan to address it (being mindful of the risk of further encouraging the bully to continue)?

Finding the Right Words

• Brainstorm some helpful things you could say to show support to a friend who’s being bullied and encourage them to seek help if needed. 

Serious Signs

• The video talks about the pitfalls of being too fast to intervene if you see someone being bullied, but what are some red flags that would make you want to report your concern immediately to a trusted adult?

Finding Strength

• What are some ways you can help a friend avoid internalizing hurtful things a cyberbully is saying to or about them? 
  

High School Students (dialogue starters):

Friend vs. Advocate: Knowing Your Role

• Sometimes, helping a friend means stepping back. When is it appropriate to take action yourself versus advocating for your friend to seek help from trusted adults or online platforms?

Being an Advocate for Kindness

• How can you take a stand against cyberbullying in a responsible and impactful way?

Avoiding Escalation

• How can outright retaliation against a bully backfire? 

Knowing the Warning Signs

• What are some warning signs you might notice in the victim of ongoing bullying that lead you to report the mistreatment to a trusted adult immediately?

Questions to prompt discussion with students:

‍Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Elementary School Students (dialogue starters):

What is Cyberbullying?

• How can you tell the difference between bullying and other things that might hurt your feelings but aren’t actually bullying? 

Building Empathy

•  What are some emotions a person might feel if someone online (or at school) repeatedly made fun of their clothes or body or made other insulting comments?

Positive Reinforcement

• One expert in the video explained that showing confidence can discourage bullies. What are 

Knowing Where to Turn

• If you ever experience cyberbullying, who are some adults you would feel comfortable talking to?

Middle School Students (dialogue starters):

Performing CBR

• The video explained the CBR method—Copy, Block, Report. Why are each of these steps important when dealing with cyberbullying?

Bystander Responsibility

• What are some ways you could help a friend who’s being cyberbullied, even if you’re not directly involved? 

Is It Cyberbullying or Something Else? 

• Can you name some examples of things that might hurt someone’s feelings even though no one meant to “bully” them?  

Why It Matters

• What are the dangers, emotional or otherwise,  of letting a cyberbullying pattern continue? 

High School Students (dialogue starters):

A Prevalent Problem

• How big of a problem would you guess cyberbullying is at our school or in your other peer groups? 

Preventing Cyberbullying

• What are some proactive steps students can take online to make it less likely they’ll become victims of cyberbullying?

Supporting a Friend

• What are some signs of emotional distress that might indicate to you that a classmate is experiencing cyberbullying (or other forms of cruelty)? 

Building a Considerate Culture

• How can we as a school promote positive interactions online and offline to build a culture where bullying is not tolerated? 

Support Services for Students Dealing with Cyberbullying

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• No Bully Help Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• What is Swatting? What Parents and Educators Need to Know
• Cyberbullying Prevention Tips: What Students & Parents Need to Know
• Identifying Bullying Tactics: 5 Experts Weigh In
• How to Handle Cyberbullying (15 Experts Share Tips for Your Family)

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that is impacting the lives of many students today. Recognizing the tactics used by cyberbullies and having a clear understanding of how to support students who are being cyberbullied is crucial. Parents and educators need to keep the lines of communication open with students to support them and help them respond to bullies in a healthy way. Cyberbullying is an ongoing problem. It will require vigilance, empathy, and a collective effort to create safer spaces online.

Questions for Parents to Consider:

‍Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Parents of Elementary School Students (Engagement Questions):

‍Establishing Trust

• What are some things you can do or say to show your child they can confide in you if something online makes them uncomfortable? 

Something Seems Off

• What are some signs that your child might be dealing with an upsetting situation online? 

Time to Step in

• What situations would you consider serious enough that you need to actively intervene? 

Parents of Middle School Students (Engagement Questions):

The Human Touch

• What does the speaker mean when he says the best “app” to monitor your student’s online use and behavior is a trusted adult? 

Growing Opportunities

• As a parent, do you think you could step back if appropriate and support your student in handling a negative online experience on their own? Why might that be the best approach sometimes?

It Takes a Village

• In some cases, your student might prefer to talk to a different adult than a parent about cyberbullying or intimidating behavior online. Who are some other adults you’d feel comfortable being a go-to for your student?

Parents of High School Students (Engagement Questions):

Empowering Students

• Do you believe it’s sometimes best to support your student in addressing a cyberbullying situation on their own? 

Knowing Your Kid

• What are some signs of withdrawal or distress that would cause you to worry your student might be the victim of cyberbullying? 

Cyberbullying Takes Different Forms

• What types of cyberbullying or harassment online concern you most, and what would you do if you knew your child was experiencing it? 

Support Services for Students Dealing with Cyberbullying

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• No Bully Help Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• What is Swatting? What Parents and Educators Need to Know
• Cyberbullying Prevention Tips: What Students & Parents Need to Know
• Identifying Bullying Tactics: 5 Experts Weigh In
• How to Handle Cyberbullying (15 Experts Share Tips for Your Family)

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that is impacting the lives of many students today. Recognizing the tactics used by cyberbullies and having a clear understanding of how to support students who are being cyberbullied is crucial. Parents and educators need to keep the lines of communication open with students to support them and help them respond to bullies in a healthy way. Cyberbullying is an ongoing problem. It will require vigilance, empathy, and a collective effort to create safer spaces online.

