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contributed by Paula Green, and updated by TeachThought Staff

Preventing cyberbullying is a matter of awareness and response: knowing what children are doing and how they are vulnerable, then helping them learn to respond when their well-being is threatened by bullies, trolls, and other dangerous users online.

If a child is expressing anger or anxiety after going online, it might be one of the signs he/she is being cyberbullied.

Cyberbullying is becoming a burning issue both for parents and teachers. While statistics vary from study to study, it's generally true that children are spending more time than ever 'online.' In fact, some students may spend more time online than offline, which means they might be more likely to be bullied through words on a screen than in a school hallway or bathroom.

The effect of cyberbullying are similar to traditional bullying but traditional bullying stops when the school ends; for online bullying there is almost no escape. Unfortunately, many kids torment and harass each other using the internet apps and social media channels.

7 Surprising Cyberbullying Statistics

It's impossible to prevent cyberbullying altogether, just as it's impossible to completely prevent in-person bullying. But there are some strategies you can use to reduce the likelihood that it occurs and offers them ways to respond when it does.

9 Ways To Prevent Cyberbullying

1. Establish a climate of communication with your child

Every psychologist will tell you that one of the best ways to help your child or student is by establishing a 'climate' of trust and communication.

It's not enough to be 'willing' to talk with a child or 'hope' that they'll come to you if they experience bullying (of any kind). Ideally, there will be communication patterns established where they aren't just likely to discuss this with you, but see you as a resource and support system.

2. Define it

Give them a formal definition of cyberbullying. Give them examples-examples they might actually experience using the online activities they're most likely to use.

There are many forms of cyberbullying, from light-hearted by hurtful comments on facebook to passive-aggressive posts on Instagram to trolling on YouTube to cyberstalking everywhere else.

At the very least, be patient and ask a child about the problem in general: what is cyberbullying, does he/she know someone who is being bullied, what children should do if notice acts of bullying. This way you will see how much your child is involved in the situation and which side he/she is on.

3. Give them strategies to respond

And because the bullying is often done in front of friends and peers, make sure the 'strategy to prevent cyberbullying' has credibility with their peers-that is, that allows them to 'save face' and redirect the attention back to the bully. Ironically, the wrong response could encourage more bullying in the future.

4. Use celebrity card

Modern children aren't so different than we were: they choose role models and are influenced by them.

Today, those role models are YouTubers and video game streamers and athletes as often as they are athletes, actors, musicians, and other 'stars.' And thankfully, many of these 'role models' discuss bullying, advocate for victims, and encourage each of us to create new social norms where bullying isn't just tolerated but is shamed as a behavior.

5. Monitor online activity

Luckily, cyberbullying has one advantage or 'traditional' bullying: you can notice it and save the evidence.

If moving offline completely isn't an option, you can install iPhone and Android phone monitoring apps. These can allow monitoring social media activity (including YouTube, Tik Tok, facebook, snapchat, and Instagram), the viewing of all text messages (even deleted ones), call logs, and general online behavior. You can even block and control the child's phone remotely.

In short, know what they're doing it online-when they're doing it and with whom.

6. Know the apps and platforms

Piggybacking on the above, it's difficult to prevent cyberbullying if you don't understand how the apps work and the most likely ways trolls and others can affect your student or child's well-being. It would be difficult to help students navigate bullying in a physical school if you'd never seen or experienced yourself and the same is true online.

7. Engage parents and youth

Create a community for adults and pupils to send a unified message against cyberbullying. Establish a school safety committee that will control and discuss the problems of online bullying. Just as there are now laws in some states against cyberbullying, teachers and administrators can create policies and rules, including a cyberbullying reporting system.

8. Emphasize positivity

School staff can do a big deal to prevent cyberbullying. As a teacher, you can use staff and parent meetings and even send newsletters. Use your school website to create a page and forum, where parents can discuss the problem. You can also engage bullies and victims by giving them mutual tasks, so they can try to see each other from a different perspective.

9. Remember the big idea

Remember that the ultimate goal is to protect and restore the victim's self-respect and empower them with a mindset, tools, and strategies to protect themselves online and offline in the future.
Mrs. Green takes a big part in NY anti-bullying campaign for young leaders. Right now she works as an independent contributor for Pumpic.com

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9 Ways To Prevent Cyberbullying | TeachThought

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contributed by Paula Green, and updated by TeachThought Staff Preventing cyberbullying is a matter of awareness and response: knowing what children are doing and how they are vulnerable, then helping them learn to respond when their well-being is threatened by bullies, trolls, and other dangerous users online.

