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What would you do if you overheard students in your class talking a bout a group of students who are sending cruel messages to other students? You are not sure if this is bullying or if the teenagers are having relationships issues. Should you look deeper into this situation? What are the first steps you should take? If this is a case of cyberbullying, what procedures and organizations are available to help you and the student before the situation develops further?

If I overheard students sending cruel messages to other students, I would not panic at first because teenager all have their bad and good days, but I would definitely keep an eye and an ear open for any new information, If it keeps happening repeatedly I would pull the student aside and ask what is going on and get the administration and councilors involved, if it gets to be something more serious, I would have a talk with their parents and the student to figure out wha tis happening as well as a meeting with the student who is being bullied and their parent to offer help and support in anyway that I possibly can.

-Rebecca Negron

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Cyberbullying is a very serious thing as an educator if I were to hear students talking about what sounds like a form of bullying I would look into the situation immediately. Even if it is something that I may not be 100% sure about I would still look into the situation to make sure that I am certain if it is bullying or not, this is just something so delicate that cannot be brushed off in my opinion. As the saying says "better safe than sorry." Bullying is something that has caused lots of harm to many people especially children and it is better to be on the safe side and certain that nothing is going on than to ignore it and be sorry later on. As a teacher I would let my administration know along with the counselor they also will be able to help us out and get in communication with any parents if necessary. -Gabriela Donis

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If I heard students talking about what I suspect to be some sort of bullying I would definitely look deeper into it. If would start asking my coworkers and fellow staff if they have heard of any bullying from those students or any bullying associated with the students they were talking about. If my coworkers come up empty handed, I would pay close attention to the students I overheard and I would eventually approach them about the conversation. If it turns out to be cyberbullying, I would once again approach my fellow faculty and see if something can be done to help, something that would help the students involved and educate those who aren't. Showing them the real effects of cyberbullying would definitely be part of the agenda. If they ask for any additional info or help, I would point them towards school resources (counselors) or websites like stopbullying.gov.

- Yanuel Davila

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If I overheard students in my class talking about a group sending cruel messages to others, I would definitely want to handle the situation carefully. First, I’d listen a bit more to understand what they were saying whether it seemed serious or if they were just joking around. If it sounded like real bullying, I wouldn’t take it lightly, especially since cyberbullying can get out of hand really quickly. I’d probably ask a few trusted friends what they know about the situation to get more clarity without making it obvious that I’m concerned. If it turned out that there was actually bullying happening, I’d report it to a teacher or school counselor because they could look into it further and do something about it. I think it’s also really important to support anyone who might be getting hurt by this. I’d encourage them to speak up and let them know they’re not alone. It might also be a good idea to push for some awareness programs at school about the effects of bullying and why we all need to create a supportive environment. Plus, I’d make sure everyone knows about resources which can help in these situations. Overall, it’s crucial to approach this with sensitivity and make sure everyone feels safe and supported.

-Gyanna Almira

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Just start off with 2010 is not the most recent story unfortunately this happens more often than we would like to even imagine. I do know a few weeks ago a story was trending on TikTok, even about a group of girls who bullied another girl and she ended up committing suicide unfortunately I believe at the age of 12 that childhood had the burden of, such deep and intrusive thoughts instead of just enjoying being a kid it’s absolutely heartbreaking. I personally if I overheard a group of students talking about another individual or another group of students that were bullying a certain individual would definitely take action of possible 1on1 students interviews to see if you could get to the route or the leader of the problem. I would try to start off in a casual way, and if it was possibly more serious, there would definitely be parent and teacher, principal involvement. No, child’s life should ever be in danger due to words of another student. Even if possible guidance counseling could get involved or have a group come take up a little bit of time of my class to speak to all the students about how serious this matter is and how no one is alone and there’s always someone to talk to. I do believe that most schools have a zero tolerance policy for bullying due to the recent trending events in the past several years. Whatever action needed to be taken to safe an individual’s life would be worth it in the long run.

Lindsey Moye

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It is heartbreaking to hear that there are cases like the one in Massachusetts and knowing that bullying is something that many students have to deal with on a daily basis. I know I dealt with mild case of bullying myself in high school and it was part of the reason I switched to online school. I always wished that teachers and counselors and parents could do more but at the end of the day it really was out of their hands. Kids can be cruel. If I was a teacher and I overheard that that students were sending cruel messages about another student, first thing I would do is pull them aside and have one on one conversation and ask questions on why its happening and the zero tolerance of bullying that the school has- (which most do). Once confirmed on what exactly is happening, I would make parents aware as well so they can keep an eye on the situation. I would also talk to the girl that it happening to and make an appointment with guidance counselor. If the situation persists, I will then make the principal aware so further actions can be taken. Mental health is important, and you never know how students perceive the situation and what goes through their head, something that could be so minor to one, could be the end of the world for another. If the situation persists even after the principal attempted to handle it, then we can always escalate it to the department of education. There are many resources such as stopbullying.gov and mental health assistance on school grounds and outside of school premises.

