A GUIDE FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS,

AND STUDENTS

Cyberbullying 101

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is just like the bullying you remember from school, except that it uses electronics. Instead of harassing someone in person, Cyberbullies harass with computers and cell phones.

What are some ways to cyberbully?

Harassment—sending mean or offensive emails, instant messages, text messages, etc.

Denigration—sending gossip or rumors that are intended to damage someone’s reputation

Impersonation—pretending to be someone else and posting messages that would get the person in trouble or would damage his/her reputation

Outing—divulging someone’s personal information or secrets electronically

What are some other ways to cyberbully?

Deception—tricking someone into revealing personal information and then sharing it online

Exclusion—using message boards, social networking sites, and email to exclude someone

Cyberstalking—like regular stalking (harassing, threatening, etc. repeatedly), except that the stalking happens online instead of in person

What are the effects of cyberbullying?

Students who are victims of cyberbullying have reported feeling:AngryDepressedIsolatedScared

In extreme instances, students have committed suicide out of desperation caused by cyberbullying.

Bullies are just boys, right?

Wrong! Bullies and cyberbullies can be girls or boys.

Bullies tend to be angry, depressed, or upset about something at home or elsewhere in their lives.

If you think your child might be bullying others, find help for your child. Guidance counselors, teachers, principals, and your family doctor may all be able to help your child express his/her emotions in a positive manner.

My kid won’t talk to me. How do I know if he/she is being cyberbullied?

Some signs that your child is a victim of bullying: Withdrawal Depression Reluctance to go to school Change in behavior or academic performance

I think my child may be a victim of bullying. What should I do?

Talk to your child!Do not encourage your child to retaliate.Help your child practice being assertive.Seek help! Your child’s teacher, principal,

and school counselor are all good sources for help.

I am being cyberbullied, and I don’t know what to do . . .

Tell an adult you trust! You will get help!Some suggestions:

Your mom or dad One of your teachers Your principal Your school counselor Your pastor An adult in your family: grandparents, aunts, uncles

Where can I find more information or help with cyberbullying?

STOP Cyberbullying http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html

Cyberbullying Research Center http://www.cyberbullying.us/

National Crime Prevention Council http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying

References

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. (2008, May). Bullying. Retrieved from http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/bullying

Riley, S. (2007). Q & A: Mike Donlin: Standing up to cyberbullies. School CIO. Retrieved from http://www.schoolcio.com/ShowArticle/1030

Winter, R. E., & Leneway, R. J. (2007). Terror in the classroom: What can be done?, Part 1. School CIO. Retrieved from http://www.schoolcio.com/ShowArticle/1034

Winter, R. E., & Leneway, R. J. (2007). Terror in the classroom: What can be done?, Part 2. School CIO. Retrieved from http://www.schoolcio.com/ShowArticle/1036

Winter, R. E., & Leneway, R. J. (2007). Terror in the classroom: What can be done?, Part 3. School CIO. Retrieved from http://www.schoolcio.com/ShowArticle/1038

Winter, R. E., & Leneway, R. J. (2007). Terror in the classroom: What can be done?, Part 4. School CIO. Retrieved from http://www.schoolcio.com/ShowArticle/1040