What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

How prevalent is it?

• 25% of teens report that they have experienced repeated bullying via their cell phone or on the internet
• 11% report that embarrassing or damaging photographs have been taken without their consent
• 10% of all middle school and high school students have been on the receiving end of ‘hate terms’ online

Students are the first to see cyberbullying

• However, 95% of teens who reported seeing cyberbullying ignored it
• Over half of cyberbullying victims never tell their parents

Cyberbullied students are more likely to:

• Use alcohol and drugs
• Avoid school
• Receive poor grades
• Have lower self-esteem

School Strategies: become aware

• Conduct an anonymous, online survey to determine frequency of cyberbullying, when and where it happens, and why it's underreported

SCHOOL STRATEGIES: Build a plan

• Have a plan to immediately determine the severity of the incidence, especially when concerns are raised about suicide or violence

SCHOOL STRATEGIES: communicate

• Address cyberbullying directly with the students and parents. Explain district disciplinary policy, acceptable use of internet policy, and reporting policy

School strategies: teach...

• How to set privacy settings on devices
• Why it's important to think before you post
• When and how to speak out against it

SCHOOL STRATEGIES: build trust

• Above all, create a positive school environment that fosters respect and communication

Citations

• http://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/at-school/
• http://nobullying.com/cyber-bullying-statistics-2014/
• http://www.nasponline.org/resources/bullying/cyberbullying.pdf
• http://www.deletecyberbullying.org/preventing-cyberbullying/