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With regard to the students talking about cruel messages sent to others, I would definitely handle it with a lot of care since it's sensitive; cyberbullying, one should say. Without particular context as to what has happened, it is often very hard to separate bullying from the run-of-the-mill social problems, so my first actions would be discreet-inquiring into the dynamics and determining whether an intervention would be called for or not. Should this appear to involve cyberbullying, I would immediately bring it to the attention of a trusted educator or administrator; they can initiate protocols to support the involved students. Furthermore, I would recommend the use of resources from established anti-bullying organizations and the adherence to any school policy regarding the addressing of cyberbullying, which can include contacting counselors or the setting up of mediation processes in order to prevent escalation.

-Marielis Diaz

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If I overheard students a group of students talking about cyberbullying then I would talk to each of them. I would talk to them one at a time in order to find out more about what is going on. If I could find out who the victim is I would also talk to them and offer support. Organizations like Stomp Out Bullying are great. I will also discuss with the student a meeting with their parents. Then I will discuss with other people at the school to best figure out a way to punish the offenders without any chance of them retaliating against the victim. - Davin Fortna

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In the hypothetical of me overhearing my students speak of an instance in which another group of students are sending out cruel messages to others, I would privately take them aside to ask further questions so I could investigate the problem. These questions would include asking for the names of the students sending the messages, the names of students being sent these messages, and the content of these messages. I think the most important thing here would be to assure the students I am asking that any information is helpful and that I will try my best to keep the information they do share and the source confidential. I believe it is my job to look deeper into this situation, as it directly correlates with the teacher’s role of ensuring a safe learning environment. From there, I would go to the school counselor and share my concerns, formulating a plan with them to address the students involved and create a game plan. Whether it is relationship problems or bullying, I will have been able to bring the students to someone qualified to help them create a plan to take steps towards working it out. If it needs to be escalated, the organization Stopbullying.gov recommends pushing it to the principal, then the school superintendent, and if the problem is still not being sufficiently addressed, it would be escalated to the state department of education (Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA), 2019). There are many organizations for stopping bullying before it starts, such as STOMP Out Bullying, which teaches against hate and discrimination to create more socially and emotionally aware individuals.

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). “Get Help Now.” StopBullying.gov, 24 Sept. 2019, www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now.

STOMP Out Bullying. “STOMP out Bullying.” Stompoutbullying.org, 2022, www.stompoutbullying.org/.

-Sierra Fleming

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if I witnessed a student talking about cyber bullying another student I would 100% take it seriously. Bullying is one thing that is not to be joked about. I would definitely take action but not me necessarily. I would send them to the office and tell the principal about what is going on. I would also get in touch with the guidance counselors. Bullying is a very serious matter that is unfortunately in every school. I would also get in touch with the student on the other end to make sure they are okay and get the counselors with them as well. I don’t care what the reasoning was there is no excuse to bully anyone. I would be taking action no matter what.

-Cailiosa Dempsey

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If I was overhearing some students talking about a group sending cruel messages to others then I will take it seriously as this isn't something to take light no matter the case. I will ask the students what they were talking about and if they choose not to say anything and stay quiet I will look into it myself. Even if it could be some relationship drama it good to look into it as even some relationship drama can get out of hand and end up being a very serious matter. The first thing I will do is pay attention to the students ill take notes of anything I see strange or different like they aren't the way they usually are or if they just seem like absent from the class even though they are there physically but not mentally. Next thing I would do is have a private conversation with those who are involved in the doing the cyberbullying and the person who is receiving it. Being able to have that private conversations an help me understand and see their perspective and also help them not feel like they are being attacked. If it appears to be bullying I'll tell the school administrations since they know how to handle this but I would also tell all the parents to get them involve n what is happening to their kid along with the reason why it happening. I would also provide some counseling service o the victims or other organizations that they would feel comfortable with like stompoutbully.org and many others. The last thing I would do is talk to everyone about the effects bullying can have both receiving it and doing it to others so they can understand that there a consequence on both sides if it doesn't stop. I would checkin on those who were involved in the whole situation to makes sure everyone okay that they can have someone to talk like if they just want someone to listen and not talk then I'm here to help. Cyberbullying or any type of bullying is a serious matter and should never be taken lightly. Students should feel like they have the trust and the support that they need when they are facing matters like this and being able to provide that is what I'm trying to do. -Nyldalyz Rivera

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If I overheard students talking about a group sending cruel messages to others, I’d definitely take it seriously, even if I wasn’t sure if it was bullying or just some relationship drama. First, I’d pay attention to how the students interact and listen closely to get a better idea of what’s really going on. I’d also have some private chats with the students involved, both those sending the messages and those on the receiving end, to understand their perspectives. If it turns out that bullying is happening, I’d report it to the school administration since they know how to handle these situations. It might also be helpful to reach out to the parents to get them involved. I’d want to provide support resources like counseling services and organizations such as StopBullying.gov for the victims. Plus, I think it’s really important to have discussions about empathy, the effects of bullying, and digital citizenship to help prevent these issues in the future. Finally, I’d keep checking in on everyone involved to make sure the situation improves and that they feel safe. Cyberbullying is a big deal, and it needs immediate action to create a supportive environment for all students.

