Cyber bullying refers to the use of technology to threaten, harass, or otherwise target another person. Unlike traditional bullying, the bully can hide behind the protection of anonymity when they turn to harassing someone online.
In the United States, of all students who experienced bullying in school, 15% of them experienced cyber bullying. Teens and children who experience cyber bullying are more likely to miss school and experience mental health concerns like depression and anxiety, all of which impact their academic performance, physical well-being, and self-esteem.
To help students have a more positive experience, finding ways to prevent cyber bullying in schools is essential. Learn about some of the options that can make a difference.
1. Education
One of the most important ways to prevent cyber bullying in schools is to teach students about online safety. This involves offering students information and examples of the signs of cyber bullying and what this can look like on various platforms.
Show students how to protect their identity online and what information they should give out. You can do this via an email, a school newsletter, or with an assembly. Because you know your students best, you can decide on what could be most effective.
It’s also important to address the consequences of bullying for the bully. Being firm about the policies and how they’ll be enforced can deter students who are thinking about engaging in this behavior.
2. Creating a Positive School Culture
Students who feel supported and who understand that there are others who come from different backgrounds and experiences are less likely to engage in any kind of bullying, including cyber bullying.
The school should encourage students to interact with one another in positive ways and with compassion. One way to do this is to model the behavior you want to see. Be kind to your peers and students, even when being firm in applying discipline.
It can also help to have team-building exercises and other similar activities that help students get to know others in the classroom and throughout the rest of the school. Icebreakers and team exercises can help students see that their peers are more like them than they may have realized.
3. Establishing Clear Policies and Consequences
The school should have clear consequences for those who engage in cyber bullying. Having a school assembly that addresses these policies is a good way of ensuring everyone knows what to expect. For it to be as effective as possible, you want to make sure that you clearly outline what cyber bullying is.
During this type of assembly, it should also be clear what the students who experienced the bullying should do to report it. Outline the steps of the process and what they can expect from it.
4. Collaborating With Parents and Guardians
Parents have to be involved in the process for the measures against cyber bullying to be effective. It’s essential that you provide education for them, as well, so they know what signs to watch for that can point toward a child being bullied.
If parents suspect their child is getting cyber bullied, they have to know what actions to take and who to speak to. Create a clear set of guidelines that they can follow and make sure that all of the parents and guardians are aware of the protocol.
Encourage parents to communicate if they have any concerns or questions. Make it easier for them to set up meetings with the appropriate person.
5. Anonymous Reporting Systems
Anonymous reporting systems can be highly effective in a school setting. Make the process simple and safe so that students are not afraid of retaliation. Apps with reporting tools work well since they don’t require physical action like going into an office.
Once you implement the reporting tool, you need to let all students know how to use the system.
6. Supervision and Monitoring
If students use school computers, you want to be able to monitor that use. Safety measures have to be in place to ensure the proper use of technology and to make sure that everyone accesses only approved content. Supervision is key to maintaining a safe and positive environment for everyone.
It’s important to have a clear idea of the consequences of inappropriate behavior while using a school computer and to let the students and parents know.
7. Regularly Reviewing and Updating Policies
Technology is constantly evolving, and your school policies need to keep up with the changing trends. One of the best ways of ensuring this is that you have periodic reviews of your cyber bullying policies.
If you do make changes to the policies, make sure to let students and parents know. You can send letters home to sign or send emails that require parents to perform an action to ensure they’ve read them.
Encourage students and parents to provide feedback on the policies you have. They can give you a good idea of what works and what doesn’t while also ensuring they feel that they’re part of the solution.
Working Together to Prevent Cyber Bullying
All of these ways to prevent cyber bullying in schools can be effective, but they require a collaborative spirit within the school. Students, parents, teachers, and staff have to be ready to work together to address the challenges that bullying in all of its forms poses.
At Rachel’s Challenge, we offer help in creating the positive environment you want in a school setting. We provide guidance for students as well as teachers and other adults so that they can learn to better communicate with each other.
We offer in-person programs where we come to your school or online options that allow students to get these benefits at any time. If you want to provide guidance for students so that everyone can enjoy a friendlier and kinder school environment consider bringing in Rachels Challenge. Contact us to book a live or digital program or to make a donation.
