Teachers, school administrators, camp, community, and faith-based staff are in unique positions to use their skills and roles to create safe environments with positive social norms. They are also in positions where they may notice children’s behavior changes in group settings, like when a group or cluster of children focuses on another child, or other signs that cyberbullying may be occurring. There are things that you can do in the classroom or other group settings to address or prevent cyberbullying.
- If you think a child is being cyberbullied, speak to them privately to ask about it. They may also have proof on their digital devices.
- If you believe a child is being cyberbullied, speak to a parent about it. Serve as a facilitator between the child, parent, and the school if necessary.
- To understand children’ digital behavior and how it relates to cyberbullying, increase your digital awareness.
- Develop activities that encourage self-reflection, asking children to identify and express what they think and feel, and to consider the thoughts and feelings of others. Help children develop emotional intelligence so that they can learn self-awareness and self-regulation skills and learn how to have empathy for others.
- Role model,reinforce, and reward positive behavior towards others.
- Encourage peer involvement in prevention strategies.