Brandy Lafata

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If I was a teacher and overheard a group of students are sending cruel messages to other students I would first find out what exactly is going on by asking everyone involved. It's best for them to tell the truth if it is relationship problems so they don't get mistaken for cyberbullying. In the case that it is cyberbullying I would 1. immediately interrupt the conversation and tell them that what they are doing is cyberbullying and will get them in a lot of trouble. It is necessary to get involved as a teacher in this situation to prevent anything bad happening. 2. I would have the principal notified as well as all the students parents. 3. There would be a brief lesson in our class as to what bullying or cyberbullying can do to a person and how much they can get in trouble. The consequences for cyberbullying must be known and enforced. A letter would also go out to the parents to monitor what their children are doing on there phone and to also explain the effects of cyberbullying and bullying to their kids.

-Elysette Rivera

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If I was a teacher in that situation I would take a moment to analyze the situation properly not jump to conclusion, so that I don't accuse anyone unjustly. Ask around the student body to see if these claims are true, while also asking the possible students involved in the problem on how they feel about the situation if they open up to me. Then talk to the dean and principal to see how to handle this delicate situation the most efficiently way possible. Then call both the suspected students and the victim's with their parents to see how we can solve this and what type of punishment is ideal for this situation depending the severity of the problem. Then to make sure these type of problems won't happen again, have people who experienced these situations talk to the students to show them the consequences of cyberbullying or bullying someone, so that they can learn from someone's else experiences and help influence others to avoid this cycle of hate for amusement. - Pedro Medina

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Given the serious consequences of bullying and cyberbullying, hearing students talk about mean messages aimed at others requires quick action. My first step would be to quietly gather more details, maybe by chatting with the students involved to get a clearer picture. It's also really important to talk to the school counselor since they know how to deal with these situations and can help the students who are affected. I would make sure to write down any specific examples of the conversations or messages I heard, as this could be important for addressing the issue. If it turns out that cyberbullying is happening, I would follow the school's guidelines for reporting and taking action, which might involve getting the administration involved and reaching out to organizations that focus on preventing bullying, like local mental health services, to make sure all students are safe and supported.- Abigail Tollinchi

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If I overheard students discussing cruel messages directed at peers, I’d look deeper, as even potential bullying should be taken seriously. My first step would be to observe their interactions more closely and consult with the school counselor to ensure appropriate support. I’d also discreetly talk with the involved students to understand the context, then reach out to the school administration if it appears to be bullying. For cases of confirmed cyberbullying, I’d involve parents, follow school protocols, and use resources like StopBullying.gov to address the situation effectively before it escalates further.

-Monica Lopez

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Cyberbullying affects all the students, even the ones who are instituting the bullying. The most important thing is  separately talking to all the students involved. There are often group dynamics at play and the best way to learn about the situation is to hear from the student, without the involvement of their peers. I would also encourage bringing another set of eyes into the situation so that you are not the only person dealing with the students. This provides accountability for all parties. If you have determined that bullying has occurred, I would bring the offending parties in and choose a consequence that reflects the nature of their actions. In all of this, the parent should also be aware of the situation. For the student that was bullied, I would set up a meeting with the school counselor and the parent. Showing the student that they have support and are not being ignored is the most important part. I would also encourage setting up counseling for those that initiated the bullying. There is a reason they chose their actions and helping them work through will prevent more incidents in the future. Active involvement is important for fostering an environment that does not tolerate bullying and provides a place where students are heard.

-Ruby Bucko

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As an educator in a situation like this I would pull the students aside and explain to them what I over heard them saying. I would then give them a chance to explain to me what is happening and why they are sending cruel messages to somebody else. Based on everything they tell me I would then handle the situation by going to the principle and allowing them to help me handle the situation with the proper consequences/steps to stop the whole situation. I would also let the parents of each student involved know what is happening so that they are aware of what is happening with their child at school.-Natalie Rodriguez

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Being a teacher is not just teaching the students but making sure that it every student has a comfortable and safe learning experience. That being said,If I overheard students discussing cruel messages sent to others, I would take it seriously, as it could indicate bullying or cyberbullying. My first step would be to approach the students privately to gather more context and ensure they feel safe discussing the issue.

