Generation Cyberbullying

Gr 7 Up—A video for students and a supplementary program for educators and administrators provide an overview of the rapidly growing problem of cyberbullying. The student portion defines and offers examples of cyberbullying, and explains the reasons for it, the responses to it, and the role of the bystander. An offscreen narrator delivers the information as teens are shown in familiar environments, at home and at school, using social media such as Facebook and texting to harass, exclude, or denigrate their victims. Potential bullies are advised to think before acting on short-lived emotions, and bystanders are reminded not to become "part of the drama." A media literacy coordinator suggests that teens practice "privacy management" by keeping passwords secure and refrain from "friending" people they don't know. The educator's portion focuses on taking a proactive stance against cyberbullying by creating an Internet use policy, limiting social media applications, and incorporating etiquette in teaching technology. It is noted that signs of cyberbullying are often similar to other problems in which students are observed to be withdrawn, anxious, or unwilling to participate in class. The brevity of the educator's segment makes it suitable for a faculty meeting, and the longer student program could be used as an introduction in health or guidance curriculums.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY