How to Respond to Cyberbullying
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Recognizing the Signs of Cyberbullying
Research suggests that 50-75% of students who have been bullied will never tell an adult. (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) As parents it is important to recognize the signs if your child is being bullied (Hirsch, Lowen & Santorelli, 2012)
Research suggests that 50-75% of students who have been bullied will never tell an adult. (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) As parents it is important to recognize the signs if your child is being bullied (Hirsch, Lowen & Santorelli, 2012)
- Exhibits a hesitance about being online or when an instant message, text or email appears
- Visibly upset after being on a computer or phone or suddenly avoids
- Hides or clears the computer scene or phone when you enter the room
- Spends longer times than usual online in a more tense manner
- Suspicious phone calls, emails or packages begin to arrive
For Parents:
If you Suspect Cyberbullying: Ask Questions Digging deeper in your questions shows your child that you are present, and interested in their well-being. By asking questions you can monitor their reactions, and be sure you are tuning into their body language for unspoken messages. (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) Bullying vs. Teasing Help children determine the difference between teasing and bullying. Bullying is intentional, often repeated and some sort of power imbalance between the bully and the victim. Do not ask questions that appear to place responsibility on them for what is happening or brush off with a "it will blow over" or "it will be better tomorrow." Instead ask questions about events leading up to the event, any actions they may have taken, and the response of the other party.(Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) Ask a Friend You can check with those who are close with them to better understand the circumstances.(Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) If you know your child has been bullied: Believe Them 49% of students say they have been bullied once or twice during the school year, but only 32% of their parents believed them (Hirsch, Lowen & Santorelli, 2012) Save Evidence Encourage your child to take screen shots and save messages that can support claims of inappropriate or illegal behavior. (Hirsch, Lowen & Santorelli, 2012) Understand When to Ignore, Block, React or Report One time instances can be ignored, if it continues they can be blocked, if they continue to find new avenues to contact with new screen names, etc you can respond assertively to send one message that authorities will be contacted if it persists, but it is important not to respond aggressively adding to the cycle of bullying. (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) Tracing Email and Text Messages If threatening messages come from phones, a search can be conducted to help identify the cell phone provider. If needed, you can report the number to the provider. The Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use recommends that email threats can be reported back to the internet service provider and can include a copy of an email message. Some providers also have a link to report abuse. (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) Tracing and Responding to Social Media Sites If fake or offensive profiles are created to target your child, you can report it to the site. These are often found on the help page. (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) Share Evidence If the perpetrator is another student, share the evidence with a school counselor or school officials. Work together to resolve. If the perpetrator is someone known by you, you can contact the parents and share evidence. (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) |
For Educators:
How to respond to Cyberbullying Threat Assessment Schools should have protocols around threats made by students to cause harm to themselves or other students. The rise of social media has shown an increase in students coming to the attention of counselors who may be in need of assessment just as they would a spoken or written threat. A school district should clearly outline threat assessment procedures including the appropriate action. (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) Resolution-First Steps Olweus Bully Prevention Program states that students should be individually interviewed to avoid the potential "re-victimization" of the targeted student. Safety plans can also be put into place to allow clear channels for students to ask for help. If any scheduling changes should be made, the preference is to make the changes on the part of the bully. (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) Intervention Channels Accountability Circles bring the idea of Restorative Justice combined with mediation into schools. Counselors walk the targeted student and bully through a scripted process. The script gives the targeted student the opportunity to share how the actions have impacted them, and allows the bully the opportunity to sincerely apologize and take steps to move forward. (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012) |