Cyber Bullying

Cyberbullying has been an even more pressing issue in recent years due to technology growing in every aspect of life. Cyberbullying is bullying, but through electrical devices such as computers, phones, and laptops. Cyberbullying is very harmful and can take the shape of many forms. This could include harassment, for example, one student sending another repeated rude or insulting messages to another student. Impersonation or when someone pretends to be someone else is also an example of Cyberbullying. This could frame one person in a false way, making them look bad, and in turn greatly affecting their mental health. Denigration is when one shares false information about another which in turn could damage their reputation. This falls in a way under impersonation as well. Each of these have large effects if not dealt with, and it is important to be aware of what these incidents can look like. Sharing someone's secrets is known as Outing and Trickery, which falls into the category of Cyberbullying. This could also include tricking someone into sharing something they are not comfortable with. Exclusion is when someone is intentionally left out of groups, gatherings, and projects. This is very harmful and leads to feelings of loneliness. Cyberstalking is when there are repeated messages being sent to an individual, some which could include being harmful, to an individual. Anything that could make a person afraid for their safety falls under this category. Given this extensive list, Cyberbullying is definitely an apart problem in today's society especially. The effects of Cyberbullying can lead to isolation, depression, loneliness, among many other things. As a teacher, I believe that it is our job to raise awareness to this issue, as well as do our best to look for signs of cyberbullying, in order to prevent it from happening. As a teacher, the first thing I would do is monitor student's devices and technology use. I would make sure students are using technology as they should be in the classroom, and if there were any students misusing it, I would address it immediately, even if it does not seem like a huge deal. I also plan to educate students of cyberbullying, and make them aware of the shapes and forms it comes in. Students need to know how to be respectful online, as well as the impact that bullying can have on an individual. I would also like to be a teacher that students feel like they can talk to when needed. I think it is important that a student feels like they have a safe space in me, therefore I would like to encourage open communication to all my students. Students need to know that I have strict polices, and that bullying no matter the form is not acceptable not just in the classroom, but anywhere. I could also have a slideshow about cyberbullying that is sent to parents at the beginning of the school year, just so they can monitor their children as well. Cyberbullying is a prominent issue that is very concerning in our day in age. I believe it is very important to know the form(s) it can appear in. As a teacher, I think it is very important to make sure the students come first. I want to be an educator for aspects of life as well as subjects. By incorporating an open communication space, as well as educating students about cyberbullying and its effects, I can do my best as a teacher to stomp out cyberbullying.