Cyberbullying: Identify, Understand, Prevent

Cyberbullying has become so commonplace that 40 percent of Internet users in the United States have been bullied online over a 12 month period. This presentation emphasizes that the issue is not the new technologies, but rather how we treat each other. Starting with background details about the causes of bullying, its forms, and its effects on victims, the program employs dramatic vignettes to explore the specifics of cyberbullying: masquerading, cyberstalking, public outing, and flaming. Statistics are shared regarding the prevalence and continued increase of cyberbullying. The program focuses on adopting a positive action plan to give power back to the victim by providing automatic response steps that include blocking or deleting persons involved; keeping evidence; talking to trusted parties; and reporting abuse to administrators, advisors, and law enforcement. Throughout the production, viewers are challenged to think about individual responsibility, personal reactions, and how social media and smart phone technologies might make it easier to cross the line between respect and disrespect. A good springboard for discussion.–Rebecca James, Currey Ingram Academy, Brentwood, TN