Cyberbullying

1. Response

1.1. Cyber bullying is NEVER okay. Parents, teachers, and fellow students should take immediate action if bullying is seen. Advising the person who is being bullied to keep record of what has been happening to them is always a smart idea

1.2. Once the situation is fully investigated legal action may be the correct call. Following this list may give you more efficient strategies on how to deal with the situation.

2. Definition

2.1. Cyberbullying is the use of technology such as communication devices to bully a person, typically by posting onto social media or sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.

2.2. Cyberbullying is more than your average bullying, its a virus. It spreads person to person and everyone can see it if they look hard enough.

3. Lesson Plan

3.1. Sharing information with your students is crucial for the prevention of cyberbullying. I think one good project for students to do would be researching a true life story and putting on a skit to bring it to life. Students would be put into small groups and record themselves performing their skit. They would then insert this video into a PowerPoint and further explain what they have learned about cyberbullying.

3.2. This project would utilize the students 21st century skills. It would involve collaboration and communication while using technology such as PowerPoint and another application to record and edit their videos. Bringing bullying to life will give students an eye opening experience

4. Consequences

4.1. Cyberbullying can follow you 24 hours 7 days a week. The person whom was being bullied could be permanently changed from the experience. The sadness and embarrassment could cause long lasting emotional pain especially if the bullying occurs during childhood.

4.2. Legal consequences could be taken against the bully themselves regardless of their age. Each state has there own laws regarding bullying and as a teacher you are required to comply the laws. Many schools have adopted a zero tolerance policy. Fines and suspension are the minimum consequence in many places.

5. Prevention

5.1. The most important step on preventing cyber bullying is educating yourself on the consequences. Always remember to take a pause before you post.

5.2. Protecting yourself from cyberbullying is one important step in preventing it from happening to you. Take a moment to make sure your social media and other accounts are secure. Follow the link to discover more ways to prevent cyber bullying for yourself and others.