Questions to prompt discussion with students:

‍Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Elementary School Students (dialogue starters):

Why Bullies Bully

• We don’t want to condone bullying behavior, but what are some reasons a person might post hurtful things to or about another person online? 

Kindness Counts

•  Bullying behaviors can happen online or in person. What are some ways we can work as a class or school to promote kindness and try to stop hurtful comments before they start?

Recognizing Bullying

• What are some examples of bullying and/or cyberbullying?

Finding Help

• Who are some adults you might trust to go to if you feel like someone is directing hurtful comments at you? 

Middle School Students (dialogue starters):

Promoting a Positive Culture

• How can we as a school promote a culture of staying positive and considerate of others online?

Showing Support

• What are some ways you could show a friend who feels like they’re being bullied online that hurtful comments don’t reflect your friend’s value as a person?

Choosing Words Carefully

• What kinds of things could a student say online that hurt someone’s feelings without that being the intention?

Understanding Cyberbullying

• What are some reasons a person might want to mock, threaten or say hurtful things to another student online? 

High School Students (dialogue starters):

Recognizing Hurtful Speech

• Even if it’s not intended to hurt anyone, what are some types of comments that another student might perceive as insulting, offensive, or even a form of bullying? 

Unpacking Cruel Comments

• How can a student who feels put down on social media learn to avoid internalizing negative comments?

The Boomerang Effect

• What are some ways that being cruel to others online could come back to hurt the person making those posts?

Preventing Bullying

• How can you set an example in your own posts and online conversations to show the benefits of staying positive and considerate (while avoiding conflict and drama)? 

Support Services for Students Dealing with Cyberbullying

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• No Bully Help Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• What is Swatting? What Parents and Educators Need to Know
• Cyberbullying Prevention Tips: What Students & Parents Need to Know
• Identifying Bullying Tactics: 5 Experts Weigh In
• How to Handle Cyberbullying (15 Experts Share Tips for Your Family)

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that is impacting the lives of many students today. Recognizing the tactics used by cyberbullies and having a clear understanding of how to support students who are being cyberbullied is crucial. Parents and educators need to keep the lines of communication open with students to support them and help them respond to bullies in a healthy way. Cyberbullying is an ongoing problem. It will require vigilance, empathy, and a collective effort to create safer spaces online.

Questions to prompt discussion with students:

‍Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Elementary School Teachers (Engagement Questions):

Building Trust 

• How can educators and parents create a safe space and encourage students to feel comfortable confiding in us about online issues? 

Promoting Emotional Well-Being

• Teachers have a lot on their plates already, but what are some ways we can promote emotional well-being among students so they’re better able to get through conflicts with peers?

Supporting Peer Helpers

• What would you tell a student who comes to you with concerns about a friend who’s experiencing cyberbullying? 

Middle School Teachers (Engagement Questions):

Handling Reports of Cyberbullying

• What protocols can we implement to ensure all reports of bullying are handled fairly and sensitively? 

Addressing Parents’ Concerns

• How would you respond if a parent reported to you that their child is experiencing cyberbullying by other kids at our school? 

Encouraging Considerate Behavior

• How can we as a school promote a culture of respect for others so kids might be less likely to engage in cyberbullying in the first place? 

High School Teachers (Engagement Questions):

No Easy Fixes?

• How can we navigate student expectations for immediate intervention in the face of cyberbullying while promoting long-term coping mechanisms?

Promoting a Culture of Peer Support

• What strategies can we use to empower students to be allies for a peer facing cyberbullying? 

Bridging the Gap Between Online and Offline 

• The video acknowledges that cyberbullying spills into real-life interactions (and vice versa). How can we as educators and parents encourage students to avoid engaging in hurtful actions or speech whether online or off? 

Support Services for Students Dealing with Cyberbullying

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• No Bully Help Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• What is Swatting? What Parents and Educators Need to Know
• Cyberbullying Prevention Tips: What Students & Parents Need to Know
• Identifying Bullying Tactics: 5 Experts Weigh In
• How to Handle Cyberbullying (15 Experts Share Tips for Your Family)

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that is impacting the lives of many students today. Recognizing the tactics used by cyberbullies and having a clear understanding of how to support students who are being cyberbullied is crucial. Parents and educators need to keep the lines of communication open with students to support them and help them respond to bullies in a healthy way. Cyberbullying is an ongoing problem. It will require vigilance, empathy, and a collective effort to create safer spaces online.

Questions for Parents and Educators to Consider:

‍Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Questions for Parents of Elementary School Students to Consider:

Encouraging Empathy

• How can you talk to your child about the importance of supporting friends who might be experiencing bullying behavior, online or off? 

What to Watch For

• All kids go through struggles at one time or another. What changes in behavior would concern you enough to try and open a dialogue with your student about anything that might be bothering them?

Seeking Advice

• If you’re concerned your child is going through a difficult situation with classmates or other peers, what steps could you take first before trying to get involved?

Questions for Parents of Middle School Students to Consider:

Mentor vs. a Problem Solver

• What are some ways as a parent you can support your child in dealing with cyberbullying other than jumping in to try and solve the problem yourself? 

Fostering Friendship

• How can you encourage your student to be a good friend to a friend or classmate who might be experiencing cyberbullying? 

