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EdTech Update is a website with a collections of resources and materials that share information on various topics. Some of these materials include articles, blog posts, websites, webinars, and other helpful resources.

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Ask a Tech Teacher

Learning that will help you learn how to teach digital citizenship to your students. Below, you'll find everything from a full year-long curriculum to professional development for teachers: Resources: Digital Citizenship: What to Teach When (a video).

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Neo LMS

So, existing in this environment, working, learning, doing business, communicating just like we do in real life make us citizens of this digital world. As digital citizens, we have both rights and obligations and that is why learning more about the concept of digital citizenship is crucial.

Graphite Blog

Now more than ever, students need key digital citizenship skills, including news and media literacy, the ability to recognize and respond to cyberbullying, and an understanding of how their media habits affect them.

Buncee

Digital Citizenship Week is almost here, which means it's the perfect time to introduce and encourage safe online practices in your classroom! Read on to discover how you can foster these integral digital citizenship skills in your students with Buncee!

Graphite Blog

Whether we call this hybrid, concurrent, blended learning, or something else entirely, Common Sense's Digital Citizenship Curriculum and teaching resources are designed to foster rich discussions for all students, regardless of how and where they're learning.

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Blog and Digital Citizenship - EdTech Update

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Ask a Tech Teacher Learning that will help you learn how to teach digital citizenship to your students. Below, you'll find everything from a full year-long curriculum to professional development for teachers: Resources: Digital Citizenship: What to Teach When (a video).

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CyberCivics, a curriculum created to help teacher students to become positive digital citizens, has a blog where posts are made about important topics like cyberbullying, digital literacy, digital citizenship, internet safety, online privacy, and MUCH more!

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Cyber Civics Blog | Middle School Digital Citizenship & Literacy

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Stories about the Cyber Civics Middle School Digital Citizenship and Literacy Program tell why these classes are so important to teach!

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TeachersFirst is a blog created for teachers and by teachers. The goal of the blog is to enhance teaching and learning in a way that it benefits both students and teachers. One of the topics that the blog focuses on is Digital Citizenship.

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Digital Citizenship - TeachersFirst Blog

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Books buzzwords classroom classroom management COVID-19 Digital Citizenship Digital Literacy digital storytelling EdTech frameworks game-based learning History holidays inspiration Instructional Strategies ISTE Standards lesson ideas Library Media literacy math media literacy Microsoft motivation Presentation Design Primary Sources professional development professional learning quote Reading remote learning research resources Science social and emotional learning Social Learning social media social studies STEM strategies Summer TeachersFirst technology implementation Tech Tools Tutorial writing

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Ask a Tech Teacher is a great blog created by a skilled set of technology teachers who aim to teach kids in K-18 about technology and some of the difficulties associated with technology in a way that is interesting and stimulating.

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Kathleen Morris, a retired primary school teacher in Victoria, Australia, originally created this blog as a way to share what she was learning about how to integrate technology into the classroom and later moved on to help other teachers to incorporate technology into lessons on important topics like digital citizenship, internet safety, research skills, and much more.

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📌 As of mid-2020 I'm no longer publishing new content. Please enjoy browsing all my old posts from the past decade.
Hi there! My name's Kathleen Morris and I'm a former primary school teacher in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

The beginning...

In my 5th year of teaching in 2008 I discovered educational blogging. I started a teacher blog on the Edublogs CampusPress platform, Global2. I then set up a class blog and later, individual student blogs.

After discovering the enormous number of benefits of educational blogging, I developed a passion for sharing my practice with others.

While exploring blogging, I became particularly interested in global collaboration. I've had so many priceless experiences connecting and collaborating with teachers and students from all corners of the globe.

Another passion I've developed is digital citizenship and teaching students how to research online. I believe theseare both foundational skills for learning and life.

Overall, I love helping to shape digitally literate global learners.

A career highlight

Way back in 2012, I was honoured to win the Department of Education Outstanding Primary Teacher of the Year Award.

This award allowed me to present at the world's largest educational technology conference, ISTE. This experience, and particularly presenting with California teacher, Linda Yollis, was certainly a career highlight.

Me in 2022

In 2013 I left full time teaching to become a mum. Since then, I have taught part-time/casually while raising my two young children.

In 2017 I also began working with Edublogs to help teachers and students on their own blogging journeys. Part of this role is leading the Student Blogging Challenge and writing regular posts on The Edublogger.

Life threw our family a big curveball in 2019 and again in 2020 and 2021 with some serious medical diagnoses. Because of this, I'm not currently teaching or writing.

When I first began this blog, it was a means of sharing what I was learning about technology integration with other educators.

The blog has evolved since then. After seeing what a big impact meaningful technology integration has had in my own classroom, I'm on a mission to help teachers do the same. I love helping teachers realise they can unleash the benefits of technology integration without advanced tech skills or specialised training.

I like breaking down big ideas or topics, and this also helps me refine my own thinking and understanding.

My favourite topics to talk about include:

educational blogging

global collaboration

digital citizenship

research skills

technology integration

A bit more about me

Teaching History

I began teaching in 2004 after graduating from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and Bachelor of Arts (Indonesian).

Conferences

I've enjoyed presenting at many conferences, schools, and webinars across Victoria and beyond. I've also given guest lectures at Deakin University and taught an undergraduate subject.

I'm a busy mum of two young children and enjoy keeping fit, reading, cooking, podcasts, and finding new ways to keep my life super organised! (Want to hear some of my top productivity tips? Check this post!). I consider myself a lifelong learner and enjoy throwing myself into topics I'm passionate about.

Media Features
These are just a few articles and publications I have appeared in

Global Village of Students, Teachers and Families, The Age, April 2013

Setting the Ground Rules, DEECD Inspire Magazine, March 2013

Tablets are Cool but are They Smart, The Australian Financial Review, February 2012

Educational Blogging Expands Horizons, DEECD Inspire Magazine, November 2012

Geelong Advertiser newspaper, January 31st 2012, May 18th 2012, and May 22nd 2012

Class Blog a Big Hit, Herald Sun, 2011

Digital Natives Restless, The Age, August 2010

Ugandan Global Project, Runner's World Magazine, 2010

Tech Tools for Teachers

From 2010-2013 I produced an e-newsletter with Simon Collier and Matt Limb called Tech Tools for Teachers.

Each fortnight we reviewed a free online tool and provided step-by-step instructions on how to use it. Our website was www.teachgennow.com.au Matt, Simon and I also ran a number of successful conferences for educators called Technify Your Teaching.

In 2013 we took a break from this venture to focus on family life.

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📌 As of mid-2020 I'm no longer publishing new content. Please enjoy browsing all my old posts from the past decade. Hi there! My name's Kathleen Morris and I'm a former primary school teacher in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. In my 5th year of teaching in 2008 I discovered educational blogging.

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Bloomz is a blog created to assist teachers and parents become more involved and making decisions that are best for their student's education.

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by Brianna Richard, on Apr 28, 2021 12:31:18 PM

Now more than ever, millions of eyes are glued to screens, and screens have become both a burden and a blessing. Screens have joined families together over the holidays, connected ...

by Jude Miqueli, on Nov 20, 2017 7:51:17 PM

News travels fast online and students are becoming digital citizens of the world. To avoid problematic situations with lasting consequences students should practice communicating responsibly on the internet. Bloomz facilitates thoughtful ...

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by Brianna Richard, on Apr 28, 2021 12:31:18 PM Now more than ever, millions of eyes are glued to screens, and screens have become both a burden and a blessing. Screens have joined families together over the holidays, connected ...

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Based on their 2010 film documentary "Catfish", Yaniv "Nev" Schulman and Max Joseph travel across the U.S. helping couples who have started dating online but have yet to meet each other. Nev and Max seek to expose the real person behind the screen and share the importance of being safe online.

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Annie receives a laptop on her 14th birthday and quickly starts chatting with people online. She meets Charlie in an online chat room and they talk for two months before deciding to meet at the local mall. This movie shares the very real possibilities of chatting with strangers online and not being safe on the internet.

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Submit the Documentary: The Virtual Reality of Cyberbullying 

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Submit the Documentary: The Virtual Reality of Cyberbullying 

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Family members and victims of cyberbullying get together to share their stories and experiences in order to discuss the harsh realities of cyberbullying and what they can do to put an end to it.

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At the mercy of a computer hacker, Casey must do as she is told in order to prevent shameful images of herself be posting online for the world to see.

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An ABC Family movie that showcases the effects of cyberbullying and what family members must go through in order to help the ones they love to regain a semblance of "normal".

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VeryWellMind is a website that's focus is on teaching viewers how to put themselves and their well-being first.

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Cyberbullying refers to the use of digital technology to cause harm to other people. This typically involves the use of the Internet, but may also take place through mobile phones (e.g., text-based bullying). Social media is one of the primary channels through which cyber bullying takes place, including Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, and more.

Cyberbullying has been deemed a public health problem, with the prevalence of cyberbullying doubling from 2007 to 2019,﻿﻿ and 59% of teens in the United States reporting that they have been bullied or harassed online.﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

In general, cyberbullying is a recent issue with increasing numbers of people using the Internet. For this reason, it remains not well understood. In addition, much of the focus is on how cyberbullying affects the victim, without a lot of focus on how to cope with cyberbullying, how to reduce cyberbullying, or what to do if you are a cyberbully yourself.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullies can appear through social media, inside of apps, in forums, during gaming, and more. However, more personal cyberbullies will operate through email, texting, or direct messaging.

It has been argued that cyberbullying arises in light of five criteria: intention, repetition, power imbalance, anonymity, and publicity.﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

Cyberbullies generally have the intention of creating harm when they engage in online bullying. However, bullying can still take place without intention if a victim perceives actions to be harmful.

Repetition

Repetition is a hallmark characteristic of cyberbullying. This refers to repeated actions on the part of the bully, but also the fact that material that is shared on the Internet could last much longer than the original bullying. This is especially true in the case of sharing personal information or photos as a form of cyberbullying.

Power Imbalance

One of the other hallmark traits of cyberbullying is that victims are in a power imbalance situation with their bully. This can be especially true if the bullying takes place in a public forum.

Some cyberbullies make use of anonymity to hide behind their computer screen when they engage in bullying. In this case, there is no need for a power imbalance in the relationship between the bully and the victim.

Finally, another trait of some cyberbullying is that it involves the use of publicity. This is especially true for those who choose to publicly humiliate or shame someone as their form of bullying.

Forms of Cyberbullying

What are the various forms of cyberbullying? Below are the types of cyberbullying that exist.

Flaming: Flaming refers to using inflammatory language about someone or broadcasting offensive messages about them in the hopes of eliciting a reaction. One example would be Donald Trump's use of the phrases "Crooked Hilary" or "Sleepy Joe Biden."﻿﻿

Outing: Outing involves sharing personal or embarrassing information about someone on the Internet. This type of cyberbullying usually takes place on a larger scale rather than one-to-one or in a smaller group.

Trolling: Trolling refers to posting content or comments with the goal of getting people to have embarrassing online reactions. In other words, a troll will say something derogatory or offensive about a person or group, with the sole intention of getting people riled up. This type of cyberbully enjoys creating chaos and then sitting back and watching what happens.

Name Calling: Name-calling involves using offensive language to refer to other people. Reports show that 42% of teens said they had been called offensive names through their mobile phone or on the Internet.﻿﻿

Spreading False Rumors: Cyberbullies who spread false rumors make up stories about individuals and then spread these false truths online. In the same report, 32% of teens said that someone had spread false rumors about them on the Internet.﻿﻿

Sending Explicit Images or Messages: Cyberbullies may also send explicit images or messages without the consent of the victim.

Cyber Stalking/Harassing/Physical Threats: Some cyberbullies will repeatedly target the same people through cyberstalking, cyber harassing, or physical threats. In that same report, 16% of teens reported having been the victim of physical threats on the Internet.﻿﻿

Why Do People Cyberbully?

Why do people engage in cyberbullying? There can be numerous different factors that lead to someone becoming a cyberbully.

Mental Health Issues

Cyberbullies may be living with mental health issues that relate to their bullying or make it worse.﻿﻿﻿ Examples include problems with aggression, hyperactivity or impulsivity, as well as substance abuse.

In addition, those with personality features resembling the "dark tetrad" of narcissism or psychopathy may be at risk for cyberbullying.﻿﻿ These individuals tend to have a low level of empathy for other people and may bully others as a way to increase their sense of power or worth.

Victims of Bullying

Cyberbullies sometimes become bullies after having experienced cyberbullying themselves.﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿ In this way, they may be looking to feel more in control or lash out after feeling victimized and being unable to retaliate to the original bully.

Result of Conflicts or Breakups

Cyberbullying that takes place between two people that were previously friends or in a relationship may be triggered by conflicts in the friendship or the breakdown of the relationship. In this way, this type of cyberbullying might be viewed as driven by revenge or jealousy.﻿﻿

Boredom or Trying Out a New Persona

It has been suggested that some people engage in cyberbullying due to boredom or the desire to try out a new persona on the Internet.﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿ This type of cyberbullying would typically be anonymous.

Loneliness or Isolation

Cyberbullies may also be people who struggle with feeling isolated or lonely in society.﻿﻿ If they feel ignored by others, they may lash out as a way to feel better or vent their rage at society.

Why People Become Cyberbullies

While some people are bullies both in real life and online, there are others who only become bullies in the digital space. Why is this the case? Why would someone bully others online when they would never do that in their everyday life? There are multiple possible explanations for this behavior.

Non-Confrontational & Anonymous

The first reason why people may become bullies online when they would not bully in their everyday life has to do with the nature of the Internet. A person can bully others online and remain completely anonymous. Clearly, this is not possible with traditional bullying.

In addition, online bullying can be done in a non-confrontational way, particularly if it is anonymous. This means that a cyberbully may skip about the Internet leaving nasty comments and not stick around to hear the replies.

No Need for Popularity or Physical Dominance

In order to be a bully in real life, you typically need to have some advantage over your victim. This might mean that you are physically larger than them. It might mean that you are more popular than them. Or, it might mean that you have some sort of power imbalance over them.

In contrast, anyone can be a cyberbully. There is no need to have physical dominance or popularity. This means that people who want to bully can easily do it on the Internet regardless of their status in their real life.

No Barrier to Entry

Similar to the concept of there being no need to be dominant or popular, there is also a very low barrier to entry to becoming a cyberbully. Anyone with access to the Internet can get started. Friends are defined loosely online, which creates a situation that makes it very easy to bully others.

No Feedback From Victim

Finally, the last reason why people who do not bully in real life may engage in cyberbullying has to do with a lack of feedback from their victim. Cyberbullies usually engage in bullying over an extended period of time, largely because there is not generally feedback from the victim like there would be in a face-to-face interaction. Someone, who in real life would see the impact on their victim and back off, may not do the same in the case of cyberbullying.

How Cyberbullying Differs From In-Person Bullying

In the case of cyberbullying, the victim generally has no escape from the abuse and harassment. Unlike real life encounters, online bullying and the Internet never really shut down and bullying may be unrelenting.

This can make victims feel as though they have no escape, particularly if the bullying involves sharing of their personal information or when something posted about them goes viral. This type of bullying can go on for an extended period of time.

Effects of Cyberbullying

There are numerous effects that may be seen in those who are dealing with cyberbullying. It can be helpful to know what to expect to see in a victim, as this can be one way to identify when someone is being bullied online.

Some of these effects are even stronger than what is seen with traditional bullying, as the victim often cannot escape the abusive situation. They may include:﻿﻿

Feelings of distress about the bullying

Increased feelings of depression and mood swings

Increased feelings of anxiety

Problems falling asleep or staying asleep (e.g., insomnia)

Suicidal ideation or suicide attempt

Increased feelings of fearfulness

Feelings of low self-esteem or self-worth

Social isolation, withdrawing from friend groups, or spending a lot of time alone

Avoiding doing things that they used to enjoy

Poor academic performance

Problems in relationships with family members and friends

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress

Self-harm (e.g., cutting, hitting yourself, headbanging)

Substance abuse

Increased feelings of anger, irritability, or angry outbursts

Characteristics of Victims

There are indeed some common aspects of the victim that tend to repeat themselves including the following characteristics:﻿﻿﻿﻿

Teens and young adults are the most at risk.

In the case of spreading false rumors and being the recipient of explicit images, girls are more likely to be victims.

People who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender may be victims more often.

Those who are shy, socially awkward, or don't fit in easily may become victims.

People from lower-income households are more likely to be victims.

People who use the Internet constantly are more likely to be victims of online bullies.

How to Deal with a Cyber Bully

There are many ways to deal with a cyberbully as an adult and as a parent if your child is being bullied on the Internet. Let's take a look at each of these issues separately.

If your child is being bullied online, the best course of action is to instruct them not to respond to the Internet bully. In addition, tell them to document each instance of cyber bullying by saving text messages, emails, photos, and any other forms of communication. This can be done using screenshots if necessary. Ask your child to forward this information to you so that you have records of everything.

Next, if the bullying is originating from a school contact, report the instances of cyberbullying to the teacher, principal or administrative staff at your school. In the case of extreme bullying or threats, you should also report the bullying behavior to the police.

Finally, it's important to reassure your child that they are not to blame for the bullying online. Some victims may feel that their behavior created the problem or that they are somehow to blame. For this reason, it's important to make sure your child knows that what happened is not their fault.

Many of the same principles as above will apply to your situation as an adult dealing with a cyberbully.

First of all, be sure to keep records of all instances of bullying, whether they come through your text messages, messenger chats, in Facebook groups, Instagram DMs, or other online sources. Take screenshots and keep folders on your computer with evidence of the cyberbullying.

Next, if you know the source of the cyberbullying, determine whether there is a course of action you can take with regard to that person. For example, if it is a work colleague or supervisor, is there someone in HR at work that you can speak to? If it is a family member, is there a way to bring up this issue to other family members to ask for their support? Finally, if it is someone you only know online, can you block and delete them from all your social media?

The best course of action will be to ignore the cyberbullying as much as possible. However, if you are receiving threats, then you will want to report this to the police, along with the evidence that you have collected.

As a Community

It is not enough for victims of cyberbullying to deal with their bullies and try to find solutions. Often times, these victims are emotionally distraught and unable to find help.

It is our job as a community to work toward establishing systems that prevent cyberbullying from taking place at all. Some potential ideas for initiatives are listed below.

Kids and teens who are cyberbullied are still learning how to regulate emotions and deal with social situations. Cyberbullying at this age could have lasting permanent effects. Mental health resources should be put in place to help victims of cyberbullying manage their mental health.

Cyberbullying thrives on status and approval. Cyberbullies will stop when social rejection of cyberbullying becomes so widespread and prevalent that they no longer have anything to gain. This means that every instance of online bullying that is witnessed (especially in the case of troll comments) should be ignored. In addition, there should be awareness campaigns that online bullying is not only not acceptable, but that it is a sign of weak social status.

Schools are the point of contact for parents trying to help their children who are being cyberbullied. For this reason, schools should have programs and protocols in place to immediately and swiftly deal with cyberbullying. Parents should not have to ask multiple times for help without receiving it.

What If You Are the Cyberbully?

What happens if you are the cyberbully yourself? If you are engaging in cyberbullying and want to stop, you'll need to take stock of your reasons for engaging in the bullying, as this will inform your best course of action. Let's consider each of these and what you could do.

You Are Struggling With a Mental Health Issue

If you feel as though your mental health is not in good shape and this might be contributing to your cyberbullying behavior, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options. For example, if you struggle with anger or aggression, you might benefit from an anger management program.

If you have low empathy for others or identify with the traits of psychopathy, then it will be harder for you to find insight and change. However, you could try to channel your energy into different pursuits.

For example, if you are cyberbullying someone because it gives you a thrill, is there a hobby you could take up or business that you could start that would give you a thrill without consequences for another person?

You Were a Victim Yourself

If you were once a victim yourself of cyberbullying, and that is the reason why you are now engaging in cyberbullying yourself, it's time to take a look at your options for change. It could be that you have unresolved anger that needs to be taken out in a different way.

You may also feel more powerful when you bully, which helps you to stop feeling like a victim. In that case, you may need to work on other ways to improve your sense of self so that you can stop feeling helpless and out of control. After all, you were once a victim yourself, and you know how that feels.

Rather than continue a cycle of bullying and victimhood, you have a chance to break the cycle and rise above your past. You'll likely need help to do that, most likely in the form of professional assistance to work through your past.

You Had a Conflict or Breakup

If you are cyberstalking someone because of a conflict you had with them or a bad breakup, it's time to re-evaluate your behavior. What do you hope to achieve from your cyberstalking? Again, you may need the help of a professional to work through your feelings that have led to this behavior.

You Are Lonely or Isolated

What if you are just lonely, and this is the reason you have resorted to cyberbullying? This type of bullying falls into the arena of people who may feel like the world has passed them by. Or that everyone else is out there enjoying life while you are alone.

In this case, find ways to start building up your in-person social connections. Join a club, volunteer somewhere, or take up a hobby to meet other people like yourself.

You Are Bored

If you are cyberbullying because you are bored (and you're not a psychopath), then you'll want to consider why you think it is acceptable to hurt someone else in exchange for making yourself less bored.

Certainly, lots of people are bored in the world but they never cyberbully. Take up a hobby, learn a second language, or find something to do.

A Word From Verywell

If you are a victim of cyberbullying, know that you are not alone and there are options to help. If you are struggling, you can visit the following.

Finally, if you are a cyberbully yourself, it's never too late to change. Examine your reasons for being a bully, and see if you can find some alternatives to stop the behavior.

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Cyberbullying refers to the use of digital technology to cause harm to other people. This typically involves the use of the Internet, but may also take place through mobile phones (e.g., text-based bullying). Social media is one of the primary channels through which cyber bullying takes place, including Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, and more.

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This online game teaches students about internet safety.

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Take cybersecurity into your own hands. In this Lab, you'll defend a company that is the target of increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. Your task is to strengthen your cyber defenses and thwart the attackers by completing a series of cybersecurity challenges. You'll crack passwords, craft code, and defeat malicious hackers.

Video Intro About this Lab Educator Guide

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Take cybersecurity into your own hands by thwarting a series of cyber attacks.

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This online game teaches students about internet safety.

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Interland is an adventure-packed online game that puts the key lessons of digital citizenship and safety into hands-on practice. Play your way to being Internet Awesome.

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Digital Passport include games that teach students about Internet Safety, Digital Citizenship, and Cyberbullying. These games include Password Protect, Twalkers, Share Jumper, and E-volve)

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We're retiring Digital Passport in June 2024.

Heads up! Digital Passport will be retired on June 30, 2024. But don't worry-we still have you covered! Elementary school students can watch our Meet the Digital Citizens and Device Advice videos.

Until then, introduce students in grades 3-5 to Digital Passport™ by Common Sense Education. The award-winning suite of six interactive games addresses key issues kids face in today's digital world. Each engaging game teaches critical digital citizenship skills that help students learn to use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate. Games are available in Spanish.

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Digital Passport by Common Sense Education

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Teach your students the ins and outs of online safety and communication with Digital Passport™, Common Sense's award-winning suite of digital citizenship learning games for elementary students.

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This online game teaches students about cyberbullying, internet safety, and digital citizenship.

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Time Zone X: Cyberbullying - GameUp - BrainPOP.

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In this free educational game, sequence key events in the history of Cyberbullying using context clues and careful reading.

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This online game teaches students about internet safety.

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The Meaning of Beep: Cyberbullying - GameUp - BrainPOP.

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In this free BrainPOP context clue game, students use grammar and vocabulary skills to fill in the blank and help Moby, our favorite robot, speak again!

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Be Internet Awesome is a Google extension/website that teaches students the importance of being a positive digital citizen and encouraging internet safety.

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The Internet Keep Safe Coalition is dedicated to protecting children, families, and schools by assessing, advising, and certifying organizations that collect, use, and share personal information and data that is protected by law.

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Be Internet Awesome is a multifaceted program that includes a fun and free web-based game called Interland and an educational curriculum to teach kids how to be safe and responsible explorers of the online world.

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A funny cartoon video about how to be a digital citizen.

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Super Digital Citizen (2015 - OLD VERSION)

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An engaging video, made by students, about cyberbullying.

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Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety 

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Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety 

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An educational video about how to be a digital citizen and practice internet safety.

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Troll Stinks! by Jeanne Willis (Cyberbullying)

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Troll Stinks! by Jeanne Willis (Cyberbullying)

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Messing around with the farmer's cell phone takes a turn for the worse when Billy Goat and his friend Cyril find the number for a begin to send him mean and hurtful messages.

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Chicken Clicking by Jeanne Willis (Internet Safety)

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Chicken Clicking by Jeanne Willis (Internet Safety)

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Online shopping habit turned disaster when Chick decides to meet a "friend" she met online.

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#Goldilocks : A Hashtag Cautionary Tale by Jeanne Willis (Internet Safety)

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#Goldilocks : A Hashtag Cautionary Tale by Jeanne Willis (Internet Safety)

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In order for her page to receive more views, Goldilocks decides to be more bold and starts posting things that are too risky and will only end up with her getting into some trouble.

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Adventures of Z.: In The Internet Forest by  Zornitsa Hristova (Internet Safety)

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Adventures of Z.: In The Internet Forest by  Zornitsa Hristova (Internet Safety)

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A book that teachers children about the possibilities of not being safe online and how to properly approach those kinds of situations.

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On the Internet: Our First Talk About Online Safety by Dr. Jillian Roberts (Internet Safety & Cyberbullying)

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On the Internet: Our First Talk About Online Safety by Dr. Jillian Roberts (Internet Safety & Cyberbullying)

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A great book that uses real-world examples and teaches children about being safe online.

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hello! hello! by Matthew Cordell (Digital Citizenship)

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hello! hello! by Matthew Cordell (Digital Citizenship)

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This is a great good that teaches everyone about becoming a positive digital citizen and using technology productively.

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The Fabulous Friend Machine by Nick Bland (Digital Citizenship)

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The Fabulous Friend Machine by Nick Bland (Digital Citizenship)

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What happens when Popcorn, the farm's most cordial chicken, find a smartphone and begins to ignore her friends in her mission to make new friends.

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What is Digital Citizenship & How Do You Teach It?

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What is Digital Citizenship & How Do You Teach It?

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An article analyzing digital citizenship and how teachers, counselors, admin, parents, and other adults should approach teaching their students about digital citizenship.

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As a career readiness curriculum developer, we often hear from teachers who have questions about a variety of topics they are required to teach.

From soft skills to 21st Century skills, you have a lot of topics to cover. And one of the most important ones is digital citizenship.

However, even with the increased focus on teaching digital citizenship, there isn't much direction for career readiness teachers about what they are actually supposed to teach.
In this article, we'll answer the most common questions we've heard about digital citizenship from teachers like you:

1. What is digital citizenship?

2. What concepts does digital citizenship include?

3. How can you teach digital citizenship?

You'll also discover where you can find digital citizenship lesson plans to teach these crucial concepts and skills!

What Is Digital Citizenship?
Digital citizenship refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the Internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level.
This is why digital citizenship is such a crucial topic to teach today's students.

As the rate of technological advancement continues to increase, the world as a whole is becoming more dependent on the Internet for day-to-day activities.

That can mean checking a bank account, purchasing a product, or simply keeping in touch with a friend.

As a result, there's a major difference between gooddigital citizenship and bad digital citizenship.

Good digital citizenship engages young students and shows them how to connect with one another, empathize with each other, and create lasting relationships through digital tools.

Bad digital citizenship, on the other hand, entails cyberbullying, irresponsible social media usage, and a general lack of knowledge about how to safely use the Internet.

Fortunately, almost all of the requirements to be a good digital citizen can be taught in the classroom.

What Concepts Does Digital Citizenship Include?
If you want to teach digital citizenship, you'll want to focus on seven key concepts:

1. Empathy

2. How the Internet works

3. Understanding user data

4. Practicing digital literacy

5. Acknowledging the digital divide

6. Practicing digital wellness

7. Securing digital devices

These seven topics may sound complex, but they're surprisingly simple once you start planning.

1. Empathy

When you want to teach students how to be good digital citizens, teaching empathy is a great starting point.

This is because empathy is crucial to understanding how people talk and behave online.

Because Internet use relies largely on text-based communications, it's impossible to hear someone's vocal tone, see their facial expressions, or understand other non-verbal cues that you get when you're speaking to someone face-to-face.

As a result, it's incredibly easy for Internet users to make quick, harsh judgments about someone's statements online.

That means Internet users (including your students) can trade quick verbal or text-based blows that are intended to hurt someone's feelings instead of carrying on a typical conversation that you may hear over a phone call or face to face.

In the worst cases, this kind of behavior can devolve into cyberbullying, which has been documented as an especially bad problem for younger Internet users.

This is why teaching empathy has the potential to make an enormous difference in your students' lives.

How Do You Teach Empathy?

Teaching empathy is a challenge. After all, how do you teach something that many still consider to be an inborn factor of someone's psyche and attitude?

In fact, empathy is as simple to teach as any other concept.

At AES, we developed a module of lessons, activities, and assessments about customer service. In that collection, we created an entire unit on empathy!

We did this because we believe it's important for students to have a firm grasp of empathy as a concept, but we know that they also need to practice it in order for empathy to stick with them.

Plus, they can start learningvaluable career skillsat the same time!

With our module in your repertoire of lessons, you'll be off to a strong start in teaching your students how to empathize with others online!

However, this is just the start.

After you teach empathy, you have to teach students how the Internet works.

2. How the Internet Works
The Internet is an incredible network of interconnected servers and computers that direct web browser requests through a network of wired and wireless connections.
While that's a vague explanation, the fact is that the Internet has gotten so large and complex that it's a challenge to be any more specific about it!

Fortunately, you can view a simplified explanation of the Internet in this infographic from WebFX.

So why is this important for students to understand?

The Internet is so fast and responsive that it's almost mind-blowing to consider all of the processes that have to happen behind the scenes just for someone to check their email.

Even fewer understand how those processes work!

When you show students that the Internet works via a sophisticated interconnection of digital tools, you set the stage to help them understand the next key elements of digital citizenship as well.

How Do You Teach How the Internet Works?

Study.com has a great lesson on how the Internet works, and it's specifically designed for younger students.

This lesson focuses on networking (digital machines all linked together by the Internet) and hardware (the actual machines themselves).

It also includes concepts such as communication, central processing units, hard drives, computers, and more.

With this lesson, you can show students the basics of how the Internet functions so that they can more easily understand the next elements of digital citizenship!

3. Understanding User Data
User data is one of the most complex and concerning concepts in the digital age.
Just about every company with a website collects data on the people who visit it. That data may be as simple as the pages that someone views, and it could be as complex as someone's home address.

Most of the websites on the Internet use this information for marketing purposes. It helps them understand their customers a little bit better, and it helps companies connect with people in a meaningful way.

However, other websites use this opportunity maliciously. They may "mine" someone's web browser for their search history. They might also attach a "cookie," or unique identifier, to someone's web browser to see the other websites they visit.

Then, many of these companies take this data, package it together, and sell it to the highest bidder.

While almost every country has laws dictating that companies can't collect data on individuals younger than 18 (or 13 in some places), the fact of the matter is that it happens anyway.

As a result, your students need to know about personal data - and they need to know how they can protect themselves!

How Do You Teach Students About User Data?

Fortunately, can teach students about user data by focusing on your students'digital footprints.

A "digital footprint" is the mark that someone's web browser leaves on the Internet.

Whenever you go to any website, you're tracked by some software that sees your "footprint."

Then, when you return, that same software matches up your previous footprint with your current website visit.

The result is that websites know who you are, how many times you've visited their website, and what you've done while visiting.

Whether it's legal, ethical, or practical is unfortunately not currently debated in mainstream society.

4. Practicing Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is the practice of reading information online and understanding what it means, where it originated, and whether it's accurate.
As a result, digital literacy is one of the hardest concepts to teach to students. It's also one of the most important qualities for students to become good digital citizens!

After all, how can they practice good digital citizenship if they can't discern accurate information from misinformation online?

Digital literacy also includes learning about ethics, protecting yourself online, and even preventing cyberbullying.

It's a lot to pack into a single subject - but it's essential for students in 21st Century classrooms.

How Do You Practice Digital Literacy?

Teaching digital literacy requires a lot of planning, finesse, and review to ensure your students understand what they need to know about the digital world.

Fortunately, companies from around the world offer lessons, activities, assessments, and ideas for how you can teach digital literacy.

Still, if you're looking for the summary version of digital literacy, you can wrap it up in three concepts.

Clickbait

Clickbait refers to any text, headline, video title, etc. that's deliberately written to pique someone's interest and get them to click.

Generally speaking, clickbait is written by organizations that want to get people to their website so they can show ads and earn revenue.

It's also used by malicious website owners who want to infect individuals' computers with malware.

This is a hard urge to fight.

But it can make the difference between students' being responsible digital citizens or having their computers infected with viruses!

Even worse, your students could click an article that delivers fake news to them.

Fake News

Fake news is a relatively new phenomenon in 2019. It refers to any media outlet publishing severely biased or intentionally false information.

Fake news is most often used with clickbait titles to get readers and alter people's opinions with ineffective claims or straight-up lies. It's also a key part of any information literacy curriculum.

In essence, if students ever read something that sounds incredibly skewed to one ideology over another, it's fake news.

The same goes for any piece that's written by admittedly biased entertainment sources, tabloids, gossip websites, rumor mills, or social media posts.

As a rule of thumb, if your students ever see an unflattering image of someone with text plastered at the top and / or bottom, you can safely assume it's fake news and best left ignored.

Empathy

Because digital literacy requires students to think beneath the face-value text that they're reading online, they need empathy to truly understand the information they're absorbing.

This makes students question a writer's motivations behind something they see posted on social media. It may also prompt students to reach out with words of comfort to someone who they see in distress online.

Regardless of how it's applied, there's no wrong way to go when you're teaching empathy.

Incidentally, empathy is also key to the next element of teaching digital citizenship.

5. Acknowledging the Digital Divide
The digital divide is the disparity between those who have access to modern digital tools (like computers and the Internet) and those who don't.
Access to computers and the Internet is still restricted by finance in every part of the world, meaning that those in poverty don't have the same level of access as those who have disposable income.

While Americans may think that this mostly applies to individuals living in third-world countries, the truth is far grimmer.

Only 75.23% of Americans have Internet access, with a full 24.77% living without access.

In addition, 20% of Americans live in the Midwest where Internet access is most scarce, meaning that the infrastructure exists for a fair amount of Americans in that 24.77% who don't use the Internet.

Unfortunately, that means the remaining Americans in that percentage simply can't afford Internet access.

Some schools will have a disproportionately high quantity of those students. Others may have none at all.

But if your students aren't aware of the digital divide, then they may end up assuming that all students have equal access to the Internet - which is patently false.

So how can you introduce students to such a strange topic without isolating students in your class?

How Do You Acknowledge the Digital Divide?

The International Publisher of Information Science and Technology Research supplies dozens of different resources you can use to learn more about the digital divide.

Some of these resources are appropriate for the classroom. Others may only work for older students in high school.

The key is to find the information you need - even if it's just informing your students that some people are fortunate enough to have more than others - and bring it to the forefront of your class.

6. Practicing Digital Wellness
Digital wellness is the practice of refraining from indulging in the Internet and digital media for unreasonable amounts of time.
In other words, it's the practice of knowing when to "take a break" from screens.

Digital wellness is important because too much screen time can have adverse effects on students.

Adrian F. Ward of the University of Colorado performed a full study on this topic and discovered that screen time can impact transactive memory, empathy, and even grey matter development in young minds.

So, strangely enough, the best way to practice digital wellness is to leave digital devices for a few hours every day!

How Do You Practice Digital Wellness?

When you teach digital wellness, you can use a combination of health information, psychology, neurology, and current events to illustrate why it's important to take time away from devices.

Teaching moderation, the importance of exercise,and even nutritioncan all play a big role in helping students understand why it's important to practice digital wellness.

7. Securing Digital Devices
The final element of becoming a good digital citizen is securing digital devices.
This is the perfect capstone to digital citizenship classes because it takes everything students have learned and applies it to real-life scenarios.

You've shown students how the importance of empathy. You've shown them how the Internet works. You've even shown them why they need to use digital devices in moderation.

What's left in this equation?

Students need to know how they can secure their computers, smartphones, and more.

You could fill an entire semester just talking about network security - which some schools do.

So how do you teach this?

How Do You Teach Digital Device Security?

The Tech Edvocate has a great how-to article on the ways you can teach digital security to K-12 students. You can read this article and translate it to a point-by-point syllabus almost verbatim and you'll have a successful classroom unit.

However, they miss a few things that you should talk about.

First, there's smartphone security. Ensure your students know how to lock and change their smartphone codes or identification patterns.

If they use facial recognition, ensure they don't post similar photos of their faces online.

(Yes, this can work. Facial recognition software is unfortunately imperfect.)

Second, teach students about VPNs.You can read a bit about VPNs from Teacher Indie, which has a nice list of ideas to include for any VPN lesson.

Basically, VPNs place a protective shell around your students' data as it travels throughout the Internet. Not even Internet service providers (ISPs) can crack it, although the VPN provider can still decode what you're doing.

The principles of VPNs are based around security, privacy, and the idea that companies aren't entitled to steal your online data.

When you and your students use one, you're adding an extra layer of protection to your online presence that can make the difference between a carefree life online and identity theft.

Finally, you can talk about antivirus software. Antivirus software comes in many forms and names, but it all does the same general task - keeping your possessions and information safe from those who would steal it.

All of this information acts like an extra padlock that you attach to a treasure chest.

The more locks your students have on their personal information, the harder it is for anyone to steal it!

With all of this in mind, there's one final question we still have to answer.

There's so much here, and there's so much that you can teach your students about digital citizenship.

So where do you even start?

How Can You Teach Digital Citizenship?

Overall, there's no best way to teach digital citizenship. Some teachers pull digital citizenship lessons and activities from various places to build their curriculum, while others prefer using a comprehensive curriculum that includes content on digital citizenship and literacy.

If you're looking for a few supplemental resources, check out this list of digital citizenship lessons for middle school.

If you're interested in a more robust curriculum solution, consider checking out Business&ITCenter21.

It's a digital curriculum used by thousands of teachers to teach computer applications and digital literacy topics.

One of the most popular learning modules, used by thousands of students every year is Digital Citizenship.

The Digital Citizenship module provides an overview of personal responsibilities in respectful and ethical behavior using digital resources as it pertains to personal and workplace digital communications, cyberbullying, and digital footprint.

Students learn about these topics through classroom activities, interactive eLearning lessons, formative and summative assessments, and more.

To learn more about how Business&ITCenter21 can help you teach these skills and concepts, check out the Digital Citizenship module catalog page:

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What Is Digital Citizenship & How Do You Teach It?

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As a career readiness curriculum developer, we often hear from teachers who have questions about a variety of topics they are required to teach. From soft skills to 21st Century skills, you have a lot of topics to cover. And one of the most important ones is digital citizenship.

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Common Sense Education - Everything You Need to Know About Digital Citizenship

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Common Sense Education - Everything You Need to Know About Digital Citizenship

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This website shares an in-depth description of what digital citizenship is and includes lesson plans on how parents and teachers can address this topic with their students.

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Common Sense Education provides educators and students with the resources they need to harness the power of technology for learning and life. Find a free K-12 Digital Citizenship curriculum, reviews of popular EdTech apps, and resources for protecting student privacy.

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Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center

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Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center

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This is a link to Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center website where they share important information and resources to take action against cyberbullying.

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Just as the use of technology itself has evolved, so has the ability to bully. Bullying, once restricted to the school or neighborhood, has now moved into the online world. Bullying through the use of technology is referred to as "cyberbullying."

Cyberbullying is bullying - unwanted, repeated, aggressive, negative behavior - that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, tablets, and computers. Cyberbullying can happen anywhere online, including over email, through texting, on social media, while gaming, on instant messaging, and through photo sharing.

As adults, thinking back, it was just a generation ago that kids and teens were asking their parents for a phone in their room - maybe even one with a separate line or three-way calling - so they could easily and somewhat privately connect with more friends.

Today, a kid or teen's desire to connect with friends has not changed, but the options for doing so have grown tremendously. Children are not only asking for their own tablets, gaming devices, and mobile phones at a younger age, they also want access to popular social media sites, and the ability to engage in online games and share information.

Just as young people used to spend unmonitored time playing with friends in the neighborhood, outside the periphery of adults, they are now engaging with each other in the cyberworld, "talking" with each other, "talking" to each other, and "talking" about each other, often without adult or parental monitoring. While technology allows young people to connect in meaningful ways, such as the opportunity to share ideas, photos, videos, and more, the unsupervised nature of the cyberworld demands the need for guidance, guidelines, and social responsibility.

Cyberbullying can happen anywhere there is online social interaction. For example, some young people use social media, video games, texting, or anonymous apps to bully other youth, post embarrassing pictures, share private information, or send threatening messages. Students can use their access to a large online audience to encourage their peers to join them in targeting someone with gossip, rumors, and untrue stories.

Cyberbullying: Definition and Dynamics

While the definitions of cyberbullying, sometimes called online bullying, vary from source to source, most definitions consist of:

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through text and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else, causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.
Source: StopBullying.gov
Other helpful definitions include:

"Cyberbullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally harasses, mistreats, or makes fun of another person online or while using cell phones or other electronic devices." ( Hinduja & Patchin, 2019 ).

One student shared that "all bullying hurts, whether in person or through technology, the end result is that bullying in any form is emotionally damaging."Some of the most common cyberbullying tactics include:

Posting comments or rumors about someone online that are mean, hurtful, or embarrassing.

Threatening to hurt someone or telling them to kill themselves.

Posting a mean or hurtful picture or video.

Pretending to be someone else online in order to solicit or post personal or false information about someone else.

Posting mean or hateful names, comments, or content about any race, religion, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics online.

Creating a mean or hurtful webpage about someone.

Doxing, an abbreviated form of the word documents, is a form of online harassment used to exact revenge and to threaten and destroy the privacy of individuals by making their personal information public, including addresses, social security, credit card and phone numbers, links to social media accounts, and other private data.

Source: StopBullying.gov

What Kids Want Parents to Know About Cyberbullying | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 2, Episode 17

Middle school students provide insight about their online experiences, and share what they want their parents to know about cyberbullying.

Unique Characteristics of Cyberbullying

While all bullying is characterized by intentional, often repetitive, hurtful behavior toward another person or group, there are distinguishing elements when it happens online or via smartphone, which include:

Persistent. Most students have access to some form of technology at all times, which means cyberbullying can happen any time-in the morning, afternoon, and evening-not just while children are at school. It happens while at home or in the community.

Hard to detect. While some bullying is very overt, such as pushing or damaging belongings, cyberbullying happens through phones and on computers or tablets, making it much more difficult for adults to detect.

Anonymous. Cyberbullying can be done anonymously. Those being bullied might not even know who is perpetuating the behavior, which makes it easy for one child to hurt another and not be held accountable.

Shared to a potentially larger audience. Information online can be easily and quickly shared, which makes it difficult to contain or stop negative messages once they are posted online.

Easier to be hurtful. It is often easier to bully using technology because of greater physical distance The person bullying doesn't see the immediate response from the person being targeted They might not recognize the serious harm caused by their actions because technology distances them from the real-life pain they could be causing.

Permanent.* Once something is shared on the internet, it is often available to everyone, everywhere It can be challenging to completely delete information once it is on the internet.

Note: The one advantage to "permanence" is that online bullying does leave tangible evidence. Unlike physical or emotional bullying, online bullying leaves a digital footprint; the words, images, or videos posted can be documented through screenshots or saving URLs and texts, which can be useful.
5 Unique Aspects of Cyberbullying | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 3, Episode 22

Five important elements of cyberbullying are explored.

Cyberbullying: What Makes it Unique | PACERTalks About Bullying, Season One, Episode 13

The dynamics of using technology to hurt, harm or humiliate another individual or group are examined in this video.

Rates of Incidence

StopBullying.gov provides two sources of federally collected data on youth bullying:

The 2019 School Crime Supplement (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice) indicates that, among students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied at school during the school year, 16% were bullied online or by text.

The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that an estimated 15.7% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to the survey.

The Cyberbullying Research Center surveyed a nationally-representative sample of 4,972 middle and high school students between the ages of 12 and 17 in the United States. Data were collected in April of 2019.

Cyberbullying Victimization. We define cyberbullying as: "Cyberbullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally harasses, mistreats, or makes fun of another person online or while using cell phones or other electronic devices." Approximately 37% of the students in our sample report experiencing cyberbullying in their lifetimes. When asked about specific types of cyberbullying experienced in the previous 30 days, mean or hurtful comments (24.9%) and rumors spread online (22.2%) continue to be among the most commonly-cited. Thirty percent of the sample reported being cyberbullied in one or more of the twelve specific types reported, two or more times over the course of the previous 30 days.

Cyberbullying Offending. We define cyberbullying as: "Cyberbullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally harasses, mistreats, or makes fun of another person online or while using cell phones or other electronic devices." Approximately 15% of the students in our sample admitted to cyberbullying others at some point in their lifetime. Posting mean comments online was the most commonly reported type of cyberbullying they reported during the previous 30 days (9.3%). About 11% of the sample reported cyberbullying using one or more of the eleven types reported, two or more times over the course of the previous 30 days.

Cyberbullying by Gender. Adolescent girls are more likely to have experienced cyberbullying in their lifetimes (38.7% vs. 34.5%). This changes when reviewing experiences over the previous 30 days, where boys are slightly higher. In this sample, boys were more likely to report cyberbullying others during their lifetime (16.1% vs. 13.4%) and in the most recent 30 days (8.1% vs. 4.6%). The type of cyberbullying tends to differ by gender; girls were more likely to say someone spread rumors about them online while boys were more likely to say that someone threatened to hurt them online. As with 2016, boys reported significantly more involvement in every type of cyberbullying offending behavior we asked about. In the past, this has varied by type of behavior.

5 Reasons Youth Don't Report Cyberbullying and What Parents Can Do About it
Youth are spending more time online due to COVID-19, both for school and for connecting with friends. Along with adjusting to learning and interacting with friends virtually, many young people may be feeling new emotions such as anxiety or isolation. This unprecedented time, combined with more time spent online, have the potential to increase cyberbullying. Authored by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. Published by Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), November 2020.
Cyberbullying 101: Remote Learning Edition
An interview with a staff member from the National Bullying Prevention Center about how to recognize cyberbullying and how deal with it - whether your kid is the victim, at fault or the bystander. Published by Parent Map, written by Gemma Alexander, October 2020.
Cyberbullying: What Parents Should Know
Students now live at a time of instant access to cell phones, tablets, or computers, which open the door to exciting new ways of connecting, interacting, and learning. However, these new modes of communication also present new challenges for parents. Not only do parents have to help children and youth navigate in-person social situations, they also need to prepare them for healthy relationships online. This 16-page booklet has information for parents on how to guide their children through this virtual world. (BP-23) Free to download | Order for $3.00 per copy, with 10+ at $2.00 each
5 Things You Should Know About Cyberbullying
While today's technology provides young people with new and meaningful ways to connect and communicate, it also presents new challenges. This article explore the rise of cyberbullying, the use of technology to bully. Authored by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. Published by Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), December 2019.

References

Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. W. (2019). Summary of Our Cyberbullying Research (2007-2019) Cyberbullying Research Center. Retrieved from https://cyberbullying.org/2019-cyberbullying-data

Hutson, E. (2016). Cyberbullying in adolescence: A concept analysis. Advances in Nursing Science, 39, 60-70. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26836994

Children and youth live at a time of instant access to cell phones, tablets, or computers that opens the door to exciting new ways of connecting, interacting, and learning. However, these new modes of communication also present new challenges for the adults who care for them. Not only do parents and other adults help children and youth navigate in-person social situations, they also need to prepare them for healthy relationships online.

Talking with Children and Youth About Technology and the Potential for Bullying

Today's youth are the first generation to use technology as a means of bullying. Today's adults are the first who have had to learn how to address cyberbullying with youth. The following steps can help you explore this topic with kids and teens.

Talk about potential for bullying

Start a conversation with your child or student about cyberbullying, keeping in mind that bullying can be hard for children to talk about with adults for many reasons. They might be:

Embarrassed by what is happening

Afraid that the bullying will increase if they tell

Thinking that it is their problem to solve on their own

Cyberbullying is also complicated in that many students might not interpret the mean and hurtful behavior that happens on their computer or cell phone as bullying. Children may also worry that they will lose access to technology if they tell an adult about cyberbullying.

As you open the subject for discussion, let the child know that you recognize that phones, computers, and being connected online with friends is a significant part of their lives, but that you also want them to know how to be safe and handle cyberbullying. Explain that if something hurtful is communicated online, it is important that they tell you so that you can work through the situation together.
So, When Should I Start the Cyberbullying Conversation with My Child or Student?
Adults should discuss online conduct and behavior, as well as cyberbullying, as soon as children begin using technology. There is potential for cyberbullying whenever children are using technology to interact. It can begin as soon as children have access to a cell phone or computer that they can use to connect to gaming sites, social media, text, direct messaging, or group chats.

To open the subject up for discussion, tell the child:

"I understand how important it is to communicate with other kids by phone and online"

"You deserve to be safe from bullying online, just like at school, on the playground and in the neighborhood"

"If something happening online is hurtful to you, it's important to tell me about it"

How Do I Start A Conversation About Cyberbullying with My Child Or Student?
Talk with youth about how to handle hurtful online behavior early and often, in the same way that you talk with your kids about being safe at school, in the car, riding public transportation, or playing sports. Visit Questions Answered , which provides a 60-second response, feature article, video, and online poll.

Starting the Conversation About Online Safety | PACERTalks About Bullying, Episode 14

Tips for adults to start the conversation about online safety with their child or student.

Establish online guidelines

Adults set safety rules for children and youth in the physical world, such as guidelines for behavior on the playground, going to the mall or curfews when visiting a friend's house. Do the same for their cyberworld and do your best to include them in the process. Ask the child what's important to them concerning their internet use and set boundaries that reflect keeping those activities safe and positive.

Specific advice to keep in mind:

Remind children and youth that they never really know who is on the other end of online communication. It could be the person they think it is, but because they cannot see that person they should always proceed with caution in their exchanges. Remind them not to do or say anything online that they wouldn't do or say in person. Stress that they should not reveal anything that they wouldn't tell a stranger.

Advise them to never share their email or social media account passwords with anyone, even their best friend. That friend may share it with other people, or the friendship may end, and then their private messages could suddenly become very public.

Help them determine what is and is not appropriate to share online. This can include avoiding sharing personal photos or data (such as physical descriptions, phone numbers, or addresses).

Parents and their children

Decide whether you, the adult, will have access to children's passwords for email accounts, social media, or other technology. If so, determine when you might use their passwords to check on account content.

Look through some of the child's favorite online accounts together to talk about what appropriate posts look like. Giving specific examples of appropriate online content will help them better understand healthy internet use.

Ensure that they keep social media accounts private and do not "friend" people they do not know. Establish rules about whether it's okay for the child to add friends they haven't met in person, such as a friend of a friend.

Establish whether you and the child will be friends on social media accounts and whether you want to moderate the content they share and post online

Set hours that technology can and can't be used. Decide if there will be limits on using technology to communicate with peers, such as no computer or texting after 9 p.m., in class, during mealtimes, or before homework is done.

Create a code of conduct, such as they will not use social media to humiliate or embarrass other people, even if they are being targeted by cyberbullying

Establish that if your child experiences cyberbullying and shares that with you, their access to technology won't be restricted

Be Clear, Be Open
Make sure that any restriction of technology is covered in the agreement you've made with the child so that they understand what will and will not happen if they talk to you. Always aim to keep the lines of communication open, so that they will feel comfortable coming to you with difficult conversations. Also, for situations in which the child demonstrates cyberbullying behavior, be clear that there will be consequences.

Continue to be involved with the child's online use

For parents, and care givers, once there are established rules about your supervising access to children's cell phones, text history, social networking sites, and other computer accounts that they may use for posting information, be sure to frequently remind them about the importance of the established guidelines.

As the child grows and gains access to new technology, remember to evaluate your online safety rules to determine if they are effective and age appropriate. As an adult, you have a responsibility to know what the children under your supervision are doing online. Explore parental control options through internet service and wireless providers and continue to establish what access you will have to the child's online interactions. If past guidelines are no longer working or no longer apply to your child's use of technology, then sit down with the child and have the conversation again. Keep encouraging them to talk with you about any inappropriate behavior they see online, whether it's happening to them, by them, or to others.

Steps to Take When Youth Are Being Bullied Online

If a child or youth tells you that they are being bullied online, be supportive. Cyberbullying is often an isolating experience, and you might be the first person they've told about it.

What should you tell the child?

1. This is not your fault. Make sure they know they should not blame themselves.

2. You are not alone. Many children feel that no one can help and that nothing will change.

3. It is not up to you to stop the bullying; we will work together. It's important that youth and adults are both involved in working toward a solution.

4. Bullying is never okay. Even though it happens, that never makes it right.

5. No one deserves to be bullied. All students have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Document the situation and keep a detailed record

One of the unique aspects of cyberbullying is that it leaves behind a trail of evidence documenting the hurt the child has experienced. Keeping a detailed record of this evidence will help when planning how to resolve the situation. It's tempting for children who are being cyberbullied to delete messages and other bullying content sent to them, especially if they are trying to ignore the bullying. But this can become problematic if you need to provide proof of the cyberbullying to parents, school officials or law enforcement officials later on. Remember that if there is no evidence of the behavior, it's almost impossible to prove.

How to capture evidence of cyberbullying:

Take screenshots of bullying content on a phone or computer

Save emails, messages, and photos

Encourage the child to forward hurtful texts to you or another trusted adult so that someone is keeping track of the evidence but the child can delete it from their own device

If bullying is also happening in person, make sure to record the date and description of each instance

Contact the social media, site, or app provider

Many social media sites have safety pages that provide guidelines for how to address cyberbullying on their site:
Ideas for Parents

Consider using the safety features offered by wireless and internet service providers or social media sites that help block or manage cyberbullying. The privacy settings are always evolving, with new family safeguard and parental control features designed to offer customized solutions to cyberbullying.

You can also review privacy settings on your child's online accounts, mobile apps, computers, and cell phones

Have your child take an inventory of their online accounts and check to make sure you are comfortable with the amount and type (videos, photos, etc.) of information they're sharing with others

Suggest they-after documenting-delete, untag, or hide content they are concerned about

Promote self-advocacy

Learning how to communicate what you need is a powerful skill for youth. Self-advocacy-which means communicating on your own behalf, sharing what you need, and then taking action-is especially important in bullying situations as they may be feeling powerless to change what is happening to them. Being part of the solutions helps give them some of the power back.

Encouraging children to share their ideas will help restore confidence and teach them how to self-advocate

A child-centered solution will also help provide the child with a sense of ownership over positive outcomes and engage them more in achieving those outcomes

As an adult looking for ways to help a child, it's important to not only be informed, but to also have a plan. Whether they are being bullied, witnessing bullying, or bullying others, you can help to create a plan to change the situation.

Examples of Self Advocacy | PACERTalks About Bullying, Episode 25

Jody, director of PACER's Parent Training and Information Center, shares a creative, real-life example to help explain what self-advocacy and the "Student Action Plan" can look like in action.

Parents and Schools Working Together

Today, most schools include cyberbullying in their bullying prevention policy, whether it happens on or off school premises or during school hours. These policies can help prevent cyberbullying and explain how this online behavior might impact your child at school.

When there is a cyberbullying situation, ask for a meeting

If you're an educator, coach, or counselor and you've noticed a child has been cyberbullied or is bullying others online, meet with their parents. If you're a parent, reach out to the school to meet and discuss the situation. This can be with a teacher, but also ask if the principal, a social worker, or an administrator should attend. During the conversation or meeting, use the steps below to outline a possible plan to address the bullying.

Describe the problem clearly

Explain how the online bullying is impacting the child offline and in all parts of life

Provide any documentation that you have, such as screenshots or text messages or the child's completed Student Action Plan Against Bullying

Review the school's bullying prevention policy

Encourage input from all members at the meeting

Brainstorm (without judging the ideas)

Develop a plan

Define who is responsible for an action and when will it be done

Put that plan in writing

Create a timeline and criteria to evaluate success

Follow up and report outcomes

Steps to Take When Youth Have Witnessed Cyberbullying

First, let the child know how powerful and impactful their response can be. Many bullying situations end when a peer intervenes, which means students play an important role in bullying prevention. However, many are unsure how to take the first step, especially online. As a trusted adult or parent, it's important to explain to children and teens that they have the power to help others. There are many effective ways to respond when they witness bullying, so encourage your child to do what feels right for them.

Give them ideas for action steps they can take online, such as:

Don't participate or engage. Don't "like" or share posts that are bullying someone. This sends the message that they don't agree with what's happening and it takes attention away from the person who is cyberbullying.

Report it. Even if the content isn't targeting the child, they can still report it to the site or to an adult they trust.

Respond with positive support. If the child feels comfortable doing so, and if it's safe, advise them to post a comment showing solidarity with the target. Ask the child to think about how they would feel if they were being cyberbullied - wouldn't they want someone to support them? Imagine the difference one nice comment among a bunch of mean ones can make!

Reach out to the person being bullied. Your child can send them a private message letting them know that what's happening is wrong, they don't deserve to be treated like that, and they're not alone.

Classroom Ideas

Elementary School Students

An activity designed with hypothetical bullying scenarios (that are based on real events), which students can use to think through responses and solutions.

Cyberbullying: What Makes it Unique | PACERTalks About Bullying, Episode 13

The dynamics of using technology to hurt, harm or humiliate another individual or group.

Middle and High School Students

Being Bullied? Cyberbullying and Self-Advocacy: PACER's Teen Against Bullying resource page designed for students who are being bullied.

Witnessing Bullying? Cyberbullying and Advocacy for Others: PACER's Teen Against Bullying resource page designed for students who witness bullying.

What Should You Do? An activity designed with hypothetical bullying scenarios (that are based on real events), which students can use to think through responses and solutions.

Teen Talk on Cyberbullying Watch this five-minute video designed to provide authentic insight and perspective from peers on issues related to cyberbullying. Use the suggested discussion questions to continue the dialogue.

Steps to Take When Youth are Cyberbullying Others

If you find out your child or student is cyberbullying others, it's important to know that bullying is a behavior and that behavior can be changed. Children cyberbully for many reasons, including peer pressure, being bullied themselves, or not realizing the impact their actions can have on others.

Start by talking with the child and exploring reasons for their behavior. This conversation should allow the child to:

Discuss how they are feeling

Speak up if they are being bullied by someone else

Talk about other factors that may be leading to this behavior

Next, teach empathy, respect, and compassion. Children who cyberbully often lack awareness of how others feel. They also often have difficulty understanding that what we do online has real-life consequences; share with them how their online behavior can impact how someone feels or thinks. Try to understand the child's feelings and help them learn to appreciate how others feel when they are cyberbullied. Let the child know that everyone has feelings and that feelings matter.

Then, make your expectations and consequences clear and consistent. Let the child know that bullying is not okay under any circumstance and will not be tolerated. Explain that there will be consequences for their behavior. Be specific about what will happen and take immediate action if you learn that they're involved in a cyberbullying incident.

Finally, provide positive feedback and be patient. It takes time to change behavior. Be patient with the child as they learn new ways to handle feelings and conflict. Provide praise and recognition when they child handle online conflict well or find a positive way to deal with their feelings. This type of positive reinforcement goes a long way! Keep your concern and support visible.
Advice to Give to a Child to Prevent Them From Cyberbullying Others

Think before you post. If you're upset, sad, or angry, wait to post or respond. Give yourself some time to cool down, so you don't do something that you can't take back.

Never publicly reveal anything that you wouldn't be comfortable with anyone knowing. Remember that when you share something online, it can potentially be seen by anyone, including your parents and teachers.

When you make comments about someone else, imagine how you would feel if someone said that about you.

Cyberbullying Youth of Protected Classes

There are legal rights when a child is part of a protected class and is the target of bullying or cyberbullying. The distinction between bullying and harassment is that when the bullying behavior directed at the target is also based on their status as part of a protected class, that behavior may then also be defined as harassment. Protected classes include race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, and national origin.

According to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), online and offline bullying may also be considered harassment when the conduct is sufficiently serious that it interferes with (or limits) a student's ability to participate in (or benefit from) the services, activities, or opportunities offered by a school.

Students with disabilities

There are legal protections and provisions for students with disabilities who are being harassed. All students with disabilities have protections under federal law to ensure they receive a free, appropriate public education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law. It requires that each child who has a disability and qualifies for special education and related services receives a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Each State Department of Education enforces IDEA in their state. Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) would qualify for these protections.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (often referred to as simply "Section 504") and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II) are other federal laws that apply if the harassment denies a student with a disability an equal opportunity to education. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces Section 504 and Title II of the ADA. Students with a 504 plan or an IEP would qualify for these protections.

If a student with a disability is being bullied, these federal laws require schools to take immediate and appropriate action to investigate the issue and take any necessary steps to stop the bullying and prevent it from recurring.

The bullying of a student with a disability on any basis, not just because of their disability, may result in a denial of FAPE that must be remedied by the school. The IEP or 504 team should convene when a student with a disability is bullied for any reason in order to determine whether the student's needs have changed and whether FAPE is still being provided.

What is the role of schools to address cyberbullying?

Every state has a bullying prevention law or policy that helps districts and schools address bullying. Many of these laws and policies require that schools address cyberbullying in their district policy. Some state laws also cover off-campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment. If a child experiences cyberbullying, check the school's bullying prevention policy to learn more about the role the school can play in helping youth address the issue.
State Law and Policy

Cyberbullying can create a disruptive environment at school and is often related to in-person bullying. The school can use the information to help inform prevention and response strategies.

In many states, schools are required to address cyberbullying in their bullying prevention policy. Some state laws also cover off-campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment.

Source: StopBullying.gov

Related Resources

Cyberbullying - Student Perspective | PACERTalks About Bullying: Season 3, Episode 23

Students provide their insights about how to address and prevent cyberbullying.

Ideas for Addressing Cyberbullying | PACERTalks About Bullying, Season 2, Episode 13

Tips for teens on how to address and prevent cyberbullying, and what to do if they see it happening online.

A Conversation with Your 13-Year-Old about Facebook and Instagram |Sponsored by Facebook, Instagram, and PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center

Connecting Responsibly: Just a generation ago, teens were asking their parents for a phone in their room-maybe even one with a separate line or three-way calling-so they could connect with more friends. Today, a teen's desire to connect with friends has not changed, but the options for doing so have grown tremendously. Children are not only asking for their own mobile phones at a younger age, but they also want access to popular social media sites and apps, such as Facebook and Instagram. While these platforms offer teens the opportunity to share ideas, photos, videos, and more, these tools should be used responsibly. View the full guide.
Cyberbullying Starts Earlier Than You Might Think - Here's How to Protect Your Child Now
With kids owning smartphones as early as age 6, knowing the basics of cyber safety is key.
What Every Parents Needs to Know About Protecting Their Child from Cyberbullying
Bullying behavior has been around forever, but cyberbullying presents new challenges-and kids today are the first to experience them.
Helping Your Child Understand Cyberbullying
It was just a generation ago that kids and teens were asking their parents for a phone line in their room so they could connect with friends. Today, a student's desire to connect with friends has not changed, but the options for doing so have grown tremendously. While young people's access to technology has evolved over the years, so has the way we communicate with children about online safety and cyberbullying. Posted to Spring 2017 edition of Our Children, the National PTA Magazine.
How to Prevent Cyberbullying: Hands off the keyboard until you're calm!
Julie Hertzog, the director of PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center said the following in a recent interview: "Cyberbullying manifests itself as teens using technology to hurt, harm, and humiliate their peers. In some ways, online bullying can be even more devastating than traditional bullying, as an aggressor is able to access an audience 24/7 instead of traditional bullying which is confined to school." And the hurt can be worse, as "the person being bullied can read and re-read a hurtful text or comment on social media, and experience the hurt over and over again," Hertzog explains.
How parents can help kids cope in the age of cyberbullying
In HEMAWARE, a digital magazine, author Rita Colorito interviews staff from PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center to share important information for parents. "It's important for kids to know that they have a right to be safe on their cellphone just like they have a right to be safe in school. It should be a good experience," Hertzog says.

What makes cyberbullying unique from traditional bullying?

While all bullying is characterized by intentional, often repetitive, hurtful behavior toward another person or group, there are distinguishing elements when it happens online or via smartphone, which include:

Persistent. Most students have access to some form of technology at all times, which means cyberbullying can happen any time-in the morning, afternoon, and evening-not just while children are at school. It happens while at home or in the community.

Hard to detect. While some bullying is very overt, such as pushing or damaging belongings, cyberbullying happens through phones and on computers or tablets, making it much more difficult for adults to detect.

Anonymous. Cyberbullying can be done anonymously. Those being bullied might not even know who is perpetuating the behavior, which makes it easy for one child to hurt another and not be held accountable.

Capable of spreading to a much larger audience. Information online can be shared easily and quickly, which makes it difficult to contain or stop negative messages.

Easier to be hurtful. It is often easier to bully using technology because of greater physical distance. The person bullying doesn't see the immediate response from the person being targeted They might not recognize the serious harm caused by their actions because technology distances them from the real-life pain they could be causing.

Permanent.* Once something is shared on the internet, it is often available to everyone, everywhere. It can be challenging to completely delete information once it is on the internet.

Note: The one advantage to "permanence" is that online bullying does leave tangible evidence. Unlike physical or emotional bullying, online bullying leaves a digital footprint; the words, images, or videos posted can be documented through screenshots or saving URLs and texts, which can be useful. How prevalent is cyberbullying?
The Cyberbullying Research Center provides data through a nationally-representative sample of 4,972 middle and high school students between the ages of 12 and 17 in the United States. Data were collected in April of 2019.

At what age does cyberbullying start?

Often, the perception is that cyberbullying only happens on social media platforms, which require individuals to be at least 13 before signing up and using these services, according to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) regulations. However, cyberbullying is an issue that can even impact younger children, as they can be subjected to or participate in inappropriate online behavior as soon as they have access to technology. When kids have access to text messaging, group chats, an email address, or a gaming site, there is the potential for cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying: More Questions Answered by Kids | PACERTalks About Bullying, Episode 16

Age 13 is when teens are typically able to sign up for many social media accounts. But does cyberbullying only start when teens start getting these accounts? In this video we ask kids about this and all things cyberbullying.

What is the most important thing youth can do if they experience cyberbullying?

Encourage all youth that if they experience cyberbullying, they should tell someone. Cyberbullying generally happens in an environment where adults can't see it; unless the kids involved tell someone, often no adults will know. Also, share with youth that you recognize there may be times when they have difficulty confiding in a parent or adult, but that it's important that they don't go through the experience all alone, and for their well-being it's important to tell someone.
Reasons Why Young People May Not Tell an Adult
They tried and were told just to "ignore it." A common response to bullying is to "just ignore it," which is well intentioned but not helpful. It's hard to ignore negative behavior that is repeatedly directed at you.

They think because it happened through technology, that it's not bullying. Reinforce that when someone intentionally and repeatedly tries to hurt or harm you, whether it's in person or online, that is bullying.

They think they should handle it on their own. Some kids see bullying as something they need to fix or that they maybe did something to deserve it.

They're concerned about contacting the other kid's parents. Some kids think that an adult's response will make the situation worse, like calling the other kid's parent and getting upset with them.

They don't want their phone taken away. Limiting a child's use of phones, tablets, or other technology won't stop the situation. It's the bullying, not the technology, that needs to stop.

They don't want anyone to worry. Some kids believe that their parents or other adults in their lives, have enough to deal with and they don't want to add another problem to handle.

They see the situation as too personal. Some kids get picked on because of something they did, like behaving inappropriately at a party. If they tell an adult about being bullied, then they also have to explain their own actions. That's not an easy thing to do when you already feel bad about what happened.

What should someone do when they see cyberbullying?

If your child or student sees cyberbullying, encourage them to take action when they feel comfortable. Research shows that peers can be very effective at intervening in a bullying situation. While possible responses include direct confrontation, this can be very challenging for individuals of any age to do. Research shows the more effective response is being supportive of the person being bullied. When someone sees cyberbullying, their response could be to:

Write something positive about the person being targeted

Contact the person being bullied and let them know they're not alone

Take a screenshot of the bullying and report it to a parent or an adult at school

Report the bullying content to the social media platform and ask to have it removed according to the platform's community guidelines

How do you keep a record of cyberbullying?

An important part of addressing a cyberbullying situation is to document what has happened. Your child or student may want to delete what is being sent so that they don't have to see it again, but it's important to NOT immediately delete evidence of bullying, encourage them to first capture the information. Records can provide proof of the cyberbullying to social media providers, school personnel, or law enforcement officials.

Adults and youth can work together to save the evidence: take screenshots of inappropriate behavior in emails, text messages, posts, website pages, and photos

Print out evidence when necessary

Don't delete anything until you've made a copy that includes dates, identity of sender, and other relevant information

Make sure to record the date and description of any bullying incidents that are happening in person, as well

What is the role of schools to address cyberbullying?

Every state has a bullying prevention law or policy that helps districts and schools address bullying. Many of these laws and policies require that schools address cyberbullying in their district policy. Some state laws also cover off-campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment. If a child experiences cyberbullying, check the school's bullying prevention policy to learn more about the role the school can play in helping youth address the issue.
State Law and Policy

Cyberbullying can create a disruptive environment at school and is often related to in-person bullying. The school can use the information to help inform prevention and response strategies.

In many states, schools are required to address cyberbullying in their anti-bullying policy. Some state laws also cover off-campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment.

Source: StopBullying.gov

What is the role of technology providers to address cyberbullying?

Many social media sites have safety pages that provide guidelines for how to address cyberbullying on their site, including:

Parents can also be aware of the safety features offered by wireless and internet service providers that help block or manage cyberbullying. The privacy settings are always evolving, with new family safeguard and parental control features designed to offer customized solutions to cyberbullying.

What can be done to support the emotional and physical well-being of youth experiencing cyberbullying?

PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center offers the Student Action Plan Against Bullying, a free, downloadable handout which involves youth in the solution equation, along with a helpful guide for parents and educators. The plan and guide can be used to help your child or student think through their situation, discuss how they think it could be different, and identify the steps needed to make that change happen.

Cyberbullying

One in five (20.9%) tweens (9 to 12 years old) has been cyberbullied, cyberbullied others, or seen cyberbullying (Patchin & Hinduja, 2020).

49.8% of tweens (9 to 12 years old) said they experienced bullying at school and 14.5% of tweens shared they experienced bullying online (Patchin & Hinduja, 2020).

13% of tweens (9 to 12 years old) reported experiencing bullying at school and online, while only 1% reported being bullied solely online (Patchin & Hinduja, 2020).

Reports of cyberbullying are highest among middle school students, followed by high school students, and then primary school students (Centers for Disease Control, 2019)

Trends to address cyberbullying

Tweens reported using a variety of strategies to stop the bullying including blocking the person bullying them (60.2%), telling a parent (50.8%), ignoring the person (42.8%), reporting it to the website or app (29.8%), and taking a break from the device (29.6%) (Patchin & Hinduja, 2020).

Two-thirds of tweens are willing to step in to defend, support, or assist those being bullied at school and online when they see it (Patchin & Hinduja, 2020).

Barriers to helping when tweens witness bullying at school or online included being afraid of making things worse, not knowing what to do or say, not knowing how to report it online, being afraid others kids will make fun of them, being afraid to get hurt, and not knowing who to tell (Patchin & Hinduja, 2020).

Improving social networking safety skills can help prevent cyberbullying, such as understanding how cyberbullying can cause harm, making sure personal information is not available on social media, keeping social media accounts private, not "friending" people they do not know, and general efficacy (Wölfer, Schultze-Krumbholz, Zagorscak, Jäkel, Göbel, & Scheithauer, 2013 ).

How cyberbullying impact students

Tweens who were cyberbullied shared that it negatively impacted their feelings about themselves (69.1%), their friendships (31.9%), their physical health (13.1%), and their schoolwork (6.5%) (Patchin & Hinduja, 2020) .

Cyberbullying can result in serious emotional problems for targets, including depression, anger, and sadness. Those who are victimized by cyberbullying also reveal that they are often afraid or embarrassed to go to school. In addition, research has revealed a link between cyberbullying and low self-esteem, family problems, academic difficulties, school violence, and various delinquent behaviors. (Hinduja & Patchin, 2015)

References

Patchin, J.W., & Hinduja, S. (2020). Tween Cyberbullying in 2020. Cyberbullying Research Center and Cartoon Network. Retrieved from: https://i.cartoonnetwork.com/stop-bullying/pdfs/CN_Stop_Bullying_Cyber_Bullying_Report_9.30.20.pdf

Patchin, J. W., & Hinduja, S. (2019). Summary of our cyberbullying research (2004-2016). Cyberbullying Research Center. Retrieved from http://cyberbullying.org/summary-of-our-cyberbullying-research

Wölfer, R., Schultze-Krumbholz, A., Zagorscak, P., Jäkel, A., Göbel, K., & Scheithauer, H. (2014). Prevention 2.0: Targeting cyberbullying @ school. Prevention Science, 15, 879-887. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24122481/

Youth Risk Behavior Survey. (2015). Trends in the prevalence of behaviors that contribute to violence. Centers for Disease Control. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/trends/2015_us_violence_trend_yrbs.pdf

1. Why can cyberbullying sometimes be more damaging than traditional bullying?

1. It can happen at any time of day

2. It can be anonymous

3. It can be highly public

4. All of the above

Check Answer

All of the above. While cyberbullying is still less common than traditional bullying, it can be particularly damaging because it can happen outside of school hours, it can be anonymous, and it is frequently very public with a potentially unlimited audience. At the same time, many parents are not active on the same websites or technology as their children and may not know what they're experiencing while online or on their phone.

2. At what age should there be a "cyberbullying conversation" with youth?

Why can cyberbullying sometimes be more damaging than traditional bullying?

1. When they start using social media

2. When they get their first phone

3. When they start using technology

4. All of the above

Check Answer

All of the above. Adults should discuss online conduct and behavior, as well as cyberbullying, as soon as youth start using technology in any form. There is potential for cyberbullying whenever children are using technology to interact. It can begin as soon as they have access to a cell phone or computer that they can use to connect to gaming sites, social media, text, direct messaging, or group chats. Have this conversation early in their lives, and return to the conversation as they grow up and their use of technology evolves.

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What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. Online threats and mean, aggressive, or rude texts, tweets, posts, or messages all count. So does posting personal information, pictures, or videos designed to hurt or embarrass someone else.

Cyberbullying also includes photos, messages, or pages that don't get taken down, even after the person has been asked to do so. In other words, it's anything that gets posted online and is meant to hurt, harass, or upset someone else.

Intimidation or mean comments that focus on things like a person's gender, religion, sexual orientation, race, or physical differences count as discrimination, which is against the law in many states. That means the police could get involved, and bullies may face serious penalties.

Online bullying can be particularly damaging and upsetting because it's usually anonymous or hard to trace. It's also hard to control, and the person being victimized has no idea how many people (or hundreds of people) have seen the messages or posts. People can be tormented nonstop whenever they check their device or computer.

Online bullying and harassment can be easier to commit than other acts of bullying because the bully doesn't have to confront their target in person.

What Are the Consequences of Cyberbullying?

Sometimes, online bullying, like other kinds of bullying, can lead to serious long-lasting problems. The stress of being in a constant state of upset or fear can lead to problems with mood, energy level, sleep, and appetite. It also can make someone feel jumpy, anxious, or sad. If someone is already depressed or anxious, cyberbullying can make things much worse. Students who are cyberbullied can struggle to concentrate in school, which can affect how well they do there.

It's not just the person being bullied who gets hurt. The punishment for cyberbullies can be serious. More and more schools and after-school programs are creating systems to respond to cyberbullying. Schools may dismiss bullies from sports teams or suspend them from school. Some types of cyberbullying may violate school codes or even break anti-discrimination or sexual harassment laws. So a bully may face serious legal trouble.

Why Do People Do It?

Why would someone be a cyberbully? There are probably as many reasons as there are bullies themselves.

Sometimes, what seems like online harassment may be accidental. The impersonal nature of text messages, posts, and other ways of communicating online means it can be hard to figure out if someone is joking or not.

Most people know when they're being bullied, though, because bullying involves repeated insults or threats. The people doing the bullying know they've crossed a line, too. It's not a one-off joke or insult - it's constant harassment and threats that go beyond typical fun teasing or a nasty comment made in anger.

What Can I Do About Cyberbullying?

Sometimes, people are afraid or not sure if they're being bullied or not. So they don't do anything about it. If you're being bullied, harassed, or teased in a hurtful way - or know someone who is - you don't have to suffer in silence. In fact, you absolutely should report any upsetting texts, messages, posts, or emails.

Tell someone. Most experts agree: The first thing to do is tell an adult you trust. This is often easier said than done. People who are cyberbullied may feel embarrassed or reluctant to report a bully. Some may hesitate because they're not 100% sure who is doing the bullying. But bullying can get worse, so speak up until you find someone to help. Sometimes the police can track down an anonymous online bully, so it's often worthwhile to report it.

Most parents are so concerned about protecting their kids that sometimes they focus on taking major steps to stop the bullying. If you're being bullied and worry about losing your phone or computer privileges, explain your fears to your parents. Let them know how important it is to stay connected, and work with them to figure out a solution that doesn't leave you feeling punished as well as picked on. You may have to do some negotiating on safe phone or computer use - the most important thing is to first get the bullying under control.

You also can talk to your school counselor or a trusted teacher or family member. If the bullying feels like it's really getting you down (like if it's affecting your sleep or concentration), therapy can help. If you're not ready for that, you can still benefit from the support of a trusted adult.

Walk away. What you've heard about walking away from a real-life bully works in the virtual world too. Ignoring bullies is the best way to take away their power, but it isn't always easy to do - in the real world or online.

If you see something upsetting, try to step away from the computer or turn off your phone for a while. Don't respond, and never forward the message to someone else. Find something to distract yourself from what's going on. Do something you love that doesn't give you time to think about what's happening, like playing the guitar, going for a run, or losing yourself in a book or movie. You can also just chat with a parent or sibling or play with a pet.

Taking a break like this allows you to keep things in perspective and focus on the good things in your life. It also gives you time to figure out how you want to handle things.

Resist the urge to retaliate or respond. Walking away or taking a break when you're faced with online bullying gives you some space so you won't be tempted to fire back a response or engage with the bully or bullies. Responding when we're upset can make things worse. (Standing up to a bully can be effective sometimes, but it's more likely to provoke the person and escalate the situation.) Taking a break gives the power back to you!

Although it's not a good idea to respond to a bully, it is a good idea to save evidence of the bullying if you can. It can help you prove your case, if needed. You don't have to keep mean emails, texts, or other communications where you see them all the time - you can screenshot them or ask a parent to make a copy or save them to a flash drive.

Report bullying. Social media sites take it seriously when people post cruel or mean stuff or set up fake accounts. If users report abuse, the site administrator may block the bully from using the site in the future. If someone sends you mean texts or emails, report it to phone service or email providers (such as Comcast, Google, and Verizon).

Block the bully. Most devices have settings that let you electronically block the bully or bullies from sending notes. If you don't know how to do this, ask a friend or adult who does.

Be safe online. Password protect your smartphone and your online sites, and change your passwords often. Be sure to share your passwords only with your parent or guardian. It's also wise to think twice before sharing personal information or photos/videos that you don't want the world to see. Once you've posted a photo or message, it can be hard or even impossible to delete. So remind yourself to be cautious when posting photos or responding to someone's upsetting message.

If a Friend Is a Bully

If you know of a friend who is acting as a cyberbully, take them aside and talk about it. Without putting your friend down, stand up for your own principles: Let the bully know it's not OK.

Explain to your friend that bullying can have serious consequences: for the bully, for those being bullied, and even for bystanders like you and your friends.

You can read more about how to stop bullying at Stopbullying.gov.

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Using technology to bully is a problem that's on the rise. The good news is awareness of how to prevent cyberbullying is growing even faster. See our tips on what to do.

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This webpage shares what cyberbullying is and what we can do in the future to fight against cyberbullying.

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We brought together UNICEF specialists, international cyberbullying and child protection experts, and teamed up with Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Twitter to answer some of the most common questions about online bullying and give advice on ways to deal with it.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms and mobile phones. It is repeated behaviour, aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted. Examples include:

spreading lies about or posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone on social media

sending hurtful, abusive or threatening messages, images or videos via messaging platforms

impersonating someone and sending mean messages to others on their behalf or through fake accounts.

Face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying can often happen alongside each other. But cyberbullying leaves a digital footprint - a record that can prove useful and provide evidence to help stop the abuse.
If you are worried about your safety or something that has happened to you online, you can seek help by calling your national helpline. If your country does not have a helpline, please urgently speak to an adult you trust or seek professional support from trained and experienced carers.

1. Am I being bullied online? How do you tell the difference between a joke and bullying?

All friends joke around with each other, but sometimes it's hard to tell if someone is just having fun or trying to hurt you, especially online. Sometimes they'll laugh it off with a "just kidding," or "don't take it so seriously."

But if you feel hurt or think others are laughing at you instead of with you, then the joke has gone too far. If it continues even after you've asked the person to stop and you are still feeling upset about it, then this could be bullying.

And when the bullying takes place online, it can result in unwanted attention from a wide range of people including strangers. Wherever it may happen, if you are not happy about it, you should not have to stand for it.

Call it what you will - if you feel bad and it doesn't stop, then it's worth getting help. Stopping cyberbullying is not just about calling out bullies, it's also about recognizing that everyone deserves respect - online and in real life.

2. What are the effects of cyberbullying?

When bullying happens online it can feel as if you're being attacked everywhere, even inside your own home. It can seem like there's no escape. The effects can last a long time and affect a person in many ways:

Mentally - feeling upset, embarrassed, stupid, even afraid or angry

Emotionally - feeling ashamed or losing interest in the things you love

Physically - tired (loss of sleep), or experiencing symptoms like stomach aches and headaches

The feeling of being laughed at or harassed by others, can prevent people from speaking up or trying to deal with the problem. In extreme cases, cyberbullying can even lead to people taking their own lives.

Cyberbullying can affect us in many ways. But these can be overcome and people can regain their confidence and health.

3. How can cyberbullying affect my mental health?

When you experience cyberbullying you might start to feel ashamed, nervous, anxious and insecure about what people say or think about you. This can lead to withdrawing from friends and family, negative thoughts and self-talk, feeling guilty about things you did or did not do, or feeling that you are being judged negatively. Feeling lonely, overwhelmed, frequent headaches, nausea or stomachaches are also common.

You can lose your motivation to do the things that you usually enjoy doing and feel isolated from the people you love and trust. This can perpetuate negative feelings and thoughts which can adversely affect your mental health and well-being.

Skipping school is another common effect of cyberbullying and can affect the mental health of young people who turn to substances like alcohol and drugs or violent behaviour to deal with their psychological and physical pain. Talking to a friend, family member or school counsellor you trust can be a first step to getting help.

The effects of cyberbullying on mental health can vary depending on the medium through which it happens. For example, bullying via text messaging or through pictures or videos on social media platforms has proven to be very harmful for adolescents.

4. Who should I talk to if someone is bullying me online? Why is reporting important?

If you think you're being bullied, the first step is to seek help from someone you trust such as your parents, a close family member or another trusted adult.

In your school you can reach out to a counsellor, the sports coach or your favourite teacher - either online or in person.

And if you are not comfortable talking to someone you know, search for a helpline in your country to talk to a professional counsellor.

If the bullying is happening on a social platform, consider blocking the bully and formally reporting their behaviour on the platform itself. Social media companies are obligated to keep their users safe.

For bullying to stop, it needs to be identified and reporting it is key.

It can be helpful to collect evidence - text messages and screen shots of social media posts - to show what's been going on.

For bullying to stop, it needs to be identified and reporting it is key. It can also help to show the bully that their behaviour is unacceptable.

If you are in immediate danger, then you should contact the police or emergency services in your country.

5. I'm experiencing cyberbullying, but I'm afraid to talk to my parents about it. How can I approach them?

If you are experiencing cyberbullying, speaking to a trusted adult - someone you feel safe talking to - is one of the most important first steps you can take.

Talking to parents isn't easy for everyone. But there are things you can do to help the conversation. Choose a time to talk when you know you have their full attention. Explain how serious the problem is for you. Remember, they might not be as familiar with technology as you are, so you might need to help them to understand what's happening.

They might not have instant answers for you, but they are likely to want to help and together you can find a solution. Two heads are always better than one! If you are still unsure about what to do, consider reaching out to other trusted people. There are often more people who care about you and are willing to help than you might think!

6. How can I help my friends report a case of cyberbullying especially if they don't want to do it?

Anyone can become a victim of cyberbullying. If you see this happening to someone you know, try to offer support.

It is important to listen to your friend. Why don't they want to report being cyberbullied? How are they feeling? Let them know that they don't have to formally report anything, but it's crucial to talk to someone who might be able to help.

Anyone can become a victim of cyberbullying.

Remember, your friend may be feeling fragile. Be kind to them. Help them think through what they might say and to whom. Offer to go with them if they decide to report. Most importantly, remind them that you're there for them and you want to help.

If your friend still does not want to report the incident, then support them in finding a trusted adult who can help them deal with the situation. Remember that in certain situations the consequences of cyberbullying can be life threatening.

Doing nothing can leave the person feeling that everyone is against them or that nobody cares. Your words can make a difference.

7. How do we stop cyberbullying without giving up access to the Internet?

Being online has so many benefits. However, like many things in life, it comes with risks that you need to protect against.

If you experience cyberbullying, you may want to delete certain apps or stay offline for a while to give yourself time to recover. But getting off the Internet is not a long-term solution. You did nothing wrong, so why should you be disadvantaged? It may even send the bullies the wrong signal - encouraging their unacceptable behaviour.

We need to be thoughtful about what we share or say that may hurt others.

We all want cyberbullying to stop, which is one of the reasons reporting cyberbullying is so important. But creating the Internet we want goes beyond calling out bullying. We need to be thoughtful about what we share or say that may hurt others. We need to be kind to one another online and in real life. It's up to all of us!

8. How do I prevent my personal information from being used to manipulate or humiliate me on social media?

Think twice before posting or sharing anything on digital platforms - it may be online forever and could be used to harm you later. Don't give out personal details such as your address, telephone number or the name of your school.

Learn about the privacy settings of your favourite social media apps. Here are some actions you can take on many of them:

You can decide who can see your profile, send you direct messages or comment on your posts by adjusting your account privacy settings.

You can report hurtful comments, messages, photos and videos and request they be removed.

Besides 'unfriending', you can completely block people to stop them from seeing your profile or contacting you.

You can also choose to have comments by certain people to appear only to them without completely blocking them.

You can delete posts on your profile or hide them from specific people.

On most of your favourite social media, people aren't notified when you block, restrict or report them.

9. Is there a punishment for cyberbullying?

Most schools take bullying seriously and will take action against it. If you are being cyberbullied by other students, report it to your school.

People who are victims of any form of violence, including bullying and cyberbullying, have a right to justice and to have the offender held accountable.

Laws against bullying, particularly on cyberbullying, are relatively new and still do not exist everywhere. This is why many countries rely on other relevant laws, such as ones against harassment, to punish cyberbullies.

In countries that have specific laws on cyberbullying, online behaviour that deliberately causes serious emotional distress is seen as criminal activity. In some of these countries, victims of cyberbullying can seek protection, prohibit communication from a specified person and restrict the use of electronic devices used by that person for cyberbullying, temporarily or permanently.

However, it is important to remember that punishment is not always the most effective way to change the behaviour of bullies. Sometimes, focusing on repairing the harm and mending the relationship can be better.

10. Technology companies don't seem to care about online bullying and harassment. Are they being held responsible?

Technology companies are increasingly paying attention to the issue of online bullying.

Many of them are introducing ways to address it and better protect their users with new tools, guidance and ways to report online abuse.

But it is true that more is needed. Many young people experience cyberbullying every day. Some face extreme forms of online abuse. Some have taken their own lives as a result.

Technology companies have a responsibility to protect their users especially children and young people.

It is up to all of us to hold them accountable when they're not living up to these responsibilities.

11. Are there any online anti-bullying tools for children or young people?

Each social platform offers different tools (see available ones below) that allow you to restrict who can comment on or view your posts or who can connect automatically as a friend, and to report cases of bullying. Many of them involve simple steps to block, mute or report cyberbullying. We encourage you to explore them.

Social media companies also provide educational tools and guidance for children, parents and teachers to learn about risks and ways to stay safe online.

Also, the first line of defense against cyberbullying could be you. Think about where cyberbullying happens in your community and ways you can help - by raising your voice, calling out bullies, reaching out to trusted adults or by creating awareness of the issue. Even a simple act of kindness can go a long way.

The first line of defense against cyberbullying could be you.

If you are worried about your safety or something that has happened to you online, urgently speak to an adult you trust. Many countries have a special helpline you can call for free and talk to someone anonymously. Visit United for Global Mental Health to find help in your country.

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Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it

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What teens want to know about cyberbullying

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Cyberbullying: What Counselors Need to Know

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Cyberbullying: What Counselors Need to Know

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A book on the things that counselors need to know about cyberbullying.

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Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying

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Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying

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A book that shares tips and tricks that teachers and parents can use when preventing and responding to cyberbullying.

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Cyberbullying: Bullying in the Digital Age

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Cyberbullying: Bullying in the Digital Age

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A book about cyberbullying and how it looks in the digital age.

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Talking to Cyberbullied Kids- and to Bullies

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Talking to Cyberbullied Kids- and to Bullies

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A School Library Journal article about approaching a conversation with kids who have been cyberbullied and the kids who did the bullying.

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Adolescence is a time of upheaval, though teenagers as a whole are kind, brave, and resilient. As a clinical psychologist who works with teens, I see these traits on display all the time while young people manage the ups and downs of adolescence and battle the more serious challenges that bring some to therapy.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work as a consulting psychologist to a school is witnessing the bonds that develop between students and educators. I've seen teens who are facing difficulty benefit immensely from these supportive relationships-whether the issue is a low grade on a test, a fight with a friend, or much more challenging situations, such as cyberbullying. Digital aggression and cyberbullying can make students feel devastated, exposed, and sometimes hopeless. I know that educators can play a key role in helping these students move forward with resilience-including young people who have been targets of cyberbullying and others who have perpetrated it. Librarians are well positioned to provide concrete, empathetic guidance to students on both sides of the situation. Here are talking points to help start the conversations.

Tell someone who has been bullied...
"You are not alone."
About a third of adolescents have been cyberbullied, and many more have seen friends go through it. Teens can find community and support from organizations including the Cyberbullying Research Center, StopBullying.gov, and the Pacer Center's Teens Against Bullying page.
"You can be part of the solution."
Cyberbullying strips teens of their sense of control-but some can be restored when teens take steps to build a kinder, safer online world. Encourage them to be upstanders online, with support from sources including Netsmartz, NetFamilyNews, the Anti-Defamation League, and , suggests Justin Patchin, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center. They can speak out against cyberbullying with words or anti-bullying emojis, and share their experience if they feel safe doing so.
"We are here for you and others."
Often, young people won't tell adults about cyberbullying until it has been going on for a long time or is impacting their psychological health. Even then, some stay silent out of embarrassment, fear of retaliation, or worry that they'll lose access to devices. The signs of cyberbullying are easy to miss, says Patchin. Establishing trusting relationships with students will make them more likely to come forward.

Schools can establish easy ways for students to inform faculty if they suspect cyberbullying or are worried about a peer, such as secure places to leave an anonymous message of concern-for example, a locked box in the school library.
"Respond strategically."
When bullies don't get the desired reaction, they often move on. Help teens recognize that responding impulsively out of anger can create more difficulty. For ongoing or severe cyberbullying, keep a hard copy of the threat-a printout or screenshot-in case evidence is needed later.
"How can you fill your tank?"
Dealing with cyberbullying is psychologically and emotionally draining, but self-care habits can build resilience. Help teens identify simple ways to refill their proverbial gas tank, such as listening to music or walking the dog. A school atmosphere that feels safe, fair, and kind also helps. Offer stress-busting activities in the library such as coloring books, meditation guides, and mindfulness apps.
"It gets better."
Cyberbullying peaks in late middle or early high school, but it can feel never-ending for those going through it. Connect young people who are feeling hopeless with older, responsible peer mentors, particularly those who have experienced cyberbullying.
"Take a tech break."
It's hard for teens to turn away from their devices, even if the content makes them miserable. Consider creating dedicated "tech-free" library zones. Many college students crave these spaces.

Since tech lacks the depth of connection that occurs in person. Encourage students to spend face-to-face time with friends, and suggest extracurricular or service activities to help form these relationships.

Tell someone who has bullied others...
"You can work to repair this."
Repairing the situation should start with a sincere apology to the victimized peer. A face-to-face apology is ideal, as long as the bullied student is comfortable with direct contact. Making amends may mean avoiding contact with an individual online or in person, depending on how they feel. Focusing on a bully's behavior, not the individual person, can encourage them to make amends. Still, cyberbullying can have lasting effects for the victim and the aggressor. Giving things time is part of the healing process.
"Are you OK?"
Kids who cyberbully often experience depression, anxiety, and loneliness; some tend to interpret benign encounters with others as having a negative or malicious intent. Social-emotional learning strategies, including those providing education about depression and anxiety that focus on communication and conflict resolution, can reduce student cyberbullying.
"There's room to grow."
Everyone make mistakes. Cyberbullying is a very public one-and a chance to learn and do better. Young people who believe they can change their behavior for the better are more likely to take steps to behave differently. Help students foster this growth mind-set in relation to bullying.
"Think before you type."
Help teens develop strategies for avoiding online impulsivity: stepping away from their phone before responding to perceived negative comments, having difficult conversations face-to-face, reading over responses, and waiting a certain amount of time before posting.
"Put yourself in someone else's place."
Considering another's perspective can be a powerful deterrent to future cyberbullying. Because many bullies have also been on the receiving end, they know how it feels.
"Use your power for good."
Cyberbullying is a powerful way to hurt others, but teens can wield digital power positively. Show students the constructive ways adolescents use social media, from crowdfunding deserving projects to promoting kindness.
Tori Cordiano, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in Beachwood, OH.

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Talking to Cyberbullied Kids-and to Bullies

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Adolescence is a time of upheaval, though teenagers as a whole are kind, brave, and resilient. As a clinical psychologist who works with teens, I see these traits on display all the time while young people manage the ups and downs of adolescence and battle the more serious challenges that bring some to therapy.

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Digital Citizenship: New Teaching Strategies

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Digital Citizenship: New Teaching Strategies

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A School Library Journal article about new teaching techniques that can be used to teach digital citizenship.

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The new ISTE Standards for Educational Leaders broaden the scope of digital citizenship education for students. Here are up-to-date resources to help librarians promote these skills.

For years, I've taught online safety to my high school students-how to secure personal information, be aware of their online footprint, and protect themselves from predators and bullies. It's vital. They seamlessly connect to hundreds of "friends" via Snapchat, Instagram, Messenger, and other apps, but understanding privacy, account security, online predators, and sharing etiquette still falls short for many.

These skills remain essential-and are part of a larger, and evolving, vision of how young people can safely and responsibly engage online. The new International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Educational Leaders, released this summer, broaden the scope of digital citizenship education for students, encouraging teachers to model digital citizenship by critically evaluating online resources, participating in civil discourse online, and using digital tools to contribute to positive social change.

They also prompt us to differentiate between digital citizenship and online safety-and know how one can impact the other. We want our students to be safe, but we must also expand their definition of digital citizenship to include networking online with a diverse set of people, ethically sharing information and resources, and taking thoughtful actions to promote a positive outcome in their communities or across the globe.

All of these efforts can help defuse cyberbullying and personal attacks. After all, the goal of e-citizenship is to promote a greater understanding and to actively embrace empathy for others.

ISTE CEO Richard Culatta considers digital citizenship to be a list of "dos," not "don'ts." He emphasizes encouraging students to make their communities better by teaching online skills that help them interact with people with different beliefs.

"Digital citizenship is using tech to solve problems, engage respectfully with people of different viewpoints, make your voice heard, and understand how to recognize fact from fiction," Culatta said at the ISTE conference.

We need to empower kids by teaching them ways to learn about, shape, and change policy-in their classrooms and in online communities where their voices can have an impact.

Several resources can help librarians promote this type of citizenship at the library or in partnership with classroom teachers. Here are three of my favorites.

* The Global Oneness Project has lessons and resources to help students develop understanding and empathy. They include photos, videos, and articles on different cultures and people positively shaping our world, as well as on the similarities among cultures.

* The United Nations' 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development can encourage social justice activities. It covers 17 topics-including hunger, poverty, education, and gender equality-and calls students to action by providing background information, examples of positive social media presence, and ideas for students to engage in their communities or across geographic boundaries. These lessons can easily turn into hands-on civic projects or research opportunities. Shining a light on global inequities and working toward finding solutions or common ground can be crucial in helping our students become responsible global citizens.

* The Stanford History and Education Group's Civic Online Reasoning lessons. More than 30, free, short lesson starters help students critically evaluate information on social media and websites, in YouTube videos, and more. They help students consider questions such as "Who's behind the information?" "What's the evidence?" and "What do other sources say?"

Straight-up online safety must be taught hand-in-hand with digital citizenship. For bullying, try the Stand Up and Preventing Teen Bullying curricula, offering lessons to demonstrate face-to-face citizenship skills using VR movies from Harmony Labs.

Websites such as Rethink Words encourage students to find ways to stop online bullying and model appropriate relationships. Even has promoted a digital literacy library of lessons (facebook.com/safety/educators), partnering with Youth and Media at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University to create concise plans for educators and parents on topics such as security and privacy, community engagement, and positive behavior.
Phil Goerner is the teacher librarian at Silver Creek High School in Longmont, CO.
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Digital Citizenship: New Teaching Strategies

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The new ISTE Standards for Educational Leaders broaden the scope of digital citizenship education for students. Here are up-to-date resources to help librarians promote these skills. For years, I've taught online safety to my high school students-how to secure personal information, be aware of their online footprint, and protect themselves from predators and bullies.

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Using Prevention Science to Address Cyberbullying

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Using Prevention Science to Address Cyberbullying

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A School Library Journal article about using prevention science methods to address and fight against cyberbullying.

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Focus on the individuals rather than the devices, and more strategies to address the causes of bad behavior online.

When something traumatic happens at a school, our collective response is "Why?" It's a natural response. We feel that if there's a defined reason, we can stop it from happening again. But our need for understanding can push us to find explanations in the wrong places.

For example, when educators are faced with students' online transgressions and cyberbullying, we often seek solutions by strengthening filters, holding an assembly, or banning games at school. However, those actions don't address the underlying risk factors, or encourage protective factors, against those behaviors. We must pause and ask ourselves, "Why?"

Prevention science, used in numerous disciplines, seeks to prevent dysfunctional human behavior and resulting trauma. It identifies individual risk and protective factors in behaviors including violence, substance abuse, and mental health. Understanding these factors can help organizations create programs and policies that directly confront underlying causes.

For instance, the media often suggest a link between violent video games and violent behavior. However, the data shows no evidence to support that connection. According to the Centers for Disease Control, risk factors for violence include emotional distress, exposure, low parental involvement, and social rejection by peers. Video games aren't a factor. However, when media and lawmakers believe they are, time and resources are shifted to find a solution that isn't attached to a problem.

This disconnect between cause and effect is also found in the government's D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) initiative to address substance abuse. Police officers would educate students about different substances and their effects. D.A.R.E. made the false correlation that substance abuse is cause by a lack of information. In fact, it can be caused by a number of risk factors, including drug availability, poverty, and child abuse and neglect. An anti-poverty program and policies to encourage safe disposal of opioids would better address the problem.

School librarians can use prevention science to address cyberbullying in their communities as well.

Consider a scenario of students afterschool who cyberbully each other while playing Minecraft.

Banning Minecraft afterschool is the easy response. But it doesn't address risk factors; it redirects the problem rather than solving it. Librarians should focus less on the devices and more on the individuals.

We should ask: What is driving this behavior? Is it a way to deal with the stress of the school day? Are the ones doing the bullying also being bullied? Are these students not having their physical needs met? Are they hungry, tired?

Librarians can create protective factors against cyberbullying, such as encouraging early learning, facilitating positive peer interactions, and providing opportunities for students to engage in their community.

There is also a connection between unsupervised access and unhealthy digital behaviors. Fostering positive peer relationships and running an afterschool program that provides social opportunities away from screens may also help.

Other suggestions for protective strategies:

Encourage volunteering. Offer a library volunteer program to help youth engage in the library. Post information about volunteer opportunities in the community and speak to students about them.

Partner with behavioral health organizations to help adolescents develop coping skills for online and offline behaviors. Partner with a nonprofit for classes and resources. Know where to direct adolescents who are dealing with problems.

Supervise technology. Set limits on devices and encourage students to put away their phones during certain library programs. Set aside some computers for homework use that can encourage students to focus on just one task online.

Empower students to limit device use night and remove devices from their bedrooms. The National Sleep Foundation reports that sleep-deprived adolescents have increased irritability and impulsivity, along with higher risk of anxiety, stress, and other problems. The blue light from screens inhibits melatonin production, affecting sleep.

Create a campaign, and include students in promoting protective factors. Peers are highly influenced by one another.

To learn more about prevention science and find resources, see the National Prevention Science Coalition and to find evidence-based programs see Blueprints Programs.

Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, CEO of Digital Respons-Ability, presented at the November 8 SLJ/ISTE webcast Digital Citizenship for Tweens and Teens.

Get Print. Get Digital. Get Both!

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Using Prevention Science To Address Cyberbullying

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Focus on the individuals rather than the devices, and more strategies to address the causes of bad behavior online. When something traumatic happens at a school, our collective response is "Why?" It's a natural response. We feel that if there's a defined reason, we can stop it from happening again.

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This webpage goes a little bit farther with information about cyberbullying and details tactics that are typically used when cyberbullying and how it is seen across the different technologies, what parents can do to become aware of the problem, rules for parents to employ when allowing their kids to use the internet, and much more!

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Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok

Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices

Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet

Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit

Email

Online gaming communities

Special Concerns

With the prevalence of social media and digital forums, comments, photos, posts, and content shared by individuals can often be viewed by strangers as well as acquaintances. The content an individual shares online - both their personal content as well as any negative, mean, or hurtful content - creates a kind of permanent public record of their views, activities, and behavior. This public record can be thought of as an online reputation, which may be accessible to schools, employers, colleges, clubs, and others who may be researching an individual now or in the future. Cyberbullying can harm the online reputations of everyone involved - not just the person being bullied, but those doing the bullying or participating in it. Cyberbullying has unique concerns in that it can be:

Persistent - Digital devices offer an ability to immediately and continuously communicate 24 hours a day, so it can be difficult for children experiencing cyberbullying to find relief.

Permanent - Most information communicated electronically is permanent and public, if not reported and removed. A negative online reputation, including for those who bully, can impact college admissions, employment, and other areas of life.

Hard to Notice - Because teachers and parents may not overhear or see cyberbullying taking place, it is harder to recognize.

Laws and Sanctions

All states have laws requiring schools to respond to bullying. As cyberbullying has become more prevalent with the use of technology, many states now include cyberbullying, or mention cyberbullying offenses, under these laws. Schools may take action either as required by law, or with local or school policies that allow them to discipline or take other action. Some states also have provisions to address bullying if it affects school performance. You can learn about the laws and policies in each state, including if they cover cyberbullying.

Frequency of Cyberbullying

There are two sources of federally collected data on youth bullying:

The 2019 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice) indicates that, nationwide, about 16 percent of students in grades 9-12 experienced cyberbullying.

The 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that an estimated 15.9% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to the survey.

See also " Frequency of Bullying."

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Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets.