Cyberbullying 101- Recognizing the Signs of Tech Bullies

 

Cyberbullying 101- Recognizing the signs of tech bullies



With the rise in use of technology, there has been an increase in cyberbullying.  According to the Pew Research Center, a September 2018 study found that 59% of US teens have been a victim of harassment online. It is important for teachers, parents, administrators and other students to recognize and be aware of the indicators of cyberbullying.


Educational Indicators

  • Declined academic performance

  • Loss of interest in or refusal to attend school

  • Skipping class

Behavioral and Social Indicators

  • Sudden changes in personality or behavior

  • Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

  • Disregard for physical health

  • Sudden change of or withdrawal from friends

  • Social alienation 

  • Sleep deprivation

  • Self harm


Emotional Indicators

  • Loss of confidence

  • Depression

  • Extreme shyness or aggressiveness

  • Anxiety



Cyberbullying is difficult to recognize without the student speaking about it. Encourage students to speak to you or another adult in the building if they are a victim of cyberbullying.


Watch the video below for more insight on this crisis.

https://youtu.be/vmQ8nM7b6XQ


Additional Resources

There are dozens of organizations devoted to the prevention of and taking action against cyberbullying.

  • StopBullying.gov provides information on bullying and is managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

  • Cyberbullying Research Center provides up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents.

  • WeStopHate.org is a non-profit dedicated to raising self-esteem in teens who have been bullied.

  • Stomp Out Bullying focuses on reducing and preventing cyberbullying and other forms of digital abuse through education, peer mentoring, and other campaigns.

  • Megan Meier Foundation aims to bring awareness, education, and promote positive change in response to the issues surrounding bullying and cyberbullying. It was founded by Tina Meier after her daughter committed suicide as a result of being cyberbullied.

 https://www.stompoutbullying.org/tip-sheet-administrators-cyberbullying


https://www.trackmyfone.com/blog/how-to-identify-a-cyberbully-or-cyberbullying-victim/#:~:text=There%20are%20a%20few%20pellucid%20signs%20of%20cyberbullying,others%20that%20can%20be%20problematic%20for%20that%20person.

 

Comments

  1. BowmanJune 30, 2020 at 8:01 PM

    This is why building relationships as well as trust with students, families is important! Although our students can be very resilient, all stakeholders need to understand how interconnected their well-being, self-esteem is with their learning, success and overall growth.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 3, 2020 at 7:19 AM

    With the shift to virtual teaching, training and understanding of cyber-bullying is important for not only teachers but parents. Parents need to be aware of the signs and schools and teachers need to have a plan to address cyber-bullying when it happens.

    ReplyDelete

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