2. Should we teach more about cyberbullying in school?

Although children have access to the Internet and smartphones before entering school, they lack the capacity to recognise and prevent cyberbullying. Along with Internet use and safety courses, schools have a significant amount of responsibility for this sort of instruction.


It is the educators' responsibility to teach students how to use digital media respectfully and safely, including helping them identify, respond to, and avoid cyberbullying. As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, more schools and districts are providing teachers with the time and resources to prioritize these skills. To approach cyberbullying prevention in the classroom, teachers can promote a positive and safe classroom culture, provide resources to help students identify, respond to, and avoid cyberbullying, embrace teachable moments, incorporate lessons on cyberbullying into existing curriculum, and advocate for a school- or district-wide digital citizenship program. By addressing cyberbullying directly, teachers can make connections to the content they are already teaching and stay attuned and sensitive to students. Additionally, a fully integrated digital citizenship program provides teachers with the time and resources to tackle these topics head-on, provides consistent opportunities for students to build their skills, and supports families in reinforcing the messages at home. By incorporating these strategies into the classroom, educators can help students develop the skills they need to effectively combat cyberbullying and promote a more positive and respectful digital environment.


However, sadly, it is not possible to prevent all cyberbullying, if a cyberbully occurs in the class, these are some tips to protect students:

1. Take any indications or allegations of cyberbullying seriously.


2. Inform all kids about the warning signals of cyberbullying and what it implies on various platforms, apps, and online games.


3. Establish a safe area for reporting online incidents in order to safeguard kids who are subjected to heinous behaviour.


4. Teach youngsters how to document their online activities and messages, and emphasise the significance of presenting proof of cyberbullying.


5. Ensure that all students understand that it is not their fault and that there are strategies to address harassment, trolling, and other bullying behaviours.


Kaho

Resources: 

Cyberbullying, D. (2023). What Can Schools Do to Help With Cyberbullying? — Delete Cyberbullying. Delete Cyberbullying. https://www.endcyberbullying.net/blog/what-can-schools-do-to-help-with-cyberbullying

Teachers’ Essential Guide to Cyberbullying Prevention | Common Sense Education. (2023, May 23). Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/teachers-essential-guide-to-cyberbullying-prevention#What%20lesson%20plans%20and%20classroom%20resources%20are%20available%20to%20address%20cyberbullying?

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