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.