Keeping our Students Safe from Cyberbullying

Who would have thought that only a month ago, I was planning the spring book fair, field trips, ordering books for library reading time?  But now due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I am collecting resources for online learning for students and teachers, updating the website with new resources, and creating fun activities promote reading online for students in my elementary school.  Change is scary for teachers and students.  There are so many unknowns for everyone during this time. The “show must go on” and educating our students is one of our top priorities.  However, with the extended time that students are now online, the possibility of cyberbullying become more prevalent. 

Since students are now online due to e-learning and social media or gaming more than ever, cyberbullying is most likely to increase (Hinduja, 2019).  The trend of cyberbullying has been on the rise for years.  We adults all know how to define a bully.  It someone that can verbally, physically or relationally causing someone harm repeatedly because they feel that they have power over that person (Faucher, Cassidy, & Jackson, 2015). 

 (Patchin, 2019)

This chart might show the trend of twelve-year old student through seventeen-year old students but the results show their response to the question of a “lifetime of cyberbullying”.  This is a sad trend that a twelve-year old student has had enough activity to answer this question.  But many younger students don’t understand why a friend is being mean to them.  Even more importantly, those students don’t know what to do about it. 

In a classroom or school setting the teacher can separate students to diffuse a situation.  But students are now isolated and without the parent being aware of this activity, students could be bullied.  Some suggestions from the website Cyberbullying.org are for teachers to do the following.

Keep in touch with all of your students on a regular basis.

Remind them that you are there for them and if they need something to not hesitate to ask.

Keep especially in tough with those students that you know need the connection, the encouraging words.

Remain in contact with parents regarding classwork and how the student is coping.

These connections might allow a student to confide in your about a situation that is happening.  To make sure that students understand that you are supportive and understanding during this stressful time.  Parents are a huge factor in this conversation.  They must be aware of what their students are doing online, while parents are also working from home in many situations. Even though many students will not tell their parent if they are being cyberbullied. An article on the website, Healthychildren.org includes many tips to cope with the “new normal” at many current homes in the U.S. 

Keeping a routine is very important.  Including the student in the creation of the schedule is very important.  Limiting screen time for games, learning and social interaction should still be enforced.  And parents should know what their students are doing online.  Make sure to watch for signs of cyberbullying where the student is a victim or aggressor according to Cyberbullying.org.

Some signs of a victim of cyberbullying are a student:

Stopping the use of their device or being jumpy when on the device.

Appearing angry or depressed after going online

Loss of appetite

Making passing statements about the “meaningless of life”

Some signs of being an aggressor of cyberbullying:

Hiding the device when a parent is near.

Getting upset if they can’t use their device.

Having multiple online accounts.

Being overly concerned with popularity or being in the right crowd.

Demonstrating increased insensitivity or callousness towards peers.

During this time of social distancing that we are all working from home, we must do what we can to make the experience for our students a good one.  This means academically, socially, and emotionally.  Be diligent to look out for signs of cyberbullying in your school students or at-home students. 

Faucher, C., Cassidy, W., & Jackson, M. (2015). From the sandbox to the inbox: Comparing the acts, impacts, and solutions of bullying in K-12, higher education, and the workplace. Journal of Education and Training Studies. 3(6), 111-125.

Hinduja, S. (2019, March 16). Coronavirus, online learning, social isolation, and cyberbullying: how to support our students. Retrieved from Cyberbullying Research Center: https://cyberbullying.org/coronavirus-online-learning-social-isolation-cyberbullying

Patchin, J. (2019, March 19). School bullying rates increase by 35% from 20016-2019. Retrieved from Cyberbullying research center: https://cyberbullying.org/school-bullying-rates-increase-by-35-from-2016-to-2019