Finding Support as a Parent

• If you notice troubling changes in your child’s behavior or relationships but they aren’t ready to talk to you about it, who are some people you can reach out to yourself for advice? 

Questions for Parents of High School Students to Consider:

Warning signs

• How can we, as parents, navigate the difference between typical teenage mood swings and potential red flags related to cyberbullying?

Keeping an Open Dialogue

• What are some questions you could ask your student about their use of social media so they know you care—and are available to provide support in case a problem arises—even if they don’t have anything to share at the moment? 

Striking a Balance

• How can parents strike a balance between offering support and letting our teens develop their own coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of online challenges?

Support Services for Students Dealing with Cyberbullying

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• No Bully Help Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• What is Swatting? What Parents and Educators Need to Know
• Cyberbullying Prevention Tips: What Students & Parents Need to Know
• Identifying Bullying Tactics: 5 Experts Weigh In
• How to Handle Cyberbullying (15 Experts Share Tips for Your Family)

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that is impacting the lives of many students today. Recognizing the tactics used by cyberbullies and having a clear understanding of how to support students who are being cyberbullied is crucial. Parents and educators need to keep the lines of communication open with students to support them and help them respond to bullies in a healthy way. Cyberbullying is an ongoing problem. It will require vigilance, empathy, and a collective effort to create safer spaces online.

Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Cyberbullying is a serious problem for tweens and teens nationwide. Up to 83% of teens will experience cyberbullying, either as a bully, victim, or witness (Source: Bark). It is more important than ever for parents and educators to come together to prevent bullying (online and in-person) to help protect students.

Students have more options than ever before to stay connected with each other and communicate with strangers. Previously, students who were bullied at school could find relief at home or other safe spaces away from their bully. Today, students have smartphones and social media, allowing them to stay connected 24 hours a day—which means a cyberbully can continue the harassment no matter where the student goes.

These cyberbullying prevention techniques and tips from experts can help students protect themselves from cyberbullying and help adults understand how they can provide support.

Educators and parents:Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet. (Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)‍‍

What Is Cyberbullying?

• Cyberbullying involves the use of digital technologies such as the internet, social media, and smartphones to harass, threaten, or purposely embarrass another person
• There is often a power imbalance, which can be physically, socially, or intellectually
• There is an intent to harm with cyberbullying, meaning it is not an accidental offense
• True bullying is ongoing and not a one-time incident

What Is Not Considered Bullying?

• Accidental harm: When someone accidentally bumps into you in the hallway or during sports, it's not always bullying. Bullying involves intentional harm
• Single disagreement: A one-time argument or disagreement (online or in person) with a classmate, even if it's heated, doesn't qualify as bullying. Bullying is repetitive and targeted
• Not being chosen for a team or seeing a photo of an event you weren’t included in: Feeling left out because you weren't picked for a team or a group activity isn't always bullying. Bullying is about repeated and deliberate exclusion
• Joking among friends: Careless jokes among friends (online or offline) that end up being hurtful but weren’t meant that way usually don't constitute bullying. Bullying is about causing harm, distress, or fear
• Not sharing interests: A friend not wanting to hang out with you is not always bullying. Bullying involves deliberate and repeated hostile behavior
• People ignoring you: Sometimes your friends are going through a lot and can’t respond to you online. They may have struggles you don’t know about

What Types of Messages Do Cyberbullies Send?

• Insults or name-calling - Messages that contain derogatory language aimed at belittling or shaming an individual
• Public shaming - Messages that aim to embarrass or humiliate an individual in a public online space such as a social media platform, including sending embarrassing, sensitive, or private messages
• Threats - Messages that include threats of harm or intimidation, attempting to instill fear in the victim
• Manipulation - Messages that try to control or coerce an individual into doing something against their will
• Harassment - A barrage of unwanted messages that may be aggressive, condescending, or offensive
• Identity theft - Sending messages while pretending to be the victim, often to ruin their reputation or relationships

How Can You Avoid Becoming A Cyberbullying Victim?

• Protect your personal information - Don’t make it easy for an online bully to target you. Keep your passwords and contact information private
• Think before posting - Don’t post anything online unless you are comfortable with everyone seeing it
• Choose your friends wisely - Only accept friend/follow requests from people you trust and know in person. Block anyone who is negative towards you
• Establish good online boundaries - Decide how you want to be treated, and speak up when those boundaries are crossed so things don’t escalate
• Focus on self-confidence - Showing confidence can often scare bullies away, but it can also help you recover from situations that would otherwise tear you down

What To Do If You See Cyberbullying (or experience it)

• Don't respond or retaliate - If students are targeted, advise them not to respond or retaliate, as this can often make the situation worse
• Regularly check and clean up profiles - Have students review their online profiles regularly and remove anything that could make them a target
• Be an upstander, not a bystander - Encourage students to support peers who are bullied online and to report it to an adult
• Save the evidence - Encourage students to save messages or take screenshots of any bullying in case they need to report it
• Use reporting features - Teach students how to use the report features on social networks and online platforms to report cyberbullying
• Discuss online interactions with a trusted adult - Foster an environment where students can talk about their online interactions with parents or teachers so they don’t feel alone
• Know when to disconnect - Encourage students to take breaks from social media and to disconnect from devices if they are feeling overwhelmed by online interactions

Dialogue Starters Around Cyberbullying

• Have you ever seen someone being embarrassed or humiliated online, like with private images or personal secrets being shared? How did that make you feel?
• Have you or any of your friends ever received messages with mean words or name-calling? How did you react to those messages?
• Has anyone ever tried to pressure or trick you into doing something you didn't want to do online? How did you handle it?
• Has there ever been a time when you felt scared or intimidated by something someone said to you online? Can you tell me about it?
• Has anyone ever pretended to be you online or sent messages using your name? How did that affect your friendships or reputation?
• Have you ever received repeated messages online that made you uncomfortable or upset? What did those messages say?

