The internet can be great for entertainment and learning, connecting with friends, and discovering new things. However, it also has its dangers, including predators, hackers, and bullies. Cyberbullying is a significant issue affecting both children and adults. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying happens online, often giving bullies a larger audience and a sense of anonymity.

Cyberbullying can manifest as:

-          Humiliation: Posting embarrassing photos or information

-          Exclusion: Leaving someone out of online groups or conversations

-          Gossip: Spreading rumors or making false accusations

-          Threats: Sending threatening messages or comments

This kind of harassment can lead to emotional distress, including feelings of hurt, depression, anxiety, and withdrawal. Because the internet is everywhere – at home, school, and work – it can feel like there is no escape.

Handle Cyberbullying (Steps)

-          Do not respond

o   Reasoning: Engaging with bullies can either escalate the situation or give them the satisfaction of seeing your reaction

o   Action: Ignore messages or comments. Don’t reply or engage in arguments – silence is powerful.

-          Document is happening

o   Reasoning: Keeping evidence is crucial if the situation worsens or if you need to report the bullying.

o   Action: Take screenshots or save copies of any mean, threatening, or inappropriate messages. This is particularly important for platforms with disappearing content like snapshots.

-          Report and Block

o   Reasoning: Most platforms have systems in place to deal with harassment. Reporting can remove offensive content, and blocking stops further act.

o   Action: Use the report feature to flag the bullying. Block the bully to prevent them from contacting you again. Familiarize yourself with how to do this on the platforms you use most.

-          Do not suffer alone

o   Reasoning: talking about the problem can provide emotional support and practical advice.

o   Action: Share your experience with a trusted person – this could be a friend, family member, teacher, or counselor. For serious threats, contact local law enforcement.

-          Do not join in

o   Reasoning: Joining in makes you part of the problem. It's important to stand against bullying, not contribute to it.

o   Action: If you see someone being bullied, refuse to participate. Support the victim instead. If you know the bully, tell them to stop or distance yourself from them.

Legal protections/polices

-          Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act (Florida Statute 1006.147)

o   In Florida, the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act (Florida Statute 1006.147) provides strong measures against bullying in public K-12 educational institutions. The law prohibits bullying and harassment, defining them as any behavior that:

§  Causes reasonable fear of harm to a student or employee.

§  Interferes significantly with a student’s educational performance or opportunities.

§  Disrupts the orderly operation of a school.

 

-          Action for Parents:

o   Public Schools: Check with your child’s school to understand their policies on bullying and harassment.

o   Private Schools: Contact the administration to learn about their anti-bullying policies, which often mirror public school standards.

Resources

-          StopBullying

o   https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now

-          PACER – Bullying and students with disabilities

o   https://www.pacer.org/bullying/

-          Resource for Teens

o   https://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/

 

Additional Considerations:

-          Creating a safe environment for open discussion

o   Children need to feel safe to discuss their online experience without fear and punishment of dismissal. Listen without judgment and offer support and advice.

-          Education about digital citizenship

o   Understanding respectful and responsible online behavior helps prevent cyberbullying – promote positive behavior and the impact of words and actions online.

-          Monitor Online Activities

o   Keep an eye on your child's internet use. Use parental controls and monitoring tools to oversee their activities.

-          Encourage empathy and support

o   Foster empathy by discussing how bullying affects others and the importance of kindness. Encourage them to support peers who might be experiencing bullying.