Cyber Bullying: Crossing the Line

• Learning Objectives Students will be able to ...Analyze online bullying behaviors that “cross the line.”

• learn about the various ways that students can be cyberbullied, including flaming, deceiving, and harassing.

• Adopt the point of view of teens who have been cyberbullied, and offer solutions.

Key Vocabulary

Harassing: bombarding someone with messages over digital media, or repeated contact when it is least expected

Deceiving: using fake names, posing as someone else, or creating a fake profile about someone else

Flaming: saying mean things, usually in ALL CAPS, and often in a public forum with the intention to humiliate

Hate speech: a verbal attack targeting someone because of their race, gender, religion, ability, or sexual orientation.

What are some of the ways that you and your friends tease each other online for fun?When does teasing “cross the line” and become harmful? What are some signs, and what does it feel like to be in that situation?

The terms harassing, deceiving, flaming, and hate speech are examples of situations that definitely “cross the line” and are considered cyberbullying. (However, they are not the only examples.)

Why would someone not want to talk to other people about a cyberbullying situation? What would the roadblocks be? Why?

No matter what label they put on a situation, if it makes them feel uncomfortable, upset, or hurt, they should talk to someone about it.

Stacey's Story: When Rumors Escalate

Download the Cyber Bullying: Crossing the Line and work with the people around you to answer the questions during class discussion.

Case Studies:

Your teacher will break the class into two groups. You will work with the people around you on Case Study 1 or Case Study 2.