Signs Your Student is Being Bullied Online

If you notice a change in your student's habits then that might be a sign your child is being bullied online.

• Change in diet
• Sleeping more than normal or less than normal
• Academic changes
• Shows signs of aggression or increased agitation
• Change in habits
• Loses interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Increase or decrease in device usage
• Withdrawn, doesn’t want to talk

Dialogue Starters to Determine if Your Child is Being Bullied

• How do you feel after spending time online?
• Have you ever seen someone being treated unkindly online? How did that make you feel?
• How do you think someone feels when they are being bullied online?
• Who are the adults or friends you trust enough to talk to if a situation online makes you feel uncomfortable?
• What are some safe ways to respond if you see someone being bullied online?
• Have there been any times when you have felt bullied or uncomfortable by something that was said to you online?

Steps for Parental Intervention

• Talk to your child - Have an open and supportive conversation about what’s happening and what your child feels the best solution would be
• Document the bullying - Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions
• Contact the school - Work with teachers and administrators to address the issue
• Professional support - Consider seeking help from a counselor or psychologist if your child is struggling emotionally
• Legal advice - In severe cases, if the bullying includes illegal activity, such as physical assault or sharing nude photos, legal advice might be necessary
• Empower your child - Work with your child to develop strategies to handle bullying and to boost their confidence and resilience

Support Services for Students Dealing with Cyberbullying

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• No Bully Help Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• What is Swatting? What Parents and Educators Need to Know
• Cyberbullying Prevention Tips: What Students & Parents Need to Know
• Identifying Bullying Tactics: 5 Experts Weigh In
• How to Handle Cyberbullying (15 Experts Share Tips for Your Family)

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that is impacting the lives of many students today. Recognizing the tactics used by cyberbullies and having a clear understanding of how to support students who are being bullied online is crucial. Parents and educators need to keep the lines of communication open with students to support them and help them respond to bullies in a healthy way. Cyberbullying is an ongoing problem. It will require vigilance, empathy, and a collective effort to create safer spaces online.

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Teachers: View our Educator/Classroom Guide Here

Cyberbullying is a serious problem for tweens and teens nationwide. Up to 83% of teens will experience cyberbullying, either as a bully, victim, or witness (Source: Bark). It is more important than ever for parents and educators to come together to prevent bullying (online and in-person) to help protect students.

Students have more options than ever before to stay connected with each other and communicate with strangers. Previously, students who were bullied at school could find relief at home or other safe spaces away from their bully. Today, students have smartphones and social media, allowing them to stay connected 24 hours a day—which means a cyberbully can continue the harassment no matter where the student goes.

These cyberbullying prevention techniques and tips from experts can help students protect themselves from cyberbullying and help adults understand how they can provide support.

Educators and parents:Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet. (Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)‍‍

What Is Cyberbullying?

• Cyberbullying involves the use of digital technologies such as the internet, social media, and smartphones to harass, threaten, or purposely embarrass another person
• There is often a power imbalance, which can be physically, socially, or intellectually
• There is an intent to harm with cyberbullying, meaning it is not an accidental offense
• True bullying is ongoing and not a one-time incident

What Is Not Considered Bullying?

• Accidental harm: When someone accidentally bumps into you in the hallway or during sports, it's not always bullying. Bullying involves intentional harm
• Single disagreement: A one-time argument or disagreement (online or in person) with a classmate, even if it's heated, doesn't qualify as bullying. Bullying is repetitive and targeted
• Not being chosen for a team or seeing a photo of an event you weren’t included in: Feeling left out because you weren't picked for a team or a group activity isn't always bullying. Bullying is about repeated and deliberate exclusion
• Joking among friends: Careless jokes among friends (online or offline) that end up being hurtful but weren’t meant that way usually don't constitute bullying. Bullying is about causing harm, distress, or fear
• Not sharing interests: A friend not wanting to hang out with you is not always bullying. Bullying involves deliberate and repeated hostile behavior
• People ignoring you: Sometimes your friends are going through a lot and can’t respond to you online. They may have struggles you don’t know about

What Types of Messages Do Cyberbullies Send?

• Insults or name-calling - Messages that contain derogatory language aimed at belittling or shaming an individual
• Public shaming - Messages that aim to embarrass or humiliate an individual in a public online space such as a social media platform, including sending embarrassing, sensitive, or private messages
• Threats - Messages that include threats of harm or intimidation, attempting to instill fear in the victim
• Manipulation - Messages that try to control or coerce an individual into doing something against their will
• Harassment - A barrage of unwanted messages that may be aggressive, condescending, or offensive
• Identity theft - Sending messages while pretending to be the victim, often to ruin their reputation or relationships

How Can You Avoid Becoming A Cyberbullying Victim?

