Cultivating Digital Kindness: A Guide to Preventing Cyberbullying
Bullying has been an issue children, caregivers, and educators have faced for generations. Fortunately, our attitudes towards bullying have evolved over time, making bullying prevention a priority for many.
Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) sees new students enroll in our school for a safe place to learn. While our unique approach to online learning keeps our students safe from traditional bullying, they're still vulnerable to negative online behavior outside our virtual walls. That's why, during National Bullying Prevention Month, ORCA is highlighting cyberbullying as a critical issue and the role we all can play in promoting kindness online.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying often mimics traditional bullying because it involves repeated, targeted, and negative behaviors intended to cause psychological harm to another person. What makes cyberbullying different is that it takes place in digital environments, where it’s harder for bullies to be caught and held accountable for their actions.
Cyberbullying is a common experience for most kids. A 2022 study by the Pew Research Center found that 46% of U.S. teens between the ages of 13 and 17 experienced some form of cyberbullying. Children who are frequent victims of this behavior are more likely to experience a decline in academic performance and are more susceptible to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. With so much at stake, adults must do everything possible to educate students, spot the signs of cyberbullying, and intervene immediately.
Where Does Cyberbullying Happen?
Most kids experience cyberbullying over social media, but the behavior can occur anywhere people interact online, like gaming platforms or chat boards. Unfortunately, cyberbullying can be very difficult to stop, which makes it even more imperative that caregivers and school administrators commit to the responsibility of educating their kids and students about online risks.
How Can Caregivers Act Proactively to Prevent Cyberbullying?
Caregivers can begin addressing cyberbullying by recognizing it as a possible part of existing online and helping their kids be prepared in case they ever encounter it. Here are three proactive steps caregivers can take to help minimize the impacts of cyberbullying:
1. Focus on Educating Kids About the Risks
Before kids venture into digital spaces, they should have an age-appropriate understanding of the potential risks involved. For younger children, that might mean being able to recognize when someone is being a bully and having the confidence to disengage from someone who's being unkind. Older kids may face different challenges online that go beyond name-calling. They should know that seeking help from an adult is always a better option than keeping it to themselves.
Regardless of age, kids need to be able to establish and enforce healthy boundaries. In many cases, bullies are testing the waters to see what they can get away with. If kids can establish a boundary early and advocate for themselves, it can curb bullying behavior.
2. Teach Kids to Be Kind Online
One of the most important ways caregivers can prevent cyberbullying is by making sure their kids aren't part of the problem. This process begins by teaching them how to be kind online. Here are a few examples:
Remind kids that words have a real impact on others. It's easy to forget that there's a person behind the profile image. But words can hurt others even if they're reading them on a screen.
Think before you post or comment. Encourage kids to take a moment before posting or commenting to consider how others will receive it.
Use respectful language. Some people feel comfortable saying things online that they'd never say in person. Caregivers should remind their kids to always be respectful in online interactions.
See something, say something. Caregivers should encourage their kids to always notify an adult if they see someone engaging in cyberbullying.
3. Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Caregivers would benefit from engaging in ongoing communication with kids regarding their online activities. For kids who are using social media, this could include talking about privacy settings and asking who their friends are. These conversations could also involve discussions about the kind of online history they're creating for themselves, what kind of posts are okay, and what behaviors are potentially problematic. For kids who play online video games or use chat boards, conversations can center around who they interact with. It's an opportunity to dig deeper if kids don't know.
As always, communication is a two-way street. When caregivers remain open to listening, it encourages their kids to talk about cyberbullying, helping them feel heard and supported rather than ignored or dismissed.
Response to Cyberbullying
Despite our best intentions, cyberbullying can't always be avoided. So, what should caregivers do if they suspect their child has been involved in a cyberbullying situation?
Ask Questions: Some students fear that telling an adult will make bullying worse. If caregivers see changes in their child's behavior, like being less interested in things they once enjoyed, that might be a red flag that could lead to some questions.
Talk with Teachers: It's often helpful for caregivers to notify their child's teachers or school administrators about cyberbullying. Adults can't possibly see every student interaction during a school day. But if they know there's a problem, they can attempt to take steps to intervene.
Provide Support: Most importantly, caregivers can support their kids as they encounter cyberbullying. Sometimes, knowing that they aren't going through something alone is enough to make the experience less traumatizing.
Building a Kinder Digital Future
Cyberbullying will likely always be an issue that we face. However, if we can provide kids with tools to navigate these challenging circumstances, we can prevent some of the long-term damage other kids have had to suffer. To do this, caregivers must be open and honest with their kids about the risks of interacting online and continue those conversations as their kids grow into adulthood. Along the way, we need to remind everyone to lead with kindness online and stand up when others are mistreated. It will take work, but together, we can create a healthier online environment where our children can thrive free from the threat of cyberbullying.
Join Us for a Virtual Information Session
If you'd like to learn more about ORCA's curriculum or our approach to virtual learning, join one of our virtual information sessions to connect with ORCA staff and preview our learning platform.