Cyber Bullying & Schools
The National Crime Prevention Council reports that nearly half of American teens have been bullied when using cell phones, the Internet or other electronic devices. Cyberbullying can be typed text or pictures posted to embarrass or hurt students. In 2010, The U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced its plans to require that most schools have policies regarding Internet safety, filters to block inappropriate content and student training in safe online practices.
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The Cyberbullies
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Some students pretend to be other people when online to cyberbully victims. Other methods include spreading rumors and lying about other students, fooling victims into revealing personal information, posting pictures of victims without consent and distributing or forwarding nasty text messages. Victims feel that teens who cyberbully think their activities are funny and no big deal. Victims also describe cyberbullies as perpetrators who think they can get away with these activities and won't get caught.
The Victims
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Some victims immediately delete negative messages from the cyberbully and block further communication. Other students report the bullying to an adult, website moderator or an Internet service provider. Students find cyberbullying frightening, hurtful and embarrassing. Some victims may feel angry and want revenge, or cyberbully back at the perpetrators. Others withdraw from activities and people. In schools, victims struggle with low self-worth, poor academic performance and related violence.
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School Preventative Measures
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School can take steps to prevent cyberbullying by teaching students to use the Internet responsibly. Students need to understand that all forms of bullying are wrong and that anyone who is threatening or harassing others will be disciplined. Rules of computer usage can be posted on signs at a computer workstation or lab as reminders. Bullying and harassment policies can be revised to include cyberbullying and give schools the legal authority to intervene if off-campus activities disrupt the learning environment. A positive school climate helps to promote safety and respect among students.
Responding to Reports of Cyberbullying
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Schools can use the services of law enforcement or school liaison officers to conduct an investigation and determine a response that is in keeping with the level of harm involved. Schools can work with parents to reinforce the message that cybullying is a serious problem. A number of creative strategies can be used to address less harmful, minor incidents, such as requiring students to create anti-cyberbullying posters, or having youth make a presentation on cyberbullying to younger students. More serious violations can result in suspension, detention, a classroom change or expulsion.
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References
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