• Protect your personal information - Don’t make it easy for an online bully to target you. Keep your passwords and contact information private
• Think before posting - Don’t post anything online unless you are comfortable with everyone seeing it
• Choose your friends wisely - Only accept friend/follow requests from people you trust and know in person. Block anyone who is negative towards you
• Establish good online boundaries - Decide how you want to be treated, and speak up when those boundaries are crossed so things don’t escalate
• Focus on self-confidence - Showing confidence can often scare bullies away, but it can also help you recover from situations that would otherwise tear you down

What To Do If You See Cyberbullying (or experience it)

• Don't respond or retaliate - If students are targeted, advise them not to respond or retaliate, as this can often make the situation worse
• Regularly check and clean up profiles - Have students review their online profiles regularly and remove anything that could make them a target
• Be an upstander, not a bystander - Encourage students to support peers who are bullied online and to report it to an adult
• Save the evidence - Encourage students to save messages or take screenshots of any bullying in case they need to report it
• Use reporting features - Teach students how to use the report features on social networks and online platforms to report cyberbullying
• Discuss online interactions with a trusted adult - Foster an environment where students can talk about their online interactions with parents or teachers so they don’t feel alone
• Know when to disconnect - Encourage students to take breaks from social media and to disconnect from devices if they are feeling overwhelmed by online interactions

Dialogue Starters Around Cyberbullying

• Have you ever seen someone being embarrassed or humiliated online, like with private images or personal secrets being shared? How did that make you feel?
• Have you or any of your friends ever received messages with mean words or name-calling? How did you react to those messages?
• Has anyone ever tried to pressure or trick you into doing something you didn't want to do online? How did you handle it?
• Has there ever been a time when you felt scared or intimidated by something someone said to you online? Can you tell me about it?
• Has anyone ever pretended to be you online or sent messages using your name? How did that affect your friendships or reputation?
• Have you ever received repeated messages online that made you uncomfortable or upset? What did those messages say?

Signs Your Student is Being Bullied Online

If you notice a change in your student's habits then that might be a sign your child is being bullied online.

• Change in diet
• Sleeping more than normal or less than normal
• Academic changes
• Shows signs of aggression or increased agitation
• Change in habits
• Loses interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Increase or decrease in device usage
• Withdrawn, doesn’t want to talk

Dialogue Starters to Determine if Your Child is Being Bullied

• How do you feel after spending time online?
• Have you ever seen someone being treated unkindly online? How did that make you feel?
• How do you think someone feels when they are being bullied online?
• Who are the adults or friends you trust enough to talk to if a situation online makes you feel uncomfortable?
• What are some safe ways to respond if you see someone being bullied online?
• Have there been any times when you have felt bullied or uncomfortable by something that was said to you online?

Steps for Parental Intervention

• Talk to your child - Have an open and supportive conversation about what’s happening and what your child feels the best solution would be
• Document the bullying - Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions
• Contact the school - Work with teachers and administrators to address the issue
• Professional support - Consider seeking help from a counselor or psychologist if your child is struggling emotionally
• Legal advice - In severe cases, if the bullying includes illegal activity, such as physical assault or sharing nude photos, legal advice might be necessary
• Empower your child - Work with your child to develop strategies to handle bullying and to boost their confidence and resilience

Support Services for Students Dealing with Cyberbullying

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• No Bully Help Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• What is Swatting? What Parents and Educators Need to Know
• Cyberbullying Prevention Tips: What Students & Parents Need to Know
• Identifying Bullying Tactics: 5 Experts Weigh In
• How to Handle Cyberbullying (15 Experts Share Tips for Your Family)

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that is impacting the lives of many students today. Recognizing the tactics used by cyberbullies and having a clear understanding of how to support students who are being bullied online is crucial. Parents and educators need to keep the lines of communication open with students to support them and help them respond to bullies in a healthy way. Cyberbullying is an ongoing problem. It will require vigilance, empathy, and a collective effort to create safer spaces online.

El ciberacoso es un problema serio para los preadolescentes y adolescentes en todo el país. Hasta el 83% de los adolescentes experimentarán ciberacoso, ya sea como acosadores, víctimas o testigos (Fuente: Bark). Es más importante que nunca que padres y educadores se unan para prevenir el acoso (tanto en línea como en persona) y ayudar a proteger a los estudiantes.

Los estudiantes tienen más opciones que nunca para mantenerse conectados entre sí y comunicarse con extraños. Anteriormente, los estudiantes que eran acosados en la escuela podían encontrar alivio en casa o en otros espacios seguros lejos de su acosador. Hoy en día, los estudiantes tienen teléfonos inteligentes y redes sociales, lo que les permite mantenerse conectados las 24 horas del día, lo que significa que un ciberacosador puede continuar con el acoso sin importar a dónde vaya el estudiante.

Estas técnicas de prevención del ciberacoso y consejos de expertos pueden ayudar a los estudiantes a protegerse del ciberacoso y ayudar a los adultos a entender cómo pueden brindar apoyo.

¿Qué es el ciberacoso?

