Cyberbullying- Reflection #3

I remember as a kid hearing other kids say, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me!"  to other kids being mean.  This 'comeback' line was simply a lie.  I look back and think they probably would have rather it been a stick or stone.  At least the pain would have be brief.  

I read an article titled "Stop Cyberbullying" from http://stopcyberbullying.org/prevention/schools_role.html

     I tried to find an article that emphasized what we could do to prevent cyberbullying from ever starting.  I was unaware that cyberbulling involves a minor against another minor.   Once adults are involved it is plain and simple cyberstalking or cyber-harassment.  Cyberbullying is when a child, preteen, or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed, or targeted by another child.  The article goes on to say that when schools try to get involved in the disciplining of cyberbullying that took place off-campus and outside of school hours, they are often sued and usually lose. 

     So I was thinking what can schools do to educate the students about the cyberethics and the law?  Here are a few points I took away from the article:

-       Motives for cyberfullying differ. The reasons kids cyberbully could be for revenge, frustration, entertainment, to get a reaction, power-hungry to torment

-Education is key!  Begin with an education campaign that teaches they are help accountable for their actions and don’t stand by and allow bullying (in any form) to be acceptable.  Teach that we should never ignore the pain others. 

-Teach kids to “Take 5!”  before responding to something they encounter online.  Step away from the computer, breath deep, go run, etc. 

-Words can hurt.   Teach kids that children shouldn’t stand silently by while others are being tormented.  It is crucial that they tell and adult.  Giving they an anonymous method of reporting cyberbullying is recommended. 

     I think these are all things we can do in our schools.  With so many skills and standards thrown at us to teach we sometimes have to stop and teach them how to simply respect and treat others. I have always admired the kid that takes up for a child that is being mistreated or being made fun of.  It could simply be the word, “Stop.” I think giving kids scenarios and having them role-play what to say and do in those type of situations is powerful.  Bottom line,  kids need guidance on what to do in those situations because they will sooner or later experience bullying or witness it. Sad, but true.