Combating Cyberbullying

Introduction:

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices, and it most commonly occurs over social media, text, instant messages, and email. It can also happen through online gaming and forums. Cyberbullying can be particularly cruel and scary because it is done from behind a computer screen and often anonymously. Most young people do not believe social media platforms are doing enough to stop cyberbullying on their platforms.

Mini Lesson 1:

Recognizing Signs of Cyberbullying

Key Points:

  • Nearly 42% of kids have been bullied online, and almost one in four have had it happen more than once.

  • Among this percentage, being ignored and disrespected were the most common forms of cyberbullying.

  • Nine out of 10 middle school students have had their feelings hurt online.

  • About 75% have visited a website bashing another student.

  • Four out of 10 middle school students have had their password(s) stolen and changed by a bully who then locked them out of their account or sent communications posing as them.

  • About 21% of kids have received mean or threatening emails.

  • The psychological and emotional outcomes of cyberbullying are similar to real-life bullying outcomes, except for the reality that with cyberbullying, there is often no escape. School ends at 3 p.m., while the Internet is available all the time.

  • The primary cyberbullying location where victimizing occurs, at 56%, is in chat rooms.

  • Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying.

  • About 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than 4 out of 10 say it has happened more than once.

  • Cyberbullying has increased in recent years. In a national survey of 10-17 year olds, twice as many children indicated they had been victims and perpetrators.