Cyberbullying

• Cyberbullying is the repeated use of digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or harm others through abusive messages, rumors, or harmful content. 

• Addressing cyberbullying in schools creates a safer learning environment, prevents harm, and supports students' mental health and success. It promotes responsible digital behavior, reduces bullying, and fosters empathy, ensuring students feel safe and empowered. 

• Trolling - posting hateful messages to provoke and trigger an emotional reaction

• Impersonation - pretending to be someone else to post harmful or embarrassing information

• Doxxing - posting private or identifiable information without consent

• Cyberstalking - sending repeated unwanted messages or threats

• Cyberbullying can take place on social media, gaming platforms, and any messaging apps

• Depressive and anxious tendencies

• Difficulty attending school and lower grades

• Withdrawal from sports, academics, and friendships

Experiencing:

• Changes in mood or social withdrawal

• Avoiding digital devices

• Declining grades

• Headaches, stomach aches, or trouble sleeping

• Aggression or lack of confidence

Engaging:

• Frequent use of devices

• Aggressive behavior justified as "jokes"

• Multiple social media accouts or ananymous accounts

• Decline in school performance

Parents and Educators:

• Educate students to ignore messages

• Educate students to keep records of any threatening or unwanted messages

• Educate students to report suspicious activity to a trusted adult

• Support and comfort students in distress

• Assure student they are not alone

• Find a solution together

• Report the bully to the school in case the bully is another student

• Encourage students to seek counseling if they are comfortable

• Educate yourself on small details and precautions

• Keep it "PG" on social media, even if they are private

• Beware of strangers, as they may appear nice but have other intentions

• Never hesitate to delete, block, or report

• Be careful in responding or messaging to not share a harmful message

• Turn on privacy controls

• Protect passwords from others and make them unique and not easy to guess

• Google yourself to check in any personal information has been shared