• El acoso cibernético implica el uso de tecnologías digitales como Internet, las redes sociales y los teléfonos inteligentes para acosar, amenazar o avergonzar deliberadamente a otra persona.
• A menudo, existe un desequilibrio de poder, que puede ser físico, social o intelectual.
• El acoso cibernético tiene la intención de hacer daño, lo que significa que no es un delito accidental.
• El acoso verdadero es continuo y no un incidente aislado.

¿Qué no se considera acoso escolar?

• Daño accidental: cuando alguien choca contigo accidentalmente en el pasillo o durante la práctica de deportes, no siempre se trata de acoso. El acoso implica un daño intencional
• Desacuerdo único: una discusión o desacuerdo único (en línea o en persona) con un compañero de clase, incluso si es acalorado, no se califica como acoso. El acoso es repetitivo y selectivo
• No ser elegido para un equipo o ver una foto de un evento en el que no fuiste incluido: sentirte excluido porque no te eligieron para un equipo o una actividad grupal no siempre es acoso. El acoso se trata de la exclusión repetida y deliberada
• Bromas entre amigos: las bromas descuidadas entre amigos (en línea o fuera de línea) que terminan siendo hirientes pero no tenían esa intención generalmente no constituyen acoso. El acoso se trata de causar daño, angustia o miedo
• No compartir intereses: un amigo que no quiere pasar tiempo contigo no siempre es acoso. El acoso implica un comportamiento hostil deliberado y repetido
• La gente te ignora: a veces, tus amigos están pasando por una situación difícil y no pueden responderte en línea. Es posible que tengan problemas que tú no conoces

¿Qué tipos de mensajes envían los acosadores cibernéticos?

• Insultos o apodos: mensajes que contienen lenguaje despectivo destinado a menospreciar o avergonzar a una persona
• Vergüenza pública: mensajes que tienen como objetivo avergonzar o humillar a una persona en un espacio público en línea, como una plataforma de redes sociales, incluido el envío de mensajes vergonzosos, delicados o privados
• Amenazas: mensajes que incluyen amenazas de daño o intimidación, que intentan infundir miedo en la víctima
• Manipulación: mensajes que intentan controlar o coaccionar a una persona para que haga algo en contra de su voluntad
• Acoso: una andanada de mensajes no deseados que pueden ser agresivos, condescendientes u ofensivos
• Robo de identidad: envío de mensajes mientras se pretende ser la víctima, a menudo para arruinar su reputación o sus relaciones

¿Cómo puedes evitar ser víctima del acoso cibernético?

• Protege tu información personal: no le facilites a un acosador en línea el ataque. Mantén privadas tus contraseñas e información de contacto
• Piensa antes de publicar: no publiques nada en línea a menos que te sientas cómodo con que todos lo vean
• Elige a tus amigos sabiamente: solo acepta solicitudes de amistad o de seguimiento de personas en las que confíes y que conozcas en persona. Bloquea a cualquiera que sea negativo contigo
• Establece límites en línea: decide cómo quieres que te traten y habla cuando se crucen esos límites para que las cosas no se agraven
• Concéntrate en la confianza en ti mismo: mostrar confianza a menudo puede ahuyentar a los acosadores, pero también puede ayudarte a recuperarte de situaciones que de otro modo te destrozarían

Qué hacer si ves (o sufres) acoso cibernético

• No responda ni tome represalias: si los estudiantes son objeto de acoso, avíseles de que no respondan ni tomen represalias, ya que esto puede empeorar la situación
• Revise y limpie los perfiles con regularidad: haga que los estudiantes revisen sus perfiles en línea con regularidad y eliminen todo lo que pueda convertirlos en un objetivo
• Sea un defensor, no un espectador: anime a los estudiantes a apoyar a sus compañeros que sufren acoso en línea y a denunciarlo a un adulto
• Guarde las pruebas: anime a los estudiantes a guardar mensajes o tomar capturas de pantalla de cualquier acoso en caso de que necesiten denunciarlo
• Use las funciones de denuncia: enseñe a los estudiantes cómo usar las funciones de denuncia en las redes sociales y plataformas en línea para denunciar el acoso cibernético
• Hable sobre las interacciones en línea con un adulto de confianza: fomente un entorno en el que los estudiantes puedan hablar sobre sus interacciones en línea con sus padres o maestros para que no se sientan solos
• Sepa cuándo desconectarse: anime a los estudiantes a tomar descansos de las redes sociales y a desconectarse de los dispositivos si se sienten abrumados por las interacciones en línea

Ideas para iniciar un diálogo sobre el ciberacoso

• ¿Alguna vez has visto a alguien avergonzado o humillado en línea, por ejemplo, compartiendo imágenes privadas o secretos personales? ¿Cómo te sentiste?
• ¿Tú o alguno de tus amigos han recibido mensajes con malas palabras o insultos? ¿Cómo reaccionaste a esos mensajes?
• ¿Alguien ha intentado presionarte o engañarte para que hagas algo que no querías hacer en línea? ¿Cómo lo manejaste?
• ¿Alguna vez te sentiste asustado o intimidado por algo que alguien te dijo en línea? ¿Puedes contarme al respecto?
• ¿Alguien alguna vez se hizo pasar por ti en línea o envió mensajes usando tu nombre? ¿Cómo afectó eso a tus amistades o reputación?
• ¿Alguna vez has recibido mensajes repetidos en línea que te hicieron sentir incómodo o molesto? ¿Qué decían esos mensajes?

