Module 2
Cyberbullying
Society has evolved in so many ways and yet stayed the same in many others. Only the methods have changed.
Cyberbullying has been around for a while now, but people have just recently begun realizing that the problem needs to be addressed. There’s a common misconception that it’s only children that suffer from cyberbullying. Of course, the issue does affect them, but cyberbullying is an issue that can affect anyone and does affect people of any age from all over the world.
So, what is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when individuals use online technology to hurt other. In other words, they use the Internet to harass and embarrass people. It’s done on purpose and is usually ongoing.
Today, individuals use social media, texting and email to talk to their friends. This means cyberbullying can happen easily. Cruel messages or unflattering photos can be sent to everyone in the school with just one click. And messages can be sent from home, on the weekends or even during holidays.
Sometimes, cyberbullying is a single child sending a cruel text. But it can also be a group of kids posting hurtful things about someone to other kids. And then those kids forward the messages to even more people.
Examples of behaviours that could be cyberbullying:
Sending mean emails, texts or instant messages.
Sending neutral messages to someone to the point of harassment.
Posting hurtful things about someone on social media.
Spreading rumors or gossip about someone online.
Making fun of someone in an online chat that includes multiple people.
Attacking or killing an avatar or character in an online game, constantly and on purpose.
Pretending to be another person by creating a fake online profile.
Threatening or intimidating someone online or in a text message.
Taking an embarrassing photo or video and sharing it without permission.
Online Disinhibition and Cyberbullying
Texting and chatting online can sometimes feel just like talking to someone in person, but it's actually pretty different. It's all because of something called the "online disinhibition effect," which makes us more likely to share or communicate differently from how we would in person.
What can I do right now if there is bullying in my community?
For Victims
Tell someone you trust – a teacher, coach, guidance counsellor, parent
Ask for help
Say something complimentary to the bully to distract him/her
Use humour to throw off or connect with your bully
Pretend that the bully isn’t affecting you
Keep reminding yourself that you are a good person and are worthy of respect
For Bystanders
Instead of ignoring a bullying incident, try:
Tell a teacher, coach or counsellor
Use your voice – say “stop”. Question the bullying behavior. Simple things like changing the subject or questioning the behavior can shift the focus.
There is strength in numbers too! Bystanders can intervene as a group to show there are several people who don’t agree with the bullying.
Reach out privately to check in with the person who was bullied to let them know you do not agree with it and that you care. It makes a difference.
For Bullies
Talk to a teacher or counsellor
Think about how you would feel if someone bullied you
Consider your victim’s feelings – think before you act
ASSIGNMENT
Using the google document provided:
Watch the video "Is the internet making you meaner?" and answer the questions
Complete the table
Write your reflection
SUBMIT
Submit your completed assignment in your Flex Block Google Classroom.
Due - March 4th