As we move into fall and the cooler climate sets in, students will spend more time indoors and on their digital devices. Since October is National Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Month, it's a good time to talk about ways to prevent, stop, and recognize the signs that a person may have someone bullying them with a digital device.
Recently,
Debra Pepler, a York University psychology professor who is a leading bullying expert stated, “I think education is what we need, rather than legislation,” and “The earlier we can get in to prevent this, the healthier our children will be.”
Darlington understands the importance of educating our students about this at a young age. We take pride in educating our students in the Early Learning Academy - 8th grade on preventing and stopping cyberbullying. We've learned that the importance of cyberbulling prevention is not only how to recognize and stop it but also how to not become a bully! Some students simply do not understand the impact of their words or actions, so as a school we must teach them empathy. If students have the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, the will be less likely to bully others in person or with a digital device.
How to Prevent Cyberbullying for Students:
Protect your passwords. Do not share your password even with your best friend. Someone who is your friend today may not be your friend tomorrow. It's best to only share passwords with parents or guardians. Also, don't leave passwords in view. Writing them down on a sticky note or even having a sticky note on the desktop of your computer can be very dangerous. Don't give anyone any reason to impersonate you online. If someone knows it, change it now!
“Google” yourself. Regularly search your name in every major search engine (e.g. Google, Bing, Yahoo). If any personal information
or photo comes up which may be used by cyberbullies to target you, take action to have it removed before it becomes a problem. Feel free and unembarrassed to visit Darlington's Information Technology Office if you need help with this.
Don’t be a cyberbully yourself. Treat others how you would want to be treated. By being mean and hateful to others online, you are reinforcing the idea that the behavior is acceptable. If you see someone being bullied never join in, tell someone immediately
Keep photos and posts “PG.” Before posting or sending that image of yourself, consider whether it’s something you would want your parents, grandparents and the rest of the world to see. Bullies can
use your photos as ammunition to make life miserable for you.
Don't fan the fire. If you receive a mean or hateful text, comment or instant message, do not respond. Bullies are often looking for a reaction from you because of their own insecurities. If you respond, it only gives them what they need to continue doing it.
Use your common sense. First of all, following the school's technology policies will always point you in the right direction of how you should be acting. Second, if you have a gut feeling something is wrong, then it probably is. Tell someone immediately if something feels wrong.
How to Prevent and Recognize the Signs of Cyberbullying for Parents or Guardians:
Educate at home. Teach and reinforce positive morals and values about how others should be treated with respect and dignity, especially though digital devices. Teach them that "tone" and "body language" is not present online and messages can be misconstrued.
Understand technology. In this day and age, it's unacceptable to claim you don't know how to use technology. If you struggle with this, take a class or even have your student give you lessons. It's important to have this knowledge so that you can monitor what your child is doing online.
Google and be social. Google your child's name frequently. This will give you an idea of what's out there about him or her. Join Facebook, Twitter and stay up to date on the latest additions to social networks. Google "New Social Networks" or "New Social Networking Apps" to get started.
Don't be afraid to be the parent. It's really ok to take your children's phones or devices to see what they are doing with them. They will still love you in the end! If you suspect something is going on, it's ok to ask. Darlington's Information Technology Office will be glad to help anytime if you feel something is going on, but cannot pinpoint the problem.
Recognize the signs. If you notice that your child no longer uses his or her devices, doesn't want to hang out with friends, or wants to stay in his or her room for long periods, this could be a sign of digital distress or cyberbulling. The child could also appear to be angry, depressed, or frustrated after using the computer or avoid discussions about what he or she is doing on the computer or device.
By continuing to educate our students at home, in the dorms, and at school, we can create a happy and successful digital environment for our students.