Señales de que su estudiante está siendo acosado en línea

Si nota un cambio en los hábitos de su estudiante, entonces eso podría ser una señal de que su hijo está siendo acosado en línea.

• Cambios en la dieta
• Duerme más o menos de lo normal
• Cambios académicos
• Muestra signos de agresividad o mayor agitación
• Cambios en los hábitos
• Pierde interés en actividades que antes disfrutaba
• Aumento o disminución del uso de dispositivos
• Retraído, no quiere hablar

Iniciadores de diálogo para determinar si su hijo está siendo acosado

• ¿Cómo te sientes después de pasar tiempo en línea?
• ¿Alguna vez has visto a alguien siendo tratado con crueldad en línea? ¿Cómo te sentiste?
• ¿Cómo crees que se siente alguien cuando está siendo acosado en línea?
• ¿Quiénes son los adultos o amigos en los que confías lo suficiente como para hablar con ellos si una situación en línea te hace sentir incómodo?
• ¿Cuáles son algunas formas seguras de responder si ves que alguien está siendo acosado en línea?
• ¿Ha habido momentos en los que te has sentido acosado o incómodo por algo que te dijeron en línea?

Pasos para la intervención de los padres

• Hable con su hijo: tenga una conversación abierta y comprensiva sobre lo que está sucediendo y cuál cree que sería la mejor solución para su hijo
• Documente el acoso: lleve un registro de los incidentes, incluidas las fechas, las horas y las descripciones
• Póngase en contacto con la escuela: trabaje con los maestros y los administradores para abordar el problema
• Apoyo profesional: considere buscar ayuda de un consejero o psicólogo si su hijo tiene dificultades emocionales
• Asesoramiento legal: en casos graves, si el acoso incluye una actividad ilegal, como agresión física o compartir fotos de desnudos, es posible que sea necesario un asesoramiento legal
• Empodere a su hijo: trabaje con su hijo para desarrollar estrategias para manejar el acoso y aumentar su confianza y resiliencia

Servicios de apoyo para estudiantes que enfrentan el acoso cibernético

• Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: Chat de Crisis: https://988lifeline.org/chat/‍
• Línea directa Stop Bullying Now: 1-800-273-8255
• Línea directa No Bully Help: 1-866-488-7386
• Línea Nacional de Charlas para Jóvenes LGBT: 1-800-246-7743

Conclusión

El ciberacoso es un problema serio que está afectando la vida de muchos estudiantes hoy en día. Reconocer las tácticas utilizadas por los ciberacosadores y tener una comprensión clara de cómo apoyar a los estudiantes que están siendo acosados en línea es crucial. Los padres y educadores deben mantener abiertas las líneas de comunicación con los estudiantes para apoyarlos y ayudarles a responder a los acosadores de manera saludable. El ciberacoso es un problema continuo. Requerirá vigilancia, empatía y un esfuerzo colectivo para crear espacios más seguros en línea.

网络欺凌是全国范围内青少年和青少年面临的一个严重问题。据Bark统计，高达83%的青少年将经历网络欺凌，无论是作为欺凌者、受害者还是旁观者。父母和教育工作者比以往任何时候都更需要共同努力，防止（在线和面对面）欺凌行为，以帮助保护学生。

学生比以往任何时候都有更多的方式与他人保持联系，并与陌生人交流。以前，在学校遭受欺凌的学生可以在家中或其他安全场所找到安慰，远离他们的欺凌者。然而，如今，学生拥有智能手机和社交媒体，使他们可以全天候保持连接——这意味着无论学生身在何处，网络欺凌者都可以继续骚扰。

这些来自专家的网络欺凌预防技巧和建议，可以帮助学生保护自己免受网络欺凌，并帮助成年人了解如何提供支持。

什么是网络欺凌？

• 网络欺凌是指利用互联网、社交媒体和智能手机等数字技术来骚扰、威胁或故意让他人难堪的行为。
• 通常存在权力不平衡，这种不平衡可能体现在身体、社交或智力方面。
• 网络欺凌带有伤害他人的意图，这意味着它不是偶然的过失。
• 真正的欺凌是持续性的，而不是一次性的事件。

什么不被视为欺凌？

• 意外伤害：当有人在走廊或运动中不小心碰到你时，这并不总是欺凌。欺凌涉及故意的伤害。
• 单次分歧：与同学的一次性争论或分歧（无论是在线上还是线下），即使争论激烈，也不算作欺凌。欺凌是反复且有针对性的行为。
• 没有被选入团队或看到你未被邀请参加的活动照片：因为没有被选入团队或集体活动而感到被冷落并不一定是欺凌。欺凌是指反复且有意的排斥
• 朋友间的玩笑：朋友之间无意中开的一些玩笑（无论是在线上还是线下），即使最终让人受伤，但并非出于恶意，通常不构成欺凌。欺凌是指造成伤害、困扰或恐惧的行为。
• 不共享兴趣：朋友不愿意和你一起玩并不一定是欺凌。欺凌涉及故意且反复的敌对行为。
• 他人忽略你：有时候你的朋友正经历很多事情，可能无法在线上回复你。他们可能有你不了解的困扰。

网络欺凌者会发送哪些类型的信息？

• 侮辱或谩骂 - 包含贬低或羞辱个人的侮辱性语言的信息。
• 公开羞辱 - 旨在让个人在社交媒体等公共在线空间中感到尴尬或屈辱的信息，包括发送令人尴尬、敏感或私密的信息。
• 威胁 - 包含伤害或恐吓内容的信息，意图在受害者心中植入恐惧。
• 操控 - 试图控制或强迫个人做违背其意愿的事情的信息。
• 骚扰 - 一连串不受欢迎的信息，可能具有攻击性、居高临下或冒犯性。
• 身份盗用 - 假装成受害者发送信息，通常是为了破坏他们的声誉或人际关系。

如何避免成为网络欺凌的受害者?