I would also document what I overheard and consider discussing the situation with a trusted colleague or school counselor to gain further insight.

If it appears to be cyberbullying, I would follow my school’s procedures, which may include reporting it to administration. Resources such as the National Bullying Prevention Center or local mental health organizations could provide support.

It's crucial to foster a safe environment and ensure students know they can seek help without fear of retaliation. Creating a culture of respect and awareness can help mitigate the effects of bullying. - jade penaranda

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Yes, as an educator I am responsible to look into what is happening. The steps I should take is observing, engaging with students, Showing the schools rules for bullying so all students are aware. In this case the procedures to help are support for victim, disciplinary action, and involving parents of both bully and victim to ger the proper support at home. - Taliangelys Bracero

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Krystal Wiley

My initial thought would be to pull the person being bullied and have a conversation about what is going on and why they are being a target and offer them a safe place for them to open up. Then once I have their perspective I can have a conversation with the bullies as a collective to gather all the information before going to the school officials about the incident but, approach the situation with care and concern. We as teachers must first get the facts before reporting anything we don't want to report false information or allegations. Now I do believe in all students' safety on campus we have a duty after all students spend 6-8 hours on campus and we become their secondary parents for some of the students. Also, when handling a cyberbully we need evidence the student can email the school officials with their screenshots or forward them to what is being said and pictures as well. I would then follow the school protocol to report the situation to the school counselor and allow them to do their job. I also feel strongly about having real-life consequences when it comes to bullying especially if one takes their own life then the bully should be charged with aggravated harassment as well as paying a fine for the victim to end their life. Social media is a very crucial place for people to hide behind their screens and say whatever they want just because it's their freedom of speech to do so. It's a sad place for people like bullies.

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The Jeffrey Johnson Stand Up for All Students Act (FS 1006.147) requires schools in Florida to adopt policies prohibiting bullying, cyberbullying and harrassment. Under this law, individuals who are found guilty of cyber bullying can be charges with a misdemeanor or felony and may face a prison sentence of up to one year or monetary fines of up to one-thousand dollars. With that said, I think the first thing I would do is involve the school guidance counselor and administration. In the case of any form of bullying I think it's best to air on the side of caution and have the student report it directly to administration. I would reach out to the parent of the reporting student and let them know what their child told me and that their child had been referred to administration to report the incident(s). I would not speak to the alleged perpetrators myself or their parents. If the allegations are true, I would not want to hinder the investigation by giving the perpetrators a " heads up" . I would want administration, the reporting student and the student's parents an opportunity to take screen shots and document the cyber bullying. I feel that speaking to the alleged perpetrators would give them an opportunity to erase any evidence. WIth the increase in accesibility to wide range of teachnology and the increase on social media sites, its imperative that schools be proactive. Students need to also be made aware of the legal ramification they may face in hopes that it will serve as a deterent for such abhorrent behavior. -Mariela Gutierrez

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First step has to be reporting the suspicions to the school administration. I would express my reasons to believe that this might be something currently happening in writing and in person. I believe that if the student feels safe with the adults around they will likely open up. The greater problem would be if the student does not feel they have a person to trust. The school has a responsibility to contact parents and assess what the situation is, has the student changed in any way, has the students looked for excuses to miss school? What are the observations made by parents, teachers and administration. The person doing the bullying, if a student, has to be held accountable in whatever ways the school has established. There are cases in which the police might need to get involved especially if the sources of bullying are outside of the school setting. There are websites available like: https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/how-to-report which will give clear instructions as to what needs to be done .

Lizbeth Viera

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When cyberbullying happens, it is important to document and report the behavior so it can be addressed.

Steps to Take Immediately

Don't respond to and don't forward cyberbullying messages.

Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, emails, and text messages. Use this evidence to report cyberbullying to web and cell phone service providers and social media sites.

Block the person who is cyberbullying.

Report Cyberbullying to Online Service Providers

Cyberbullying often violates the terms of service established by social media sites and internet service providers.

Review their terms and conditions or rights and responsibilities sections. These describe content that is or is not appropriate.

Visit social media safety centers to learn how to block users and change settings to control who can contact you.

Report cyberbullying to the social media site so they can take action against users abusing the terms of service.

Report Cyberbullying to Law Enforcement

When cyberbullying involves these activities it is considered a crime and should be reported to law enforcement:

Threats of violence

Child pornography or sending sexually explicit messages or photos

Taking a photo or video of someone in a place where he or she would expect privacy

Stalking and hate crimes

Some states consider other forms of cyberbullying criminal. Consult your state's laws and law enforcement for additional guidance.

Report Cyberbullying to Schools

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.

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Steps to take for documenting and reporting cyberbullying.