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The term "cyberbullying" refers to the use of Internet and/or mobile technology to harass, intimidate, or cause harm to another. Although bullying is hardly a new problem, it has moved from the schoolyard to social networking sites such as Facebook, emails, and mobile text messages. Nearly all states have bullying laws in place, many with cyberbullying or electronic harassment provisions.

This article covers cyberbullying laws, how they differ among the states, and how offenses are charged.
Why is Cyberbullying Such a Serious Problem?
Despite the absence of physical contact or audible insults, cyberbullying can be even more traumatizing than traditional forms of bullying. Through social media and mobile communications, bullying can now potentially be viewed by all of a child's friends, family, and acquaintances. As a result, the embarrassment, shame, and other more severe consequences of bullying can become even more severe.

Consider, for example, if a high school student takes an unflattering picture of a classmate and sends it to all of her friends (via mobile phone) with hurtful comments. Suddenly, the target student is being teased by more than half of her classmates. So instead of one instance of bullying, it often takes on a life of its own.

The Department of Health & Human Services offers information and tips for preventing cyberbullying at its StopBullying.gov website.
Is Cyberbullying a Crime?
Until the mid-2000s, there were no specific cyberbullying laws. But legislators have not been blind to the increasing number of high-publicity incidents, including tragic results in certain cases (suicides and school shootings, for instance). Laws have sprung up in some states, but many of these law often leave enforcement in the hands of school officials. As such, cyberbullying may often be treated as a civil, rather than a criminal matter.

However, prosecutors have used existing laws on the books to prosecute individuals suspected of cyberbullying. Criminal harassment statutes can often provide a basis for bringing charges in severe cases, and more serious criminal charges have been brought in cases where the offense has resulted in suicide or other tragic consequences.

Recently created cyber harassment statutes may also provide an avenue for charging online bullies in some states. Nearly half of U.S. states include "cyberbullying" in their broader bullying laws (PDF), while most states also include either "cyberbullying" or "electronic harassment" as well. The nationwide trend is toward greater accountability for bullying in general, both in school and off campus, including criminal statutes.

Victims in most states may seek remedies in civil court in some situations.
Examples of State Cyberbullying Laws
Although cyberbullying is considered a relatively new form of harassment and intimidation, most state have school sanctions (and some have criminal penalties) for cyberbullying or electronic harassment in general. However, only about a dozen of those states have school sanctions for acts of cyberbullying committed off-campus. Below is a sampling of state laws addressing cyberbullying:

California - State law defines "bullying" in the context of an educational facility to include "communications ... by means of an electronic act," while the Safe Place to Learn Act, along with other code sections, establish a student's "inalienable right to attend classes on school campuses that are safe, secure, and peaceful." The use of "an electronic communication device" to cause someone to fear for their life is charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Florida - Florida's "Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act" prohibits bullying of any K-12 student or staff member, including specific references to cyberbullying (defined as "bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication"). The law doesn't include criminal sanctions for such acts, but directs school districts to draft policies and to report instances of bullying.

Missouri - Cyberbullying is defined by Missouri statute as bullying "through the transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound, or image by means of an electronic device;" school employees are required to report any known instances of bullying. An individual who uses social media to bully another person (with violent threats, specifically) may be charged with harassment, a Class A misdemeanor, but this becomes a Class D felony if the victim is 17 or younger (and the defendant is 21 or older) or if the defendant has a prior harassment conviction.

What Are the Penalties for Cyberbullying?
The penalties are as wide-ranging as the laws discussed above. Depending on the state and applicable cyberbullying laws, sanctions could range anywhere from civil penalties, such as school intervention via suspensions and/or expulsions, to jail time for felonies and even some misdemeanors.

In fact, the main points of difference among state cyberbullying laws has to do with administrative vs. criminal sanctions for violations. For instance, Florida law doesn't include criminal charges but directs schools to enact administrative penalties such as suspension and expulsion for acts of cyberbullying. But Missouri courts, on the other hand, may charge offenders for violent threats made through social media or other electronic means.
Learn More About Cyberbullying Laws From an Attorney
Cyberbullying is a rapidly evolving area of law, and the laws will vary from state to state. If you or someone close to you has been charged with cyberbullying, it may be wise to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help explain the current state of the law and how it impacts your case.

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The term "cyberbullying" refers to the use of Internet and/or mobile technology to harass, intimidate, or cause harm to another. Although bullying is hardly a new problem, it has moved from the schoolyard to social networking sites such as Facebook, emails, and mobile text messages.

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Online education success with netiquette

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Are you planning on taking an online course? Make sure you check out these netiquette rules before jumping in.

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Proper etiquette is nothing new for most people. You grew up with your parents constantly telling you to mind your manners. But in a digital age where the unwritten online "rules" are constantly changing, proper "netiquette" may seem a bit mystifying. Add in the atmosphere of an online classroom, and suddenly the proper netiquette guidelines don't seem as easy as a simple "please" and "thank you."

As you might have guessed, netiquette is essentially rules and norms for interacting with others on the internet in a considerate, respectful way. We enlisted several experts to set some guidelines to make sure your online manners are up to par.

10 Netiquette guidelines every online student needs to know

Learn how to be on your best behavior in an online classroom with 10 netiquette guidelines every online student needs to know.

1. NO YELLING, PLEASE

There's a time and a place for everything-BUT IN MOST SITUATIONS TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS INAPPROPRIATE. Most readers tend to perceive it as shouting and will have a hard time taking what you say seriously, no matter how intelligent your response may be. If you have vision issues, there are ways to adjust how text displays so you can still see without coming across as angry or upset.

This is true for both posting to online course walls or discussions-like those found in online programs at Rasmussen University-and with personal email communications with your professors and advisors. Using appropriate capitalization and focusing on your tone when writing will give your virtual communication a boost.

2. Sarcasm can (and will) backfire

Sarcasm has been the source of plenty of misguided arguments online, as it can be incredibly difficult to understand the commenter's intent. What may seem like an obvious joke to you could come across as off-putting or rude to those who don't know you personally. As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid sarcasm altogether in an online classroom. Instead, lean toward being polite and direct in the way you communicate to avoid these issues.

3. Don't abuse the chat box

Chat boxes are incorporated into many online classes as a place for students to share ideas and ask questions related to the lesson. It can be a helpful resource or a major distraction-it all depends on how well students know their classroom netiquette.

"Rather than asking relevant questions or giving clear answers, students might use the chat box to ask questions irrelevant to the discussion, or to talk about an unrelated topic," says Erin Lynch, senior educator at Test Innovators. The class chat box isn't an instant messenger like you'd use with friends. Treat it like the learning tool it's meant to be, and try not to distract your classmates with off-topic discussions. Use it instead to ask relevant questions and participate in class when the professor asks.

4. Attempt to find your own answer

If you're confused or stuck on an assignment, your first instinct may be to immediately ask your instructor a question. But before you ask, take the time to try to figure it out on your own.

For questions related to class structure, such as due dates or policies, refer to your syllabus and course FAQ. Attempt to find the answers to any other questions on your own using a search engine. If your questions remain unanswered after a bit of effort, feel free to bring them up with your instructor.

At Rasmussen University, you'll also have lots of support outside of the classroom too including 24/7 technology support, student advisors, and library services to help you find answers about your classwork, technology access, or curriculum plan.

5. Stop ... grammar time!

Always make an effort to use proper punctuation, spelling and grammar. Trying to decipher a string of misspelled words with erratic punctuation frustrates the reader and distracts from the point of your message. While this is something you should pay attention for all your virtual communication, it's especially important for the papers and assignments you'll turn in. If grammar and spelling are generally a weakness for you, don't get discouraged. At Rasmussen University, you'll have access to the library's writing lab where you can submit a paper to receive feedback on both your grammar and your writing overall.

On the flip side of this, it's important to be reasonable about others' grammar mistakes. Nobody likes the grammar police, so scolding a classmate because they used "your" instead of "you're" isn't practicing proper netiquette.

6. Set a respectful tone

"An increasingly common netiquette faux pas is treating e-correspondence with faculty and staff as an ongoing chat among friends," says Alexey Timbul, online professor at the Academy of Art University.

Every day may feel like casual Friday in an online classroom where you don't see anyone in person, but a certain level of formality is still expected in your communication with instructors. In addition to proper punctuation and spelling, it's good netiquette to use respectful greetings and signatures, full sentences and even the same old "please" and "thank you" you use in real life.

7. Submit files the right way

You won't be printing assignments and handing to them to your teacher in person, so knowing how to properly submit your work online is key to your success as an online student. Online course instructors often establish ground rules for file assignment submissions, like naming conventions that help them keep things organized or acceptable file formats. Ignoring these instructions is a common example of bad netiquette.

"Receiving work that does not adhere to the file format and naming protocol means a student is not paying attention," says Timbul. If you don't follow instructions, you're taking the risk that your instructor won't be able to find or open your assignment. Save yourself and your instructor a headache and read their instructions carefully before submitting.

8. Read first

Take some time to read through each of the previous discussion post responses before writing your own response. If the original post asked a specific question, there's a good chance someone has already answered it. Submitting an answer that is eerily similar to a classmate's indicates to the instructor that you haven't paid attention to the conversation thus far.

Remember, discussions can move fairly quickly so it's important to absorb all of the information before crafting your reply. Building upon a classmate's thought or attempting to add something new to the conversation will show your instructor you've been paying attention.

9. Think before you type

A passing comment spoken in class can be forgotten a few minutes later, but what you share in an online classroom is part of a permanent digital record. "Whether or not privacy settings are in place, the internet has a tendency to house things forever, and what you say privately can easily become public," advises etiquette expert Devoreaux Walton.

Not only is it good practice to be guarded when it comes to personal information, you always want to be just as respectful toward others as you would be if you were sitting in the same room together. Zink says a good rule of thumb to follow is if you're comfortable standing up in front of a classroom and saying your message, then it's most likely okay to share.

10. Be kind and professional

Online communication comes with a level of anonymity that doesn't exist when you're talking to someone face-to-face. Sometimes this leads people to behave rudely when they disagree with one another. Online students probably don't have the complete anonymity that comes with using a screen name, but you could still fall prey to treating someone poorly because of the distance between screens. Make a point to be kind and respectful in your comments-even if you disagree with someone.

"At the core, all of these mistakes come down to forgetting that an online classroom is still a classroom," Lynch says. "Good netiquette means conducting yourself in an online class with the same respect, politeness and professionalism that you would exhibit in a real-life classroom."

Plus, practicing professional communication skills while you're in school will serve you will in the workplace as well-whether you end up working remotely or not. Rasmussen University places a special emphasis on practicing transferable skills that you can take from the classroom to the workplace.

Practice makes perfect

You've just completed your crash course in netiquette guidelines, so go out there and post like the well-mannered student you are! If you're looking to get started in an online program, check out the fully-online degree options at Rasmussen University.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2014. It has since been updated.

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10 Netiquette Guidelines Online Students Need to Know

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Proper etiquette is nothing new for most people. You grew up with your parents constantly telling you to mind your manners. But in a digital age where the unwritten online "rules" are constantly changing, proper "netiquette" may seem a bit mystifying.

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Netiquette is short for "Internet etiquette." Just like etiquette is a code of polite behavior in society, netiquette is a code of good behavior on the Internet. This includes several aspects of the Internet, such as email, social media, online chat, web forums, website comments, multiplayer gaming, and other types of online communication.

While there is no official list of netiquette rules or guidelines, the general idea is to respect others online. Below are ten examples of rules to follow for good netiquette:

1. Avoid posting inflammatory or offensive comments online (a.k.a flaming).

2. Respect others' privacy by not sharing personal information, photos, or videos that another person may not want published online.

3. Never spam others by sending large amounts of unsolicited email.

4. Show good sportsmanship when playing online games, whether you win or lose.

5. Don't troll people in web forums or website comments by repeatedly nagging or annoying them.

6. Stick to the topic when posting in online forums or when commenting on photos or videos, such as YouTube or Facebook comments.

7. Don't swear or use offensive language.

8. Avoid replying to negative comments with more negative comments. Instead, break the cycle with a positive post.

9. If someone asks a question and you know the answer, offer to help.

10. Thank others who help you online.

The Internet provides a sense of anonymity since you often do not see or hear the people with whom you are communicating online. But that is not an excuse for having poor manners or posting incendiary comments. While some users may feel like they can hide behind their keyboard or smartphone when posting online, the fact is they are still the ones publishing the content. Remember - if you post offensive remarks online and the veil of anonymity is lifted, you will have to answer for the comments you made.

In summary, good netiquette benefits both you and others on the Internet. Posting a positive comment rather than a negative one just might make someone's day.

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Netiquette is short for "Internet etiquette." Just like etiquette is a code of polite behavior in society, netiquette is a code of good behavior on the Internet. This includes several aspects of the Internet, such as email, social media, online chat, web forums, website comments, multiplayer gaming, and other types of online communication.

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Avoid hurting someone's feelings with e-mail.Sometimes, online, people can't tell that you are joking. When you write an e-mail message, make sure the person you're sending it to will know whether you are happy, sad, angry, joking, etc. You can do this by using smileys, such as :).

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It is hard to prevent plagiarism in today's classroom. One way to check if something is plagiarized is using an online plagiarism checker. This tells if something was taken from another piece of work and who wrote the original information. Educate students on how to properly look up information and cite it when doing assignments. Talking to students who plagiarized information can give insight into why they did it and starts a conversation on what you can do to help.

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Plagiarism is common in classrooms in the age of the internet. It is defined as taking another person's work and using it as your own. Students can use the work of other students to complete assignments that they did not or could not complete on their own. Plagiarism is illegal, so it is important to inform students of its repercussions.

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Teachers should be professional online because parents, coworkers, and students can see what you are posting. It would be a bad idea to post inappropriate language, for example, and have your students see it. As a teacher, you are a role model. Acting professional online ensures that students see you as a positive role model. High school and college students should be professional online as well. When communicating with others, such as teachers, you should use full words instead of internet slang. Keeping your social media professional is important because future or current employers can see what you post online.

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Professionalism consists of actions and language that are used when acting professional. Professionalism should be used in professional activities, such as at school or in the workplace. High school and college students are more likely to use professionalism to communicate with teachers and peers. There are certain actions and language that should be used when talking to peers and your superiors. Acting professional outside the classroom and workplace are also important. Since other people can see what you post online, it is important to make sure you act professional and do not post inappropriate things online.

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One of the best ways to decrease cyberbullying is keeping track of what children and adolescents are doing online. Since the bullying happened online, there is evidence that parents, teachers, and others can see. Parents and teachers should both monitor their student/children's internet activity. Teachers can use staff and parent meetings, school websites, and conversations with students to help prevent cyberbullying.

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The term cyberbullying refers to using the internet to bully or threaten someone. It is becoming more common due to the spread of the internet. Bullies have found it to be easier to attack their targets by using screen names that hide their identity. It is also easier to be mean to someone through a screen than in person. Many states have taken legislative action to prevent cyberbullying and create reprimands for people who participate in it. Depending on the state, cyberbullying charges can range from school suspension to jail time.

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The best way to ensure the security of you and your information is to refrain from posting it online. If the information is not out there, there, it cannot be spread. Keep student information private by only allowing them to use websites that follow educational technology legislation. Running the websites by the school technology department is a great way to see if the website is allowed.

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It is extremely important to keep your own and others' personal information private. If you share your own information online, it will be freely accessible to anyone. The information could also be spread and could have many negative impacts, such as identity theft. In order to keep yourself safe, refrain from sharing your personal information online. It is also important to keep other people's information private because it is not your information  to share. It could impact them negatively, just as it could to share your own information.
In the classroom, it is essential for teachers to keep the information of students private. There are many legal obligations for teachers to keep this information private, especially since the students are often minors.

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It is short for "internet etiquette". It consists of the rules for behavior that should be used on the internet.

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1. Respect your own and others privacy by not share personal or others' personal information online.
2. Do not swear or use offensive language.
3. Avoid replying to negative comments with more negative comments.
4. Show respect when communicating or playing games online.
5. Do not use sarcasm or underlying emotion when posting online. People may not understand the joke or intended tone and could be offended.
6. Attempt to find your own answer when completing assignments.
7. Think before you type. Things that are put on the internet do not go away.
8. Be kind and professional. If you wouldn't say it in person, don't say it online.
9. When writing emails or other types of communication, be sure to write in full words instead of internet slang. It is more professional and easier to understand.
10. Don't spam other users with information they may not want. Spam is unsolicited mail, so often times the person you are sending it to does not want to receive it.
11. Be accurate and factual. Spreading information that has not been proven leads to negative impacts. Use accredited sites to source your information.