• 保护个人信息 - 不要让网络欺凌者轻易找到你的目标。请将你的密码和联系信息保密。
• 三思而后发 - 不要在网上发布任何内容，除非你愿意让所有人看到它。
• 明智地选择朋友 - 只接受你信任和现实中认识的人的好友/关注请求。屏蔽任何对你有负面态度的人。
• 建立良好的线上界限 - 决定你希望他人如何对待你，当这些界限被越过时，及时表明立场，防止事态升级。
• 专注于自信 - 表现出自信往往可以吓退欺凌者，同时也能帮助你从可能会让你陷入低谷的情况中恢复过来

遇到网络欺凌时该怎么办（或当你经历网络欺凌时）

• 不要回应或报复 - 如果学生成为目标，建议他们不要回应或报复，因为这通常会使情况变得更糟。
• 定期检查和清理个人资料 - 建议学生定期检查他们的在线个人资料，删除任何可能使他们成为目标的内容。
• 做一个行动者，而不是旁观者 - 鼓励学生支持在网上被欺凌的同伴，并向成人报告这种情况。
• 保存证据 - 鼓励学生保存信息或截取任何欺凌行为的屏幕截图，以备需要报告时使用。
• 使用举报功能 - 教学生如何使用社交网络和在线平台上的举报功能来报告网络欺凌。
• 与信任的成年人讨论在线互动 - 营造一个让学生可以与父母或老师谈论其在线互动的环境，让他们不感到孤单。
• 知道何时断开连接 - 鼓励学生在感到在线互动让他们不堪重负时，从社交媒体和设备中抽离，休息一下。

围绕网络欺凌的对话开场白

• 你有没有在网上看到有人被羞辱或难堪，比如私密照片或个人秘密被分享？那让你有什么感觉？
• 你或你的朋友有没有收到过带有恶意言辞或辱骂的消息？你们对那些消息的反应是怎样的？
• 有没有人曾试图在网上逼迫或诱骗你做一些你不想做的事情？你是如何处理的？
• 有没有哪一次你因为某人在网上对你说的话而感到害怕或受到了威胁？可以跟我说说吗？
• 有没有人曾在网上假装是你，或以你的名义发送消息？这对你的友谊或声誉产生了什么影响？
• 你有没有在网上收到过让你不舒服或难过的重复消息？那些消息都说了些什么？

你的学生在网上被欺凌的迹象

如果你注意到学生的习惯发生了变化，这可能是他们在网上被欺凌的迹象。

• 饮食习惯的变化
• 睡眠比正常情况多或少
• 学业变化
• 表现出攻击性或焦虑加剧的迹象
• 习惯变化
• 对曾经喜欢的活动失去兴趣
• 设备使用量的增加或减少
• 变得内向，不想说话

确定您的孩子是否遭受欺凌的对话开场白

• 在网上花时间后你感觉如何？
• 你有没有见过有人在网上受到不友善的对待？那让你有什么感觉？
• 你认为当某人在网上被欺凌时，他们会有什么感受？
• 如果网上的某种情况让你感到不舒服，你信任的成年人或朋友是谁，愿意和他们谈谈？
• 如果你看到有人在网上被欺凌，有哪些安全的回应方式？
• 有没有遇到过你感到被欺凌或因为网上某些话而感到不舒服的情况？

父母介入的步骤

• 与孩子交谈 - 开展一次开放和支持性的对话，讨论发生了什么，以及孩子认为最好的解决方案是什么。
• 记录欺凌行为 - 保存事件的记录，包括日期、时间和描述。
• 联系学校 - 与老师和管理员合作，解决问题。
• 专业支持 - 如果你的孩子在情感上遇到困难，考虑寻求顾问或心理学家的帮助。
• 法律建议 - 在严重情况下，如果欺凌行为包括非法活动，例如身体攻击或分享裸照，可能需要法律建议。
• 赋予孩子权力 - 与孩子合作，制定应对欺凌的策略，并增强他们的自信心和韧性。

应对网络欺凌的学生支持服务

• 国家自杀预防热线危机聊天： https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• 立即停止欺凌热线：1-800-273-8255
• 无欺凌帮助热线：1-866-488-7386
• LGBT全国青年热线：1-800-246-7743

结论

网络欺凌是一个严重的问题，正在影响许多学生的生活。识别网络欺凌者使用的策略，以及清楚了解如何支持那些在网上受到欺凌的学生至关重要。父母和教育工作者需要与学生保持开放的沟通，支持他们，并帮助他们以健康的方式回应欺凌者。网络欺凌是一个持续存在的问题。我们需要保持警惕、展现同理心，并共同努力创造更安